NEW ULM - The Citizens for Clean Energy (CCE) group is currently seeking a moratorium on the New Ulm Public Utilities (NUPU) efforts to covert the Boiler No. 4 to coal. The effort was discussed at the CEE meeting Tuesday while the organization made plans for the new year.
The organization did not determine the length of the moratorium at meeting, but it is still actively seeking signatures for the petition. Currently, the organization has collected over 220 signatures. Jessica Tatro, field organizer for the Beyond Coal Campaign at the Sierra Club, said the majority of the signatures were collected online or through a program that allows people to sign by e-mail.
She said that the organization is seeking the moratorium so that there can be more time to have a more comprehensive analysis of the long-term effects of the NUPU's plan.
The decision by the NUPU to convert Boiler No. 4 was part of an overall plan to renovate New Ulm's power needs.
The CCE organized in response to the move, calling it a step backward and expressing fear that the city would spend millions on an obsolete fuel source. The Sierra Club has been a big partner with the organization.
The next meeting of the CCE will be held Feb. 15 at 6 p.m. in the United Church of Christ.
(Josh Moniz can be e-mailed at jmoniz@nujournal.com)