Lima Township Residents Start Effort to Counter Potential Power Plant

Billing itself as “Neighbors United Against Noxious Consumers Energy,” a Change.Org page has been created for those who are concerned about any plans for a power plant in Lima Township.

The page states the issue is:

“Neighbors United Against Noxious Consumer Energy!  We need to stop Consumers Energy plan to build a gas-fired power plant in Lima Township or the neighboring areas. This project poses a significant threat to our community’s air quality, potentially releasing harmful particulant emissions that exacerbate respiratory conditions!” 

“Join us in insisting that Consumers Energy withdraw their plans for a gas-fired power plant in our region. Sign this petition to protect our community’s health.”

This comes after a meeting was hosted earlier this month at Lima Township Hall that had representatives from Consumers Energy on hand to address Consumers option to purchase 120 acres of land off of S. Lima Center Road.  The worry for some residents is that Consumers will build a natural gas-burning 1.4-gigawatt plant on that land.

At that meeting, which was a full house, residents expressed concerns and worries such as what negative impact might the plant have on them and the environment and whether or not the plant will be connected to the data center being constructed in Saline Township.

In follow up to the meeting, Consumers Energy told the Sun Times News:

“We announced in March that our next Integrated Resource Plan will add natural gas plants at the Karn Generating Facility in Bay County and Thetford Township in Genesee County. That will continue to be part of the plan that we file later this year. We’re continuing to evaluate other options to meet future energy needs that are consistent with our planning process and long-term goals. At this time, our plans do not include a plant sited in Lima Township, but will continue to communicate with the public if anything changes. Any future plans that include a plant sited in Lima Township will require a lengthy approval process with local and state agencies. As with any 20-year strategy, maintaining options is crucial, and it allows us to be flexible as conditions, policy and needs change. We’ve been in contact with the Lima Township supervisor previously and want to be sure we’re open and transparent with the community. We will follow up with more information to ensure we’re meeting their need for good communication.”

Photo: Here’s a look at the Change.Org page. Photo is a screenshot