LANSING – State Representative Andy Neumann (D-Alpena) today blasted a report by the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) that says no new coal-power plants – including a proposed Wolverine Power Cooperative facility in Presque Isle County, which would create nearly 2,000 jobs – are needed in Michigan for the next 13 years.
"Our hard-working men and women deserve the good-paying jobs that a new power plant would bring to our state," Neumann said. "Michigan already has many power plants that aren't nearly as clean or efficient as the facility Wolverine Power was proposing. MPSC's report is completely counterproductive to what we need to do to begin turning our economy around."
The MPSC reported on Sept. 8 that electricity demand over the long term doesn't justify any new plants in the state until Consumers Energy retires some of its current coal plants. The Commission also reported that other alternatives, such as renewable power sources, should be considered before coal.
Wolverine Power had plans to build a 600-megawatt coal plant near Rogers City. The company said it would need about 1,800 workers for construction, and 100 employees would be hired to operate the plant.
"Denying a major job provider like Wolverine will hurt our residents and our state," Neumann said. "Our workers are the best of the best, and any company would be lucky to do business in Northern Michigan. When we have opportunities like this in Michigan, we have to grab them before we lose these jobs to workers in other states and even other countries."