This year, the Public Service Commission is considering proposals submitted by WEC Energy Group, the parent company of We Energies, to build $2 billion worth of new gas infrastructure in southeastern Wisconsin. If approved, these outdated plans would lock us into decades of fossil fuel use and threaten our health, environment, and wallets. Hundreds of communities across the country are rapidly building clean, affordable energy. It’s time to Power Wisconsin Forward – as Wisconsinites, we’re ready to stop investing in the past, and move toward a brighter future.
What’s At Stake for Wisconsin
Methane gas infrastructure threatens our people, planet and pocketbooks
Methane gas infrastructure threatens our people, planet and pocketbooks
NEGATIVELY IMPACTING THE ENVIRONMENT
Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is a potent greenhouse gas. With over 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over a 20-year time horizon, gas burning and methane leaks from extraction, production and transportation significantly contribute to climate change.
HARMING OUR HEALTH
Infusing more money into gas infrastructure will increase negative health outcomes for Wisconsin residents. Burning methane gas leads to increased air pollution, which affects the health of our communities, families, and homes. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that those living in a zip code with a fuel-fired power plant experience 11% higher asthma hospitalization, 15% higher respiratory infection hospitalization, and 17% higher COPD hospitalization rates than those who live in a zip code without a power plant.
HIGHER BILLS FOR FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES
The cost of building these new gas facilities will be passed on to families and businesses, who will bear the financial burden well beyond the expected lifespan of these plants. We Energies customers are still paying for past fossil fuel projects, including the $2.3 billion Oak Creek coal plant completed in 2011.
NEGATIVELY IMPACTING THE ENVIRONMENT
Methane, the primary component of natural gas, is a potent greenhouse gas. With over 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over a 20-year time horizon, gas burning and methane leaks from extraction, production and transportation significantly contribute to climate change.
HARMING OUR HEALTH
Infusing more money into gas infrastructure will increase negative health outcomes for Wisconsin residents. Burning methane gas leads to increased air pollution, which affects the health of our communities, families, and homes. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that those living in a zip code with a fuel-fired power plant experience 11% higher asthma hospitalization, 15% higher respiratory infection hospitalization, and 17% higher COPD hospitalization rates than those who live in a zip code without a power plant.
HIGHER BILLS FOR FAMILIES AND BUSINESSES
The cost of building these new gas facilities will be passed on to families and businesses, who will bear the financial burden well beyond the expected lifespan of these plants. We Energies customers are still paying for past fossil fuel projects, including the $2.3 billion Oak Creek coal plant completed in 2011.
Wisconsin families are already struggling to pay higher energy bills following a recent 18.5% increase in We Energies rates. New gas infrastructure will cost Wisconsinites even more.
