Residents, Environmental Groups Concerned about Proposed BWL Plant – East Lansing Info

Residents and Environmental Groups Concerned about Proposed BWL Plant

Plans from the Lansing Board of Water and Light (BWL) to build a new gas-powered reciprocating internal combustion engine (RICE) plant in western Lansing are drawing concern from residents and local environmental groups.

Background

BWL plans to build the plant near its decommissioned Erickson Power Station, on South Canal Road in Lansing. The site used to host a coal-fired boiler, which was shut down in 2022.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• Goal 13: Climate Action

Supporting Clean Energy Projects

The RICE plant will support other energy projects BWL is taking on, such as a planned large battery storage project, solar energy expansions, and more wind energy.

“They are designed to turn on and off quickly producing energy on the spot to support renewable energy production that may ebb and flow when cloud cover occurs, or we experience a drop in wind,” BWL Public Relations Specialist Emma McGlocklin wrote in response to emailed questions from ELi. “They cycle for short periods of time are necessary to ensure grid stability and support the energy provided from intermittent resources like wind and solar.”

Concerns Raised by Residents and Environmental Groups

Residents and environmental groups have spoken out against the RICE facility and wondered if BWL considered alternative, cleaner sources to increase energy production.

Currently, BWL is seeking an air permit from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) for the project. EGLE is accepting public comment on the project until Wednesday, May 14. Information on submitting public comments can be found here.

Health and Environmental Impacts

Capital Area Friends of the Environment Founder Heather Douglas expressed concerns about the hundreds of thousands of tons of emissions the plant is projected to give off each year. She also raised concerns about the potential negative health impacts on nearby residents with pre-existing conditions like asthma or cardiovascular issues.

Environmental Justice

Douglas highlighted the lack of an “environmental justice” policy in Michigan and its potential impact on communities facing health disparities near the project.

Public Opposition

During a public hearing on the project, Andrew Sarpolis from Sierra Club asked that EGLE deny BWL a permit based on public health and climate change concerns. East Lansing resident Nichole Biber also expressed opposition to the project, emphasizing the need for cleaner energy sources and a shift away from fossil fuel-based solutions.

Michigan’s Clean Energy Goals

BWL claims to be aligned with the state’s targets and is “on track” to meet the goal of utilities producing 50% of energy through renewable sources by 2030. Currently, about 27% of BWL’s total electric capacity comes from renewable sources.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 15: Life on Land

The article discusses the concerns raised by residents and environmental groups regarding the construction of a new gas-powered plant. These concerns are related to the environmental impact, health effects, and the transition to cleaner energy sources, which align with the aforementioned SDGs.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

• SDG 7.2: Increase the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
• SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities.
• SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
• SDG 15.5: Take urgent and significant action to reduce degradation of natural habitats.

The concerns raised in the article highlight the need to increase the share of renewable energy, reduce environmental impact, integrate climate change measures, and prevent degradation of natural habitats.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

Yes, there are indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:

• Percentage of energy produced from renewable sources (SDG 7.2)
• Adverse per capita environmental impact of cities (SDG 11.6)
• Inclusion of climate change measures in policies, strategies, and planning (SDG 13.2)
• Reduction in degradation of natural habitats (SDG 15.5)

The article discusses the current percentage of energy produced from renewable sources by BWL (27%) and their goal to reach 50% by 2030. It also highlights concerns about the adverse environmental impact of the proposed plant and the need for climate change measures and protection of natural habitats.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table

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Fuente: eastlansinginfo.news

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