Megan Wittman, megan.wittman@sierraclub.org
OAK CREEK, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) held a virtual public hearing on We Energies’ $2 billion methane gas plant in Oak Creek and its Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) facility.
In response to massive public outcry, We Energies proposed a special electric rate aimed at data centers like the Microsoft center in Mount Pleasant, which is currently under construction, and the proposed facility in Port Washington. But the proposed Oak Creek gas plant and LNG facility still poses significant threats for communal health and the environment.
“I’m a We Energies customer, and like so many others, my utility bill has jumped up year after year. To save face, WE now proposed a new electric rate for data centers so they cover their own energy costs. But these new fossil fuel facilities will still burden our community with pollution for years to come. More children will grow up with asthma, more people will have heart attacks caused by this air pollution. Will Microsoft cover our medical bills and funeral costs?
“We know how We Energies operates– they’re the most profitable utility in the state. If history serves, they will find another way to price gouge us. If it’s not Oak Creek or the LNG facility, they’ll find something else. We shouldn’t have to choke on We Energies' combustion while their executives and investors pad their pockets,” said Yvonne Besyk, We Energies customer.
“You know, we keep showing up for hearings opposing We Energies plans, sometimes waiting hours to speak or, like this week, attending multiple hearings in a week. But it seems the PSC and DNR just approve whatever We Energies puts in front of them regardless. We’re calling on the PSC and DNR to do their job and prioritize real people’s concerns with these projects,” Besyk continued.
Earlier this year, Sierra Club filed testimony against We Energies’ proposal to construct an LNG storage facility in Oak Creek. In the first year alone, the facility would cost $64.3 million to construct and operate.
The DNR hearing follows the Wisconsin Public Service Commission’s public hearing on the plant, where hundreds of residents turned out in opposition, citing concerns of air pollution and higher utility bills. Air pollution from fossil fuel combustion is one of the leading risk factors of premature mortality and can negatively affect almost every organ system, including the kidneys, lungs, heart, and brain. The gas that would be burned at these plants is also a major source of global-warming greenhouse gasses that accelerate climate change.
Public comments are open until April 11.
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.