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Residents Weigh In On Coal Plant At PSC Hearing
Plant Could Cost $1.3 Billion
UPDATED: 4:58 pm CDT October 1,
2008
PORTAGE, Wis. -- The Wisconsin Public Service Commission on Tuesday heard testimony from the public about Alliant Energy's proposal to build a new coal-fired power plant in Cassville or Portage.
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TALKBACK: What Do You Think?For more than four hours, more than 100 people stepped up to the microphone either to support or oppose the $1.3 billion plant designed to provide power to nearly 300,000 southwest Wisconsin residents."There is no such thing as clean coal, and we have enough dirty coal in Wisconsin already," said Madison resident Laurie Maloney. "It's time that this state, this country and the world stop producing all this pollution and global warming."Dozens of people who traveled on buses chartered by the environmental group Clean Wisconsin shared a similar view. But others argued the plant, if sited in Cassville, will be cleaner because it will burn 20 percent biomass, a term for materials like switch grass and corn stover."This is one of our energy futures," said Brett Hulsey, president of Better Environmental Solutions.Hulsey, who has consulted for Alliant Energy on the project, said apart from his role as a consultant, he supports the project personally because it is a step in the right direction."We have enough biomass like this in Wisconsin to displace half of our coal usage, which could create more jobs for farmers and reduce air pollution," Hulsey said.Should the PSC elect to allow Alliant to build in Columbia County near Portage, the plant will not burn any biomass."If the PSC allows Columbia County to be the site, it will be 100 percent coal-burning. Why can Cassville (burn biomass) and Portage can't?" asked Pardeeville resident Jeanie Jahn.Some argued the plant was simply necessary and good for the economy."This plant would help us stabilize the cost of energy, helping us attract new business and expansion of our existing industries," said Dan Brunt, a Columbia County resident.The majority of the people who spoke in support of the plant would like to see it built in Cassville.The PSC must make its decision by mid-December, but it could rule as early as November.
VIDEO: Watch The Report | TALKBACK: What Do You Think?For more than four hours, more than 100 people stepped up to the microphone either to support or oppose the $1.3 billion plant designed to provide power to nearly 300,000 southwest Wisconsin residents."There is no such thing as clean coal, and we have enough dirty coal in Wisconsin already," said Madison resident Laurie Maloney. "It's time that this state, this country and the world stop producing all this pollution and global warming."Dozens of people who traveled on buses chartered by the environmental group Clean Wisconsin shared a similar view. But others argued the plant, if sited in Cassville, will be cleaner because it will burn 20 percent biomass, a term for materials like switch grass and corn stover."This is one of our energy futures," said Brett Hulsey, president of Better Environmental Solutions.Hulsey, who has consulted for Alliant Energy on the project, said apart from his role as a consultant, he supports the project personally because it is a step in the right direction."We have enough biomass like this in Wisconsin to displace half of our coal usage, which could create more jobs for farmers and reduce air pollution," Hulsey said.Should the PSC elect to allow Alliant to build in Columbia County near Portage, the plant will not burn any biomass."If the PSC allows Columbia County to be the site, it will be 100 percent coal-burning. Why can Cassville (burn biomass) and Portage can't?" asked Pardeeville resident Jeanie Jahn.Some argued the plant was simply necessary and good for the economy."This plant would help us stabilize the cost of energy, helping us attract new business and expansion of our existing industries," said Dan Brunt, a Columbia County resident.The majority of the people who spoke in support of the plant would like to see it built in Cassville.The PSC must make its decision by mid-December, but it could rule as early as November.
Previous Stories:
- August 2, 2008: Doyle Says State Should Stop Using Coal For Power Plants
- June 16, 2008: Cost For Proposed Coal Plant Up 50 Percent From Initial Estimate
- June 12, 2008: Utility Proposes Green Efforts If New Plant Is Approved
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