DEQ issues permit for Rogers City coal plant

The state Dept. of Environmental Quality announced today that it has approved an air permit for a 600-megawatt coal fired power plant planned by the Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative in Rogers City.

Last year the state denied a permit for the project because the company had not demonstrated a need for the facility. Wolverine challenged that decision and in January the Missaukee County court ruled that lack of need was not a sufficient basis for denying a permit.

The state reconsidered Wolverine’s application and held a public hearing on new federal regulations including how the plant would use “Best Available Control Technology” to limit its greenhouse gas emissions. According to state regulators the plant has the potential to emit 6,050,090 tons of carbon dioxide a year.

Wolverine’s permit specified that the company will get five percent of the plant’s power from biomass. The facility will burn 255,000 tons of freshly cut Northern Michigan trees each year.

Environmental groups say that today’s decision will result in higher utility costs and will hurt public health.

“This decision not only showcases the shortcomings of our permitting process and poor understanding of ‘air-quality,’ but also the Snyder Administration’s ignorance on Michigan’s energy issues and job creation,” said Ric Evans, a candidate for director on the Great Lakes Energy Co-op board, which is a member of the Wolverine cooperative. “There is considerably more job growth potential in energy efficiency, weatherization and clean energy technologies than any antiquated coal plant could ever produce, and for a fraction of the cost. While this decision is not all that surprising, it is still incredibly unfortunate for the people of Michigan, and especially for the folks downwind of this plant – and ultimately, we are ALL downwind of this plant.”