As a pediatrician, I spent decades caring for children whose health was harmed by air pollution and extreme heat. That’s why Wisconsin candidates for public office must put public health first when considering energy policies.
Wisconsin should adopt a goal of 100% clean electricity by 2040, following the lead of neighboring states. Delaying action means more pollution from coal and gas plants, leading to preventable asthma attacks, heart disease and premature deaths, as well as worsening floods and heat waves. Wind and solar are proven safe and the most affordable energy sources.
Lawmakers must protect families from rising utility bills. Large data centers should pay 100% of the costs of new infrastructure instead of shifting those expenses onto households struggling to afford basic needs.
The Public Service Commission should be required to evaluate the health and equity impacts of utility plans and prioritize reducing pollution in the most vulnerable communities. Wisconsin should create transition funds to support workers and communities affected by plant closures.
The PSC recently ruled that data centers must pay their own infrastructure costs. Now policymakers should deny the proposed Red Oak Ridge and Foundry Ridge gas plants to protect the health of Southeast Wisconsin families.
John Meurer, MD, Elm Grove
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Candidates must consider public health in energy policies | Letter
Reporting by Letters to the Editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
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By Letters to the Editor, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel | USA TODAY Network
