Headline News


Victory Party and Fund Raiser announced. Come join us to celebrate: two power plants down and none to go!

Friday April 11, 5:30 p.m. (until ?) at R&B Stagecoach Inn, S82-W21175 Janesville Road, Muskego.

04/04/2003 - Citizen Power announces a Victory Party and fund-raiser for Friday April 11 beginning 5:30 p.m. (until at least 9) at R&B Stagecoach Inn, S82-W21175 Janesville Road, Muskego. Stop by and join the celebration, you earned it. We'll be accepting donations and serving up sandwiches and such.

Why are still fund raising? Simple, we need to pay off our outstanding debt. We have approximately $1,000 in outstanding attorney bills and about $1,500 in other bills that needs to be paid off before we put Citizen Power on the shelf (hopefully it won't be needed again!) So come on out and celebrate helping to keep the air around here a little cleaner. Hope to see you there!

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"Shankin' Up Muskego" editorial insert in Wednesday's Waukesha Freeman included misinformation about the defunct power plant proposal and attempted to minimize the Citizen Power's impact in the defeat. Citizen Power voices objections!

04/02/2003 - Dennis Shook's "Shakin' Up Muskego" editorial in today's Muskego editions of the Waukesha Freeman sure shook up the volunteers at Citizen Power and area residents who had taken the time to inform themselves about the proposal. While he complimented our energy and leadership, he dismissed us as a mere 'speed bump' in the process.

It was and is the stance of Citizen Power that there were many reasons why the proposed plant could not be approved. One of the primary reasons is simply that the secondary site was NOT an actual option. El Paso had yet to provide evidence that demonstrated the viability of the secondary site. We were confident that they could not. Citizen Power had clearly indicated to the PSC its intent to pursue that issue. That issue alone would be reason enough for the PSC to deny the application.

Anyway, within 24 hours the Freeman received more than one letter taking exception to the editorial that we feel did a real disservice to the community. If you'd like to see one of the letter we sent just click here.

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BREAKING NEWS -

El Paso Withdraws Application!

Citizen Power 2, Power Plants 0!

03/28/2003 - El Paso has informed the PSC that it wishes to withdraw its application for a CPCN. This move that acknowledges both the market realities and the fact that they faced an uphill battle from community opponents and Citizen Power. More details in coming days.

If you'd like to see the note El Paso sent the PSC click here.

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Muskego Council approves resolution against El Paso proposal!

03/25/2003 - On Tuesday evening, citizens packed city hall and watched as Muskego's Common Council took definitive action against the power plant by passing a resolution in opposition to the proposed power plant. The vote was unanimous. Though the resolution carried no weight of law, it meant the Public Service Commission would over rule local government if it granted the CPCN.

In passing a resolution against construction of the proposed power plant, Muskego joined the ranks of Big Bend and Vernon who had already gone on record against the plant. Now both the hosting community and two communities adjacent to the propose plant are on record as being in opposition.

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From the 'G' files (12/25/2002..01:00am, somewhere around here.) Who's the Santa slayer making the neighborhood rounds?

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Some good news, a bit of Christmas Cheer! The arbitrator in New Berlin vs. Midwest Power rules in favor the City...Midwest Power's conditional use permit has indeed expired.

Thank-you to Mayor Wysocki and those council members and city staff who are working hard to insure that developers meet their commitments to this community (and a bag of coal to those who aren't)!

12/24/2002 - New Berlin's city attorney today informed officials that Judge Michael Barron ruled in favor of the city. This means that Midwest Power's conditional use permit is in fact expired as the city claimed. The ruling reads in part: "For the reasons stated, infra, the arbitrator agrees with the position of New Berlin that the CUP expired on January 23, 2002 due to failure on the part of Midwest Power to secure the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) as so required by the CUP."

This,combined with the PSC closing the docket on Midwest Power's proposal in October, means that the Midwest Power proposal is effectively dead. Midwest Power is back to square one - they don't have the approvals they need from the city and they aren't in line at the PSC. They are back to square one. This is great news and we can now concentrate on shutting down the El Paso proposal.

(There is nothing to prevent Midwest Power from applying again, but after all this community has been through because of their first proposal, it will be an uphill battle. Besides, Citizen Power will be there to meet them at every turn...)

A special thanks and happy holidays to all the donors and volunteers whose unwavering support helped lay the foundations of this victory. Likewise, to those at city hall whose follow-up helps insure developers live up to their commitments to this community. It is a privilege working with you. Savor the holidays.

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Citizen Power, Inc. publishes its letter citing deficiencies in El Paso's application on our web site.

12/22/2002 - We've received numerous inquiries asking for details of why Citizen Power, Inc. is taking issue with the Public Service Commission (PSC) finding El Paso's application complete.

When El Paso reapplied with the PSC on November 20, Citizen Power volunteers and our attorney obtained copies of the application and reviewed it. We looked to see if it resolved problems that we or the PSC previously noted. Our attorney then compiled some of the more serious issues and prepare a letter that was sent to the PSC.

Click here to view the letter we sent the PSC and decide for yourself

In approving El Paso's application, the PSC effectively made our job of trying to stop the proposed power plant a lot more expensive. Which brings me to the part of this job I hate - asking for your financial support. If you think Citizen Power is doing a thorough job then please support the fight against these plants.

PLEASE, send your generous contribution:

Citizen Power, Inc.
P.O. Box 324
Muskego, WI 53150

If you are uncomfortable sending a contribution to a PO Box, any of the folks on the About US page will work with you get your contribution to our treasury (if you don't know our numbers, we're in the phone book.)

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Senator Lazich responds to constituents' concerns and promptly sends letter to the Public Service Commission (PSC). She is requesting they closely review the viability of Site B in El Paso's application!

 12/21/2002 - Senator Lazich quickly responded to constituents' concerns about the PSC finding El Paso application complete. Her office provide a copy of a letter she has already sent to PSC Commissioner Joseph . The letter references statutory requirements for an alternative site and asks that the application be reviewed for completeness in view of Site A and B. (Thank you!)

We scanned our fax copy and it is available for your review. Just click here .

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Send Senator Lazich a note thanking her for her prompt attention to this issue. Let her know it is important to the community to stop this proposal. To send her an email right now just click here and jot her a quick email and send it off. Sen.Lazich@legis.state.wi.us

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Public Service Commission (PSC) finds El Paso's application 'complete'. Community activists are stunned by this action which seems to defy common sense.

12/20/2002 - In a move that would make the Grinch proud, the PSC today pronounced the El Paso application as complete. This action allows the process to proceed to the next steps which will include informational meetings and public hearings

In Citizen Power's analysis of the El Paso's proposal it seems obvious that the alternative site required by the application process IS NOT an alternative site! The alleged alternative site will not fit the proposed equipment! Period. It is only by changing scale and creating an illusion that the plant would fit the alternative site. It also seems to ignore the fact on the alternative site, part of the plant would be underwater... It looks like El Paso is trying to pull the wool over the PSC's eyes - and either they are succeeding or something else is going on.

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Attend the informational meeting on JANUARY 8, 2003 at Williams Supper Club. Two sessions are scheduled either between 2:30-4:30 pm or 6:30-9:00 pm - Send the message loud and clear that the approval of the application is incorrect, we don't want this plant, and it is inappropriate to built this plant in air quality non compliance region

RECOMMENDED ACTION: Write Governor Elect Doyle asking him if the PSC has fulfilled its statutory requirements in approving El Paso's application. Request an investigation into the public service commission actions.

We will be posting additional information and recommendations as available.

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El Paso's wants ship its energy from the proposed Muskego plant out of state! What if anything will be left for the local area or even anywhere in Wisconsin! Not exactly what was represented initial meetings...

12/08/2002 - One of Citizen Power's Researchers just found an Xcel Energy news release dated November 4, 2002. The Minneapolis based Xcel Energy pares list of bidders to supply up to 1,000 megawatts of electricity.

MINNEAPOLIS -Xcel Energy has selected 22 proposals from 18 companies for further consideration in a bidding process for up to 1,000 megawatts of electricity to meet growing demand for power by its 1.4 million electricity customers in the Upper Midwest.

The company on Dec. 6 requested proposals for power deliveries beginning between May 1, 2005, and May 1, 2009. Twenty-seven companies submitted a total of 47 bids. The short list of bidders was filed late Friday with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.

Bidders were encouraged to propose any type of resource or fuel that they believed would enhance Xcel Energy's electricity supply portfolio.

Final selections are expected to be announced by the end of the year, with agreements to be signed during the first quarter of 2003.

Following are the 22 proposals selected for further review, grouped by fuel type:

Natural Gas Combined Cycle
Duke, 640 megawatts, near Minneapolis
El Paso, 252 megawatts, Cordova, Ill.
PG&E NEG, 1,031 megawatts, Pleasant Prairie, Wis.
Rainy River, 175 megawatts, Kendall County, Ill.
Rainy River, 155 megawatts, Superior, Wis.

Natural Gas Combined Cycle/Combustion Turbine
Calpine, 1,058 megawatts, Sherry, Wis., and Chisago County, Minn.
Cinergy, 1,023 megawatts, near Minneapolis

Coal
Great Northern Power, 500 megawatts, Dickinson, N.D.
LS Power, 300 megawatts, Rosemount, Minn.
North American Power Group, 260 megawatts, Campbell County, Wyo.
North American Power Group, 946 megawatts, Campbell County, Wyo.
Otter Tail Power Co., 600 megawatts, Grant County, S.D.

Natural Gas Combustion Turbine
El Paso, 300 megawatts, Muskego, Wis.
Invenergy, 347 megawatts, Goodhue County, Minn.
Reliant, 850 megawatts, Aurora, Ill.
TransCanada, 155 megawatts, Hutchinson, Minn.
TransCanada, 153 megawatts, Marshfield, Wis.
System Sale
MPEX, 115 megawatts, northern Mid-continent Area Power Pool region

Wind
enXco, 500 megawatt nameplate, Chandler, Minn.
FP&L, 100 megawatt nameplate, Mower County, Minn., and Hancock County, Iowa
PacifiCorp, 150 megawatt nameplate, Lincoln, County, Minn.
Zilkha, 200 megawatt nameplate, Mower County, Minn.

Xcel Energy (NYSE:XEL) is a major U.S. electricity and natural gas company with regulated operations in 12 Western and Midwestern states. The company provides a comprehensive portfolio of energy-related products and services to 3.2 million electricity customers and 1.7 million natural gas customers through its regulated operating companies. In terms of customers, it is the fourth-largest combination natural gas and electricity company in the United States. Company headquarters are located in Minneapolis.

More information is available at www.xcelenergy.com .

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Halloween's treat of the PSC closing the Midwest Power docket tempered by El Paso's (second) refiling for a CPCN. Don't let it ruin your Thanksgiving - preliminary review looks like they are trying to snow the PSC (again.)

11/20/2002 - On November 20, 2002 we received confirmation from the PSC that El Paso had refiled its application for a CPCN. In our review of the application it seems painfully clear that El Paso has not address the deficiencies. For example the PSC has previously indicated that the maps were not clear. In this submission, as before, many of the numbers on the maps continue to be unreadable and some numbers are printed directly on top of other numbers.

El Paso claims all drawings are done to scale but it appears that either they plan on using smaller turbines on the alleged alternate Site B or perhaps they are switching scales in mid-application. And since the legend on some of the drawings says 'scale=none' we think the PSC will be offended by what we construe as an attempt to by El Paso to snow them.

These are just a couple examples of the multitudes of glaring problems we see with El Paso's application and that we will be communicating to the PSC. Based on our analysis we strongly suspect the PSC will find the application incomplete.

In any event, this means that Midwest Power is back to square one with the PSC. If they still want to try to build a power plant here, they have to reapply with the PSC. And as we promised way back when - we will meet them at every turn.

Now all we need to do is to get the City of New Berlin to roll up the red carpet and toss it out - and Midwest Power along with it.

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Happy Halloween! and what a treat it is - the PSC closed docket on Midwest Power's application! No trick, this is Great News that can be viewed as a significant event in the struggle against the Midwest Power's application!

10/30/2002 - On October 29, 2002 we received confirmation that the PSC closed the docket on Midwest Power's application. Apparently, Midwest failed to respond PSC requests for information in a timely manner. From the beginning citizens have expressed concerns about the Midwest Power proposal -- the company seemed to lack both the experience and resources to complete a project of this magnitude. Reading between the lines, one could conclude that Midwest Power's failure to respond to the PSC confirmed that concern.

In any event, this means that Midwest Power is back to square one with the PSC. If they still want to try to build a power plant here, they have to reapply with the PSC. And as we promised way back when - we will meet them at every turn.

Now all we need to do is to get the City of New Berlin to roll up the red carpet and toss it out - and Midwest Power along with it.

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PSC finds El Paso's second request for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) INCOMPLETE.

09/20/2002 - The PSC's confirmation the application is still incomplete is another victory in the struggle keep these plants of the area. On September 18, 2002 Citizen Power was contacted by the local press asking us for comment. The only problem was we hadn't yet received our copy of the PSC's ruling to review. With the second request being found incomplete the project remains stalled - Again, thanks to all who were able to take the time to review the application and comment!

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Citizen Power files challenge to El Paso's second request for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN).

09/15/2002 - Way back when the peaking power plant stuff started, we promised the applicants that we would meet them on every turn and true to our word, we filed our objections to El Paso's second request with the PSC. It is the opinion of Citizen Power volunteers and our attorney that there are still major deficiencies. The PSC will announce their findings within a month. Watch our website for information >

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El Paso's refiles its request for Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) - El Paso claims to have address deficiencies.

08/25/2002 - When the PSC denied El Paso's application indicating it was incomplete they cited specific items as being 'deficient'. El Paso is claiming they have addressed those deficient. As soon as copies of the revised application is available individual volunteers and work groups should review and get your input to Kurt or Andy so they can discuss with our attorney.

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PSC finds El Paso's request for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) INCOMPLETE.

05/05/2002 - In finding El Paso's application in complete, the PSC affirmed Citizen Power's concerns and objections! Most of the incomplete items noted could be found in our April 24 letter that challenged the application. Congratulations to all the volunteers on a job well done. This is a victory - if El Paso doesn't address these issues, the plant can't be built!

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Citizen Power files challenge to El Paso's request for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN).

04/25/2002 - The rumor of an April 1, 2002 request for a CPCN was not a joke. Citizen Power volunteers quickly obtained copies of the request and reviewed them. The comments from individual and group reviews were forwarded to our attorney who prepared the challenge we sent to the PSC. A big thanks to the individuals and work groups that who submitted questions to discuss with our attorney. And a big thanks to our attorney for putting it all together.

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El Paso informs PSC they plan to file for their Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity (CPCN) some time the week of April 1.

04/01/2002 - This is either a very sick April fools joke or the most disturbing news on these proposals yet. Get you notes and concerns in order - we need to be able to provide the PSC and the DNR sufficient objections to be sure the application is incomplete. More details as they become available.

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New Berlin backs down and will enter arbitration with Midwest Power. Are city officials 'selling us out' by not mounting an agressive defense to Midwest Power's challenge to the voided conditional use permit?

A while back, when Citizen Power started a lawsuit challenging the zoning change that allowed the power plant, the aldermen essentially gave the city attorney a vote of no confidence by hiring special counsel to fight its own citizens. Now, when Midwest Power mounts a challenge to keep their permit, the city seems unwilling to aggressively defend its position. What's going on? There are lots of folks who want to know and are mad as hell right now. Perhaps the city is more concerned about fending of a groundless lawsuit that would try to recover speculator's lost speculated earnings on a proposed plant (that had already lost its major partner) rather to take back control of our city.

If we get answers to these concerns, we'll post them. So far, we're being told that arbitration is not arbitration and that we need to trust the city. Easier said than done when we've invested so much time, energy, and money fighting this thing.

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Midwest Power's proposal for New Berlin is short circuited - Conditional Use Permit expires in absence of Public Service Commission authorization for the peaker plant!

The City of New Berlin has informed Midwest Power, Inc. that their conditional use permit has expired. In short, when Midwest Power missed the January 23, 2002 deadline to obtain necessary approvals from the Public Service Commission (PSC) and to provide the city with financial securities the conditional use permit became null and void. Kudos to The City of New Berlin for enforcing the agreement and voiding it now that it is evident that Midwest hasn't met the deadline.

We believe Midwest Power missed the deadline because of the tenacious efforts of Citizen Power supporters who insisted they complied with all requirements. From the beginning we told Midwest we'd meet them at every turn and we did. We made sure the PSC received factual information about the proposal that directly challenged Midwest Power's claims. When the PSC rejected Midwest Power's application as incomplete, many of the points we had raised were directly reflected in the rejection.

Midwest Power is free to reapply, but with your help, we will again be there to meet them again. Thanks to all for your help in fighting this first proposal. Give yourselves a pat on the back for a job well done - you deserve it. ___________________________________________________


Actions Speak Louder Than Words... Do we really want El Paso as our new neighbor???

Proponents of the El Paso proposal want us to think 'power plant'/'no problem', but a review of news archives relating to El Paso tells a much different story... a story that raises questions of noise, tactics, plant and pipeline safety, and much more. Click here for details on what our researchers learned about El Paso's history. (It isn't pretty - but don't take my word for it click here and see for yourself.) ___________________________________________________


Keep informed, Citizen Power now offers you choices for E-mail Notifications. 01/15/2001.

To get E-mail notifications about events directly relating to the power plants, the plant proposals as they impact our local communities, public hearings or other presentations before public bodies - click CPIALERTS@YAHOO.COM and send the subscribe message to our Alerts E-mail . We promise to keep the info we send you to a minimum.

To get the ALERTS noted above, plus occasional informational news tidbits that may impact proposed power plants, notifications of web site updates, and E-mail news as appropriate. Click CPINEWS@YAHOO.COM

If you have questions you can E-mail us at CITIZENPOWERINC@YAHOO.COM You will find this same information on our contact us page.
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Sierra Club provides articles that may be of interest. 01/14/2001.

A special thanks to Gary Zumach of the Sierra Club for providing copies of two articles that might be of interest to visitors to this site. The first is about President Bush's Energy plan and the effects of air pollution on environment and health. Click here to view it.

The second article titled An Oilman's Trek in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge is just that, a recounting of one man's trip and his thoughts on more drilling up there. Click here to view it.

These articles aren't specific to our fight against peaker power plant's here but they are well written and part of the big picture. They're worth a look. ___________________________________________________


Citizen Power's Christmas Wish List - better late than never! 01/12/2001 (at least it is in time for Valentines Day!)

First, we hope everyone had a great holiday season. Hopefully visions of power plants DID NOT dance in your heads! With the holidays over, its back to work and the struggle against the power plants resumes. This fight cost both time and money, so for your consideration, here is our Christmas list:

1) Cash - open records requests, fliers, mailings, attorney fees, internet hosting and name registrations, etc. all cost money. We have no paid staff and all contributions are used directly in our efforts to fight these proposals.

2) Stamps - early on in our fight we received a letter containing almost $30 in stamps. At first weren't sure what to make of it, but it soon became obvious that the person who sent them knew what we were in for.

3) Office Supplies - copier paper, envelopes, even continuous form paper, and gift certificates to office supply places. We've literally distributed 10's of thousands of flyers between the New Berlin and Muskego proposals.

4) Civic Involvement - attend at least 3 public meetings this year. Both you and your community will benefit.

5) Volunteer - to help the cause, our front line troops can always use reinforcements. If you volunteered in the past and haven't heard from us, please volunteer again. We're getting better organized.

Hope you had a wonderful holiday. Thanks to all for your support. ___________________________________________________


From the 'G' files (12/25/2001..01:00am, somewhere around here.) It wasn't Santa caught making the neighborhood rounds.

Don't let these power plants steal our water and pollute our air! get involved, let your city officials know you expect them to help stop these plants. Click here for our list of official's E-mail addresses. ___________________________________________________


Muskego Plan Commission tells El Paso more information is needed if they want to be considered.

On Tuesday, December 4, the Muskego Plan Commission told El Paso Power that a complete proposal is necessary for consideration.The citizens who nearly filled Muskego's council chambers to hear El Paso's plans were pleased to hear the Mayor indicate that unless El Paso included plans for the second "B" site, no action will be taken. Since the actual location of the plant will be designated by the PSC (IF the PSC even approves it) this is a reasonable expectation. Given that the "B" site is a quarter the size of the primary site, Citizen Power would also like to see the plans for that alternate site. ___________________________________________________


ALERT - El Paso to present conceptual plan for its proposed peaker power plant to Muskego's Planning Commission.

On Tuesday December 4, 7:00pm Muskego City Hall El Paso Power will be presenting information to the Muskego Planning Commission. This plant would be across the street from Midwest Power's proposed peaker plant at the landfill. Not only is El Paso on the agenda to present their conceptual plan for the power plant but the consulting firm that the City of Muskego hired will also be there with its report. Please try to be there to keep informed of what is being proposed and more importantly to let our officials know what you think. ___________________________________________________


New Look for Citizen Power Inc.'s Web Site!

Thanks to the efforts of the folks at Chenequa Interactive we have a new look. When Chenequa's Creative Director Linda Lenz found out that peaking power plants could be 'on the horizon' in Muskego, she was not impressed...and she recruited staff member Dave Puechner to help spiff up our 'plain Jane' site. As you can see the results are great. A big THANK YOU to the folks at Chenequa Interactive. Chenequa can be found on the web at www.chenequainteractive.com . ___________________________________________________


Unique Christmas Gift Idea - Give the Gift of Cleaner Air

From the pages of the November/December issue of Organic Gardening: The nonprofit Clean Air Conservancy buys and retires pollution allowances that are allotted to companies as part of the 1990 Clean Act. Every year since the act went into effect, the federal government has granted polluters a certain number of credits based on output -- credit they can use or sell to other polluters if they find ways to reduce their own pollution. For a tax deductible donation of at least $5, you can buy and retire these pollution credits and receive a Clean Air Certificate from the conservancy. This is a great gift idea for anyone who appreciates a breath of fresh air. Contact the Clean Air Conservancy at (800) 2BUYAIR or on the web at www.cleanairconservancy.org . ___________________________________________________


El Paso Power schedules October 10 meetings for its Muskego
POWER PLANT PROPOSAL

On October 10, El Paso Power will be hosting informational meetings on its proposal to locate a peaking plant in Muskego. EL Paso has indicated that Muskego wide invitations have been mailed. There will be 2 sessions - one from 11am-1pm and again from 6pm-9pm. These sessions will be held at Williams Supper Club, S76 W17745 Janesville Rd., Muskego. El Paso plans to set this up like a "science fair" exhibit with about 6 or 7 stations engaging citizens one-on-one, so there won't be any microphone to record a steady flow of on-the-record mass public comments of opposition as there was at the public hearings in New Berlin. Nonetheless, this is an important opportunity for power plant opponents to show up en masse to tell El Paso Power company representatives that we are unwilling to accept the many new significant problems and risks their power plant will present our community. This is a classic divide an conquer strategy that could easily be used to mask the true level of community opposition. Plan to attend, plan to take notes, or even plan to record what is being said. Let's be sure we know what they are claiming and keep them honest. Remember this is a regional issue - Big Bend, New Berlin, Town of Waukesha, Vernon - Please take time to support our friends and neighbors in Muskego - show up tell El Paso what you think. ___________________________________________________

WE THE PEOPLE ENERGY CONFERENCE to be held in Madison, Monday Sept. 24 For details see... www.wtpeople.com/energy_summit.asp
A big thanks to Wisconsin Public Radio (WHAD 90.7) for mentioning this conference. Consider attending the conference and provide your input for Wisconsin's Energy Future. Remember, Midwest Power already admitted that Wisconsin's 'shortfall' could be eliminated through conservation - the value of
conservation and renewables can't be over stressed...let your voice be heard. ___________________________________________________

STATUS OF El Paso Power POWER PLANT PROPOSAL in Muskego El Paso Power will be hosting an informational meeting on its proposal to locate a peaking plant in Muskego. The meeting was originally set for September 12, at William's Supper Club. Obviously, that meeting was never held and now El Paso indicates that the meeting will be sometime in October. We will post details as available. El Paso has promised to notify to all Muskego residents (and non Muskego residents closest to their proposed power plant) about this meeting. We will post additional details as soon as they becomes available. Note, El Paso is serious - they already provided the City of Muskego with a $20,000.00 developer's deposit. Plan to attend. ___________________________________________________

STATUS OF Midwest Power POWER PLANT PROPOSAL in New Berlin or Muskego The Midwest Power proposal has NOT gone away but it still seems stalled. Our latest information is that they failed to remedy the many application deficiencies cited by the PSC. Good news as far we're concerned. Until the application deficiencies are corrected, the proposal goes nowhere. Stay alert, we'll post updates as they become available. Once the deficiencies are corrected the process can resume! It's ironic that New Berlin has a sprinkling ban but supposedly there is plenty of water (350-650 gallons per minute) for a power plant. It's ironic that we have to buy reformulated gas but these plants will kick out 250 or more tons of pollution each year. Finally, it is frightening that on 8/21 New Berlin officials were informed that the deep aquifer will only provided us water for 50 years, and that the shallow aquifer doesn't recharge fast enough to meet the city's needs... Looks like the experts are finally admitting what we've claimed all along - squandering ground water isn't a particularly bright idea... Tell your elected officials these plants aren't wanted. Tell them to tell the PSC that the citizens don't want these plants. ___________________________________________________

COMMUNITY UPDATE - Rummage huge success, more fun in the wings, and float's debut. Members from the five community region got together on August 10 to hold a large rummage sale. The weather was overcast but the rain stayed away and it was a great success. The proceeds will be used in our struggle against the power plants. A big THANKS to the many people who worked hard to make this a success and a special thanks to the many individuals who made generous contributions even though they didn't find merchandise. Working together we can run these plants out of town. The only snafu was that someone purchased a tent and left the poles - so if you've got the tent we've got the polls... (Give us a call at 262-679-6147, we're saving them for you.) The rummage was so successful that we're planning another rummage sale and a pig roast in September or October (with kids going back to school, things are taking a wee bit longer than we hoped to get organized...) Details coming soon - they will be posted on this site. If you can't make these events, please feel free to send us a contribution at: Citizen Power, Inc. P.O. Box 324 Muskego, WI 53150-0324. The Citizen Power Float made its debut in the New Berlin 4th of July parade. Its conservation theme was well received by rounds of applause and cheers. We distributed over 3,000 informational cards along the parade route. The float is available for other community events, please contact us at 262-679-6147 to make arrangements. Last and not least on this week's update, we've retained an attorney whose background is especially suited to assist in protecting our interest, we're looking forward to introducing him to you soon. ___________________________________________________

BAD NEWS - Second Power Plant proposal in the works! On Friday June 15, the local press reported that the City of Muskego has been playing footsies with El Paso Power. This is a most interesting development since Muskego's esteemed mayor had failed to make any mention of this to citizens who specifically requested to be kept abreast of power plant items. Maybe he's just too busy with power plant officials to have time to be responsive to his constituents... or maybe he just didn't want to give them an equal playing field. Wake up Muskego, your government is positioning itself to pull a New Berlin on you - don't let them get away with it. Citizen Power has receive unconfirmed reports that the primary and secondary sites will be at the Payne and Dolan quarry. Seems to me that's right in Big Bend's backyard. If Big Bend residents weren't overly concerned with the Midwest Proposal in New Berlin, you may want to pay very close attention to the El Paso proposal for Muskego... In a nutshell folks, unless we put our foot down and give these peaker plants the boot right now, we are destined to become peaker power plant heaven. We have too much available land intersecting large gas lines and high tension lines. This is heaven for these peaker plant operators - they get to build on the cheap and they want these sites. Let your elected officials know loud and clear that they have a choice, the power plants or a job.