Coal Meeting Planned Wednesday, WE Energies Officials To Appear

OAK CREEK, WI — The Clean Power Coalition is hosting a public listening session for Southeast Wisconsin residents to express their concerns about the Oak Creek coal plants to the utilities that own them.

On March 5, residents in Oak Creek reported that winds blew dust from a coal storage pile at the Oak Creek plant into neighborhoods north of the plant. The Clean Power Coalition reported that results confirmed the black dust found covering homes, cars, and yards in several Oak Creek neighborhoods was coal dust.

Residents reported additional dustings between March 25 and March 28 after WE Energies claimed to have taken additional steps to contain the dust, though WE Energies has stated publicly that the dust found on subsequent dates was likely dust from the original reporting date. In a statement to Patch.com, WE Energies officials said air monitoring devices did not pick up any airborne coal dust particles on subsequent dates.

For Wednesday night's meeting, organizers say that WE Energies has agreed to send representatives. Madison Gas & Electric (MGE) and WPPI Energy, which co-own the newer of the two plants, have not responded to the Clean Power Coalition’s invitation.

How to Go:

What: Public Listening Session with Utility Executives, hosted by the Clean Power Coalition of Southeast Wisconsin. Residents have the opportunity to share their concerns, complaints, stories, and suggestions.
When: Wednesday, April 4, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Oak Creek Library Multi-Purpose Room, 8040 S 6th St, Oak Creek, WI 53154
Who: Coal plant neighbors, affected residents, concerned parents, clean energy and climate advocates.

Organizers say that WE Energies will be sending the following representatives: Tom Metcalfe -- EVP, WEC Energy Group, WI Utilities, Pat Stiff -- VP, Coal Generation and Biomass, Bruce Ramme – VP, Environmental, Barry McNulty – Director, Corporate Communications and Tanya Holler Muench – Manager, Customer Communications and Shareholder Outreach.

Oak Creek Patch.com Image