Public Service Commission Approves Settlement Between Environmental Groups and Utility
gengberg December 7th, 2009
Clean WisconsinYour environmental voice since 1970.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 3rd, 2009
Contact: Katie Nekola, Energy Program Director, 608.251.7020 ext. 14, 608.212.8751 (cell)
Public Service Commission Approves Settlement between Environmental Groups and Utility
Decision will Fund Lake Michigan Restoration and Protection Projects
Madison, Wis. - In a decision that will help restore and protect the health of Lake Michigan, The Public Service Commission today voted to approve the terms of a settlement agreement that ended litigation between We Energies and environmental groups regarding the use of a once-through cooling system at the Elm Road Generating Station.
“Today the PSC approved a settlement agreement that begins a 24-year, $96 million dollar initiative for Lake Michigan projects,” said Katie Nekola, Energy Program Director at Clean Wisconsin, the state’s largest environmental advocacy organization. “We’re very happy that litigation ended in such a way that will benefit all of the people who enjoy one of the world’s most magnificent natural resources.”
The funding will be used to address priority problems such as invasive species, polluted runoff, sewage overflows, and other issues that negatively affect the health of Lake Michigan.
“The Public Service Commission deserves praise for approving this agreement that will create an important environmental legacy in our state,” said Nekola.
Planning for Lake Michigan Restoration efforts funded by today’s decision will begin immediately.
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Clean Wisconsin, an environmental advocacy organization, protects Wisconsin’s clean water and air and advocates for clean energy by being an effective voice in the state legislature and by holding elected officials and polluters accountable. Founded in 1970 as Wisconsin’s Environmental Decade, Clean Wisconsin exposes corporate polluters, makes sure existing environmental laws are enforced, and educates citizens and businesses. On behalf of its 10,000 members and its coalition partners, Clean Wisconsin protects the special places that make Wisconsin such a wonderful place to live, work and play. Phone: 608-251-7020, Fax: 608-251-1655, Email: information@cleanwisconsin.org, Website: www.cleanwisconsin.org.
