Contact:
| Cesia Kearns, Sierra Club National Coal Campaign Organizer | Office: 612-659-9124 x310 |
| Mobile: 612-310-2649 | |
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Doubts and Delays on Big Stone II
Public Utilities Commission Puts off the Fate of Another Dirty Coal Plant
St. Paul, MN — Following Tuesday's PUC meeting where over 100 members of the public rallied against Big Stone II, the commission decided today to delay their decision on the enormous coal-fired power plant. This delay is a clear indication of the important implications of this project for Minnesota's health, environment, and financial security.
"Governor Pawlenty has yet to make a statement against Big Stone II, and this is a shining opportunity for him to show Minnesotans he is serious about delivering global warming solutions," said Cesia Kearns, Organizer with Sierra Club's National Coal Campaign. "Governor Pawlenty worked with the Minnesota legislature in a bipartisan effort to reduce mercury from coal plants, enact one of the nation's strongest renewable electricity standards, and prioritize energy efficiency. We're hoping he continues on this path to a clean energy future, which rests with decisions like stopping Big Stone II."
This delay is consistent with a nationwide trend of coal plants being denied and delayed due to financial risks, and public concern around the health impacts of polluting coal. Major financial firms like J. P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley have expressed doubt in the financial viability of coal plants and the increased value in investing in long term solutions that reduce our energy consumption and overdependence on fossil fuels.
"Instead of gambling with an energy source we know is bad for our health, we should implement efficient and clean energy technologies that are available now," stated Kearns.
An important item in the Administrative Law Judge's May 9 recommendation to the PUC against Big Stone II was reference to public concern around the financial and environmental consequences of global warming.
"We hope that the Public Utilities Commission uses this time to get a clear picture of what is happening with climate change, and how important it is that we do not build this coal plant," commented Christopher Childs, Conservation Chair of the Sierra Club North Star Chapter.