Leave Fossil Gas in the Past

Dairyland Power is pushing forward with plans for a fossil gas plant in northern Wisconsin, despite what scientists tell us is clear: to mitigate the worst effects of climate change, we need to transition to 100% clean energy, not invest in more fossil fuels.

What's more, they're doing this despite the calls from local leaders, community members and Tribes to cancel the project. Superior Mayor Jim Paine and five City Council members have opposed the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center as a threat to the city. Their concerns range from exacerbating climate change and building a massive fossil fuel plant next to an Indigenous burial ground to the proposed plant's strain on local utilities, air quality, and road damage. The Fond du Lac and Red Cliff Bands of Lake Superior Ojibwe have pushed back because of the neighboring burial ground, threatened species, medicines, climate change and wetland destruction.

In the fall of 2024, Dairyland Power received almost $573 million for clean energy through the Inflation Reduction Act and shortly after withdrew their application for an air permit for NTEC. This is great news, and we're not done yet! Join us in writing to Dairyland CEO Brent Ridge and advocating to protect climate, lands and water by transitioning away from NTEC and fossil fuels.

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No new gas: Cancel plans for NTEC

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Dairyland Power Cooperative has the opportunity to be a leader in the future of energy production and distribution. With ever evolving clean technology and the support of the New ERA program of the Inflation Reduction Act, there are countless opportunities to invest in a future that is financially stable and doesn't damage our climate and health. I was so excited to hear about the New ERA award for clean energy and hope that you will take this opportunity to shift your plans! I’m writing to urge you to cancel your plans for the proposed Nemadji Trail Energy Center and drop out of the project. Dairyland’s member coops rely on you to provide reliable energy, and investing in clean energy, not another fossil fuel, would allow you to do this at a lower cost through a portfolio of changes, such as building out solar and storage, as well as retiring the Madgett coal plant. This is a major opportunity for you to position yourself and your members for a healthy financial future and I urge you to take advantage of it. Fossil fuels like coal and gas are causing major damage in our communities and around the world and are extremely expensive. Based on a Sierra Club analysis using RMI’s Clean Energy Portfolio model, NTEC would be a stranded asset by 2031, whereas clean energy provides stability without the cost burden. The Mayor of Superior, several city council members, and a growing community oppose your project, in addition to the Fond du Lac and Red Cliff Bands of Lake Superior Ojibwe. To be a good community partner and to avoid the many negative consequences of pursuing the NTEC project I ask you to cancel your plans and invest in a clean, healthy future.

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