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Clean Energy Future

Whether for transportation or plasma TVs or street lights, we are all connected by our energy choices.  We're also connected by the impact of our choices on our children's health and the health of the planet.  Working for a new clean energy future and fighting global warming through sound energy policies are top priorities for Sierra Club in Michigan and across the nation.

In 2009 decisions about the future of Michigan's energy options will be made in the State Capitol and around the state.  At least eight new or expanded coal-fired power plants are under consideration, with 3 air permits out for public comment, competing directly with renewable energy sources like wind and solar.  Proposals to use everything from trash to trees to coal for fuel and electric generation are on the docket.   Nuclear power is also in this mix of considerations -- with Fermi III also under discussion, and in the U.P. several companies are prospecting for uranium.  The Legislature and the Governor are at the heart of these debates, and your involvement is needed to get our state to a sound clean energy future.

• Two proposed coal plants (Consumers Energy and Wolverine Power Cooperative) "needs assessment" and  "Feasible and Prudent Alternatives" analysis are under way.  Help Michigan make the right choice, and comment on these permits.
• Learn more about the Michigan Chapter's position on nuclear power here (pdf 38 KB).
• Read about our Stop Coal Fired Power Plants campaign, plus our Clean Energy and Global Warming, and Cool Cities campaigns here.
  

Please join us in the effort to build a clean energy future for Michigan.

Campaigns

Stop the Michigan Coal Rush
ACT NOW: Michigan needs Clean Energy, Not Dirty Coal - YOUR Comments Needed! Consumers Energy and Wolverine out for Public Comment NOW!... NMU drops coal from the mix for its proposed Ripley Heating Plant cogeneration unit! ... LS Power announced May 1st that they are suspending plans to build the MidMichigan Energy coal-fired power plant in Midland! Read more about these major victories in the fight to move Michigan toward a clean, renewable energy future!

Cool Cities Initiative
The Cool Cites campaign is a grassroots campaign designed to help citizens encourage their mayors to sign on to the U.S. Mayors climate protection agreement.

Clean, Renewable Energy
Michigan is currently at a crossroads to secure our economic and energy future. Bold, immediate leadership is required to bring new industries to Michigan—including clean, alternative energy sources like advanced batteries, wind and solar power—before other states position themselves as leaders and draw investment in these emerging industries. By acting now, we can make Michigan a leader and make clean energy the profitable kind of energy.