(Springfield, Ill)- Representatives from City Water, Light & Power (CWLP) and the Sierra Club will propose an agreement at tonight's Springfield Utilities Committee meeting that adds wind energy options and cleaner pollution control systems on the utility's future and current coal-fired generators. The agreement, to be submitted as an amendment to CWLP's draft construction permit for a new coal-fired generator to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, calls for CWLP to purchase wind-generated power and modify pollution control equipment on its coal-fired generators to better control air emissions including carbon dioxide (CO2) gases, commonly referred to as greenhouse gases, and mercury.

The Sierra Club, a national environmental protection group, is fighting global warming as part of its mission and opposes all new coal-fired plants. The organization strives to work with local leaders to find innovative energy solutions that decrease dependence on oil and benefit public health. CWLP initiated discussions with the Sierra Club to avoid costly delays in the construction process for a new coal-fired unit to go into operation in 2010. The Sierra Club has stalled construction of all new coal-fired plants in Illinois for the past three years.

The agreement outlines measures that will reduce soot, smog, mercury and global warming emissions, while increasing energy efficiency measures and use of renewable energy. This agreement will provide a major boost to the wind industry in Illinois, and establishes the State of Illinois as a major purchaser of wind power. CWLP's principle request was that Sierra Club not oppose their proposed coal plant. The Sierra Club requested that CWLP: address global warming by agreeing to cut global warming pollution and meet the goals of the Kyoto Protocol; comply with the State of Illinois' proposal to reduce mercury emissions by 90% by 2009; install year round pollution controls for smog and soot on all units; agree to more stringent air pollution limits for their new unit; and make investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.

"We're thrilled that this agreement will ensure the public's participation," says Roger Ricketts, Sangamon Valley Group Sierra Club member, "Energy efficiency and renewable energy make a lot of sense, and I think the community will embrace these ideas and get involved in making it a reality."

"We are truly pleased that we have found an even cleaner energy option that will set CWLP apart as a leader in low-cost, clean energy solutions," said CWLP General Manager Todd Renfrow. "This agreement is a great benefit to the environment and the citizens of Springfield."

"This agreement is a perfect example of how new partnerships can bring about much needed changes in how we think about power generation," says Verena Owen, Illinois Sierra Club Clean Air Chair. "We are thrilled that CWLP has come up with innovative solutions for Sierra Club's concerns regarding environmental pollutants."

"We are proud to partner with CWLP, Springfield, and the State of Illinois on this blueprint for a smart, clean energy future for the citizens of Springfield. This plan not only provides power for Springfield's future, but it also helps ratepayers by providing energy choices and helping them reduce energy costs through efficiency programs," says Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter. "CWLP's commitment to reduce global warming pollution, and the State of Illinois' commitment to power our state capitol with wind power also provide examples to America and the world of the solutions that will help us confront the challenge of climate change.

"With this agreement we diversify our fuel supply by adding wind to our generation portfolio of coal, natural gas and seed corn," said Chief Utilities Engineer Jay Bartlett. In times of extreme energy market volatility, we are pleased to have this option to present to the City Council and our customers, showing how progressive our utility is and can be-while still keeping our rates low."

CWLP is among the nation's 40 largest public power utilities and is the sole electric and water supplier to more than 65,000 customers covering 80 square miles in Springfield, Ill. CWLP facilities include five coal-fired power plants, two oil-fired and one oil- and gas-fired peaking plants, as well as a water purification plant. The utility also offers broadband services to area business customers through its fiber optic telecommunications network. For more information about CWLP, visit www.cwlp.com.