CLEAN ENERGY NOW

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Leigh Fifelski

Thursday, Dec. 17, 2009 (248) 321.4579

Mich. Senate passes bill to gut coal regulations and raise utility rates

House should reject Senate's dangerous giveaway to dirty coal companies, environmental leaders say

LANSING - The Michigan Senate passed a bill today that would force the state to ignore critical environmental and economic factors when evaluating Clean Air Act permits, a move that is being roundly panned by leading environmental groups throughout Michigan.

As our lawmakers decide how to vote on clean energy legislation, they face pressure from the special interest lobbies of dirty coal and big oil to maintain the status quo. During these times, congressional staffers report what the public is saying--both what they hear directly, and what is said through local newspapers.

That is why we are calling on you - a clean energy and climate policy supporter - to write your local newspaper to urge passage of the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act that is currently in the Senate.

Ask Senator Stabenow and Senator Levin to make sure the Great Lakes are protected from Asian carp!

At the urging of Governor Jennifer Granholm and Lt. Gov. John Cherry, the state intends to file suit to close the shipping locks between Michigan and Illinois, a critical step in the fight to stop the Asian carp invasion.

Now we need to make sure we have a broad coalition of support for closing the locks and protecting the Great Lakes.

Taking every legal action to protect the Great Lakes from the invasive Asian carp species is vital to protecting Michigan's greatest treasure and one of our greatest economic assets.

Sign the petition and help move Michigan beyond coal and into the future

It's time David Joos and Consumers Energy got the message: we need to move beyond coal and into a clean energy future. Add your name to the growing list of Michigan ratepayers who refuse to put billions of hard-earned dollars into a risky investment.

Ratepayers like us deserve the best our money can buy: aggressive energy efficiency initiatives, investment in clean energy technology like wind and solar, and a commitment to move beyond coal into a clean energy future.

 
Pending Michigan bills would help stop needless exposures

 
(October 8, 2009 –– Lansing)  The first national study of the toxic chemical “body burden” in health professionals found an array of hazardous chemicals in twenty doctors and nurses across the country, including state Representative Jimmy Womack, MD and the founder of MSU’s Department of Pediatrics, Dr. William Weil.

Since 2002, we have known that one million gallons of untreated waste leak daily from failing septic systems in Kent County. Our community has spoken out loud and clear against this pollution. Now, we are delighted to announce that County Commissioners Brandon Dillon and Sandi Parrish have recently committed to moving forward this year to solve this threat to our water and our health.

Take a moment to thank Commissioners Dillon and Parrish for their leadership.They need to know they have your strong support in moving forward.

Here's where you'll find great information on our campaigns in Michigan, working to defend the Great Lakes and bring greater health and prosperity to Michigan!

Throughout the following pages you'll find out what's happening in Michigan lately, but to tune into what's happening RIGHT NOW ~ follow us on Twitter and get involved via Facebook!

This is where you can follow ACTION ALERTS and other important decisions in real time. Be the first to find out about events impacting the Great Lakes State!

Stay informed, Take Action,  & Tell-a-Friend ~ Together we are strong!  

Clean energy jobs are essential to Michigan's future.
Tell Sen. Levin and Sen. Stabenow to help pass climate change legislation now

You can't delay progress

We're moving Michigan forward every day, bearing down on our goal: a clean energy future for Michigan, 54,000 clean energy jobs for hard-working Michigan families, and a giant leap forward for the entire nation.

Prominent conservative Republicans are jumping on board. Already Sen. Lindsey Graham and Sen. Lisa Murkowski have said they're ready to be flexible and consider the clean energy jobs legislation, but their far-right counterparts are trying to stall our progress and delay a vote.

Your commitment to contacting Sen. Levin and Sen. Stabenow and bringing your friends and family on board is paying off. We're marching down the field toward our goal, and nothing - not even the Republicans latest attempt to delay - is going to stop us.

Take action today!

Won't you join us in sending an e-mail a week to Senators Stabenow and Levin to keep the pressure on until they pass the energy bills?

Victory: Governor's leadership triggers huge win in the fight to stop the Michigan coal rush!

Governor Granholm started Michigan on the course toward a clean energy future in February when she announced a requirement that prior to building new coal plants there must be a proven need for the new power as well as a study of other potential sources of energy. Please take a minute to thank Governor Granholm for requiring utilities to prove the need for new power and to review alternatives to coal plants.

Beach Closing Days Nationwide Top 20,000 for Fourth Consecutive Year

Michigan Ranked 17th in the Nation for Beachwater Quality,and Analysis Reveals Climate Change to Make Pollution Worse

Lansing, MI – The water at American beaches was seriously polluted and jeopardized the health of swimmers last year with the number of closing and advisory days at ocean, bay and Great Lakes beaches reaching more than 20,000 for the fourth consecutive year, according to the 19th annual beachwater quality report released today by Clean Water Action and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).

“When families head to the beach this summer, they shouldn’t have to worry about swimming in human and animal waste that can make them sick,” said Christy McGillivray, Michigan Campaigns Director for Clean Water Action.