Former Michigan Attorney General Frank J. Kelley to co-chair panel on New Generation

Lansing Board of Water & Light General Manager J. Peter Lark announced today the formation of a Citizens Advisory Panel on New Generation.
     Frank J. Kelley, Michigan’s longest-serving Attorney General and a venerated champion of consumer rights and utility oversight, will co-chair the 10-member panel. The advisory panel will review BWL staff recommendations regarding a comprehensive energy plan. The plan includes the recommendation to build a hybrid biomass power plant.
      “As a public utility, the BWL has a special responsibility to its customers when a plan of this magnitude is brought forward,” Lark said. “It is essential for a distinguished citizens panel such as this one to review and provide input on staff recommendations.
       “We welcome a thorough and public review, which will help the BWL chart the best course toward Greater Lansing’s energy future,” Lark added. “This citizens panel represents a cross-section of our customers, from our largest industry to businesses both large and small; from representatives of the community’s strong labor force to average residential customers.”
        Kelley said the Citizens Advisory Panel is an integral part of the process of plans for a new power plant. “I agree that a diverse study committee is the best way to determine whether there is a need for a new generating facility,” Kelley said. “It can also determine how a plant could be built with innovative technology and be better both economically and environmentally.”
       Co-chairing the panel with Kelley will be Paul Hufnagel, President of the Lansing Labor Council. “I look forward to serving on the advisory panel,” Hufnagel said. “Since the BWL is a public utility, it’s fitting that this comprehensive energy plan be given a thorough review, with an opportunity for public input to the committee.”
        Other members of the Citizens Advisory Panel on New Generation are:

James Butler, Director of Urban Revitalization Division, Michigan State Housing Development Authority, and former President of the Michigan Broadband Authority.
Paula Cunningham, President of Capitol National Bank and former President of Lansing Community College.
Pat Gillespie, Lansing-area developer.
Tim Haggart, Business Representative, Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 333, and former BWL commissioner.
Joan Nelson, Executive Director, Allen Neighborhood Center.
David O’Leary, O’Leary Paint Co., and former BWL commissioner.
Randy Thayer, Plant Manager, General Motors Delta Assembly Plant.
Dennis Muchmore, Executive Director of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. The 100,000-member MUCC is one of Michigan’s oldest environmental organizations, and has been in the vanguard of pro-environment issues for many decades.

         The panel will meet several times throughout the summer and early fall. The expectation is that the panel will conclude its review and report its recommendations in late September or early October.
         The panel’s first meeting will be 9 a.m.-11 a.m. Thursday August 14 in the auditorium of the West Campus of Lansing Community College.
          Information about the BWL staff’s New Generation recommendations, including an Integrated Resource Plan that is key to the recommendations, can be found on the BWL’s Web site. Go to www.lbwl.com and click on “Greater Lansing's Energy Future.”

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