SHEBOYGAN, Wis. — In late May, Alliant Energy announced plans to convert the Edgewater Generating Station from coal to natural gas in 2028, following regulatory approval. The term "natural gas" is frequently interchanged with "methane gas."
Geralyn Leannah has lived in Sheboygan for three decades. She is part of a group who wants to see the course changed on plans to operate a local power plant using natural gas.
“I would love for them to shut this coal plant down and convert to solar or alternative energies,” Leannah said. “They have a solar field out here. We could install solar panels over all the parking lots or on the buildings in town. We have to get off of fossil fuels.”
Leannah said that doesn’t go far enough to helping improve air quality and, subsequently, the health of Wisconsin residents.
“I have a new baby granddaughter, and I want to be able to ride bikes with her and fly kites with her and just enjoy the magnificent lakefront without having an asthma attack,” she said.
“We remain committed to advancing our clean energy transition. We are on course to be out of coal in Wisconsin ahead of our 2040 goal and maintain our commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The execution of our resource plan has resulted in significant reductions in all regulated air pollutants, including oxides of nitrogen and fine particulate matter," Alliant Energy said in an emailed statement Tuesday.
At one point, plant retirement was planned for 2025.
Jayne Black, the Wisconsin field organizer for Moms Clean Air Force, is among those calling for a different option in Sheboygan.
“I truly believe that there is time to make a better decision,” she said. “I want this to be a clean energy plant.”
Opponents contend natural gas byproducts can cause respiratory issues ranging from coughing to asthma attacks. They also contend gas accelerates climate change.
Black has two children with health issues that she said are exacerbated by poor air quality.
“I have a son who has asthma. It’s provoked by the environment. It’s provoked by air pollution. He has used his inhaler more recently in the last couple of years than he ever has,” she said. “Do you know what it’s like to have a child who cannot breathe? We have to fight for clean air here. I want that for everyone.”
Leannah said working for the change is no small task.
“It’s daunting, but our health is at stake here,” she said.