Miranda Ehrlich, 612-998-2758, miranda.ehrlich@sierraclub.org
Vanessa Ramos, 512-586-1853, vanessa.ramos@sierraclub.org
Oak Creek, WI – Yesterday, over 150 people attending the hearing expressed opposition against several provisions of We Energies’ water discharge draft permit, including a proposed mercury variance that would allow We Energies to discharge mercury into Lake Michigan at up to three times the safe standard. The permit as written would also allow We Energies to continue a dirty, outdated process for treating coal ash until 2023, the latest possible date under federal EPA rules. 100 percent of the spoken comments were in opposition to the permit as written.
“My whole family lives next to the coal plant. The lake has always been our friend. We fish, we play; we do everything there. Recently, I heard about this permit. I thought it was a joke. And then I was appalled when I heard they were actually going to put three times the legal amount of mercury into the lake. It’s a brain poison!” exclaimed Frank Michna, a neighbor of the plants and a long-time fisherman. “I’m sick and tired of We Energies. We need to get rid of coal. Renewables are the only way.”
Sister Janet Weyker, another neighbor of the plant, agreed. “The DNR, along with the EPA, should be upholding and strengthening safe standards rather than weakening them. If the water permit is granted as it is written now, it would be telling us that the DNR cares more about the economic well-being of the dirty energy companies than about the health of people living around the Oak Creek plant and those who drink the water and eat the fish from Lake Michigan.”
Local community leaders spoke strongly in favor of clean, renewable energy. “We Energies seems to think we live in 1919. The rest of us are in 2019. Portugal already meets over half of its energy needs from renewables, stated, Steven Shea, Milwaukee County Supervisor. Denmark plans to have 100% renewable energy sources by 2030. In December, Germany closed its last coal mine. Where is We Energies’ plan and timeline to move to 100% renewables?”
State Senator Chris Larson also spoke in favor of renewable energy, saying, “Wisconsin has an internationally recognized, proud heritage of conservation. It is part of who we are to preserve clean air, clean water, and clean land for the next generation. While We Energies and the partners involved in this power plant are moving in the right direction, delaying this process should be unacceptable. The longer they delay in moving to a renewable model, the longer neighbors have to put up with unsafe levels of mercury and the mounting problems of coal ash. Wisconsin can do better.”
Rick Banks, Political Director for Black Leaders Organizing Communities (BLOC) and a member of the Milwaukee Water Council, added, “Water pollution and coal disproportionately impact people of color, so that’s why I believe it is very important for us to be here to stand in solidarity today and say out loud that we don’t want any more coal. We don’t want any more mercury or lead in our water.”
Faith leaders also called on We Energies to clean up their act. Reverend Jonathan Barker, the pastor at Grace Lutheran in Kenosha, proclaimed, "In the 8th century B.C.E. the prophet Amos denounced those willing to do anything to squeeze out a little more profit (Amos 8:4-6). I am sure if Amos were here today with us he'd prophesy against We Energies poisoning our water with mercury to make their bottom line a little better."
Linda Flashinski, a resident of Racine, had a plea for the DNR representatives making the decision. “If you and your children and your grandchildren lived in this area, if you and they breathed our air and drank our water, how would you decide?” Flashinski asked. “We deserve to have clean water, clean air, and clean soil. Allowing more effluent at this time is unfair and unjust to the people of this area, our children, and future generations.”
The Clean Power Coalition is urging citizens to express their concerns by writing to the DNR’s permit drafter: Jason Knutson, Wastewater Section Chief, Department of Natural Resources, 101 S. Webster St. PO Box 7921, Madison, WI, 53707, Jason.Knutson@wisconsin.gov. All comments or suggestions received from members of the public no later than February 18 will be used, along with other information on file and testimony presented at the hearing, in making a final determination.
Background: Please see the press release issued by the CPC on January 31st.
About the Clean Power Coalition
The Clean Power Coalition-Southeast Wisconsin will educate the public about the dangers of burning coal on the health of those who live and work in the vicinity of We Energies’ South Oak Creek and Elm Road Power Plants. How we choose to generate electricity has consequences that reach far beyond the return on shareholder investment, affecting everything from public health to a stable climate. When air, water, and soil are polluted, health and life are put at risk. The Clean Power Coalition will promote public debate about the appropriate source of energy for Southeastern Wisconsin. At the same time, the coalition urges We Energies to: 1.) immediately contain the coal dust and other health hazards emanating from the Oak Creek plants, 2.) phase out its use of coal, and 3.) promote rather than obstruct the adoption of renewable energy throughout its service territory.
Clean Power Coalition convening member organizations: Eco Justice Center / Greening Greater Racine / Moms Clean Air Force / NAACP State of Wisconsin Environmental Committee / Our Wisconsin Revolution / Racine Dominicans / Racine Green Party / Sierra Club, Beyond Coal Campaign / Sierra Club, John Muir Chapter / Sierra Club, Southeast Gateway Group / UW Whitewater Students Allied for a Green Earth (SAGE) / Wisconsin Interfaith Power and Light / 350 Milwaukee. Supporting member organizations: Citizens Acting for Rail Safety / Gaia Coalition / NextGen America / Racine Coalition for Peace and Justice / Racine Interfaith Coalition / Interfaith Earth Network / School Sisters of Notre Dame / Wisconsin Green Muslims / Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters.
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.