Coal plant neighbors and other members of the Clean Power Coalition of Southeast Wisconsin are bringing in the season with a different kind of caroling this year.
They plan to deliver a list of 1,713 petition signatures to the WE Energies’ Milwaukee headquarters. The petitions outline the neighbors long-standing issues around the WE Energies Oak Creek coal-fired power plant.
Over the years, the utility’s position on the presence of coal dust inside and outside neighbors’ homes has been a bone of contention for more than 10 years. The utility has power washed homes and cars, done coal testing inside and outside homes, and gone as far as buying homes around the plant to create a buffer zone around the plant. But not curbed production of coal around the plant.
We Energies neighbors continue lodging complaints, utility officials promise change
The neighbors are urging the power plant to switch to renewable energy, thereby making for cleaner, more efficient energy as well as preventing the coal dust and ash that has been endangering people’s health.
Earlier this year on March 5, winds blew dust from a coal storage pile at the Oak Creek plant into neighborhoods, covering homes, cars, and yards. Coal dust can adversely affected peoples’ health, causing aggravation of asthma, respiratory symptoms and concerns around other health issues.
The group to deliver the petition will be singing classic holiday carols like “Coal Dust Kills” sung to the tune of “Jingle Bells” and “Dusty the Coal Man” sung to the tune of “Frosty the Snowman.” In addition to the caroling, the group will host speakers addressing topics such as what it is like to live near a coal plant; the dangers of coal to our health; and the need to and feasibility of a transition to renewables. This event will take place on Tuesday, December 18, 2018, from 11:30 – 12:30.
Find out more about what’s in the air around the WE Energies Oak Creek power plant here.