Citizen Petition Challenges Granholm to Lead Fight Against Global Warming
Posted: 3/18/08
Michigan Must Stop More Dangerous Coal Plant Emissions
LANSING – Clean Energy Now, a coalition of leading environmental and watchdog groups today launched an online petition that calls on Gov. Jennifer Granholm to help fight global warming by making carbon dioxide a factor in whether the state approves permits for up to seven proposed dirty coal plants. Citizens can sign the online petition at: www.michigancleanenergynow.com.
“Global warming is the most significant environmental and humanitarian emergency that our planet has ever faced and the Governor’s leadership is critical is at this pivotal moment in our fight,” said David Holtz of Clean Water Action. “The action of the Governor will help prevent the siting of more global warming coal-fired power plants and turn our state in the direction of clean, renewable energy.”
The petition calls on the Governor to issue an executive order to immediately direct the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from coal-fired and other power generating plants as a greenhouse gas pollutant. The petition also asks the Governor to direct the MDEQ to factor these CO2 emissions for all air quality permit decisions for coal plants.
Early in 2007, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius invoked a U.S. Supreme Court ruling in directing the state’s environmental agency to consider the negative impact of global warming CO2 emissions in air quality permit decisions for coal-burning power plants. The action was the first time a Governor had invoked a Supreme Court ruling to crack down on CO2 pollution and comes as 59 other coal plants have been turned down or halted across country.
While other states are turning away from coal-burning, Michigan faces the construction of up to seven coal-fired plants that will unleash dangerous greenhouse gases. Without rapid reduction in CO2 emissions, global warming will continue to seriously harm the Great Lakes by further reducing their already historically low water levels and could spark more demands from thirsty states and nations seeking to take Great Lakes water.
Global warming will also cause more droughts, harm Michigan tourism and agriculture, and cause a spike in the number of over-90-degree days in Detroit and other urban areas.
Michiganders pay the price from coal burning with their health too. According to a 2007 report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, burning coal releases enormous amounts of harmful pollutants and particulate matter into the air and water, with serious health consequences. Power plant pollution is responsible for 38,000 non-fatal heart attacks and 554,000 asthma attacks each year.”
“Midland and six other Michigan communities are on the frontlines of a major national battle over building more outdated coal plants or investing in clean, renewable energy” said Suzette Zelenak of Midland Cares. “We calling on the Governor to help protect Midland and other frontline communities threatened with more dangerous coal.”
“Governor Granholm has shown leadership in promoting renewable energy to fight global warming and create good-paying jobs in Michigan,” Anne Woiwode of the Sierra Club said. “Now, we must do more to stop the building of dirty coal plants, which threaten our air, land, water and quality of life. With the Governor’s help and support, Michigan can be the center of clean renewable energy – not more dirty coal plants.”
Clean Energy Now coalition recently unveiled with lawmakers a ratepayer protection plan that aims to protect consumers from having to absorb the costs of bad, risky investments in more coal. Instead the coalition urges state leaders to turn in the direction of cutting-edge renewable energy and efficiency and bring these rapidly growing industries to Michigan.
To sign the petition, go to www.michigancleanenergynow.com.
Groups circulating petitions include:
4 Towns Citizen Action Group, Adrian Dominican Sisters, Anglers of the AuSable, Center for Environmental Inquiry, Michigan Energy Alternatives, Citizens for Water and Clean Sky, Clean Water Action, Dwight Lydell Chapter – The Izaak Walton League, Earth Matters Alliance, East Michigan Environmental Action Council, Ecology Center, Environment Michigan, Freshwater Future, Global Exchange, Grand Rapids Dominican Sisters, Huron Environmental Activists League, Michigan Interfaith Power and Light, Kalamazoo Environmental Council, League of Conservation Voters, Lone Tree Council, Macomb NOW, Michigan Citizens for Water Conservation, Michigan Environmental Council, Michigan Land Use Institute, Michigan Student Sustainability Coalition, Midland CARES, Progress Michigan, Sierra Club, St. Clair Channel Keeper, Sustainable Research Group, Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council, West Michigan Environmental Council, Thomas J Newhouse Design, WILPF Detroit Branch, Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, Alternate Energy Solutions, AuSable Big Water Preservation Association, and Student Environmental Coalition of Grand Valley
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