Renner Barsella, renner.barsella@sierraclub.org, 217-390-9394
MADISON, WI -- Today, the Wisconsin Public Service Commission held a hearing to get public input on a wind development proposed by Madison Gas & Electric to be built in Iowa. Sierra Club and others urged the Commission to approve the project, and argued that the 66 megawatt wind farm doesn’t go far enough, and that adding larger blocks of wind will further reduce customer bills and provide clean energy that customers want.
In response, Sierra Club Campaign Representative Elizabeth Katt Reinders released the following statement:
“People want clean energy. Just last night dozens of people turned out to the City of Madison’s clean energy meeting to share their vision for how Madison can reach its 100% clean energy goal. Not 30% clean energy. 100%. The Saratoga project is a great first step, but MGE needs a bold plan to move beyond its heavy reliance on coal and invest in a vision that embraces the full potential of renewable energy. Other utilities in the Midwest are already on track to generate twice as much clean energy as MGE merely hopes to get in 2030. Coal power is costing Wisconsites - we're paying with our health and our wallets. Clean energy is an investment in lower bills, cleaner air and water, and jobs in one of America’s fastest growing industries. If MGE doesn’t think bigger than 30% by 2030, they will get left behind and customers will pay the price.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.