Pollution from coal-fired power plants is one of the region’s largest contributor to climate change and is a danger to the health of our communities and environment. Madison Gas & Electric (MGE) is heavily reliant on coal, with 63% of their electricity being generated from it. Despite MGE’s new projects in solar and wind, the company has no intention of getting out of the dirty coal plants they own, nor increase their renewable capacity above 30% by 2030.
One of the plants MGE sources their electricity from is the Elm Road coal plant in Oak Creek, Wisconsin. 19% of MGE’s total electricity comes from this plant, which is co-owned by We Energies, WPPI Energy, and MGE. In addition to the huge amounts of carbon emissions released, coal burning is linked to increased risk of numerous health issues, including asthma, birth defects, and cancer.
The communities of Oak Creek and Caledonia have firsthand experience with the negative impacts of dirty coal burning at the Elm Road plant and its neighboring Oak Creek plant. Residents near the coal plant have had repeat experiences waking up to toxic coal dust covering their cars, houses, and even a nearby playground. The dust blows from giant piles of coal stored outside at the plant. While We Energies has pledged to make changes, including taking their largest coal pile out of commission and installing an air monitor to the north of the plant, coal dust continues to appear in Oak Creek and Caledonia.
The dirty coal dust is more than just an inconvenience - it is toxic and has affected the health of families in Oak Creek and Caledonia. While some families have chosen to move and leave their communities behind for the sake of their health, many people do not have the means to do so, and continue to breathe in pollution from the coal plants every day.
While MGE’s customers do not live near the Elm Road coal plant, they have the ability to hold their utility accountable and demand that they divest from fossil fuel production and instead implement clean, renewable energy sources that are better for our health, environment, and economy.
If you are in the Madison area and want to play an integral role in moving MGE and Wisconsin towards a renewable future, join our Beyond Coal Campaign team. Email Cassie at cassandra.steiner@sierraclub.org if you are interested in joining the team. All residents of Wisconsin can also sign our petition demanding We Energies, MGE, and other Wisconsin utilities move beyond coal here.
Support for clean energy in the state and across the country grows every day, and choosing to make investing in clean energy a top priority will help to ensure a promising future for generations to come.