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As utilities phase out coal, debate over natural gas production heats up

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DTE Energy plans to close three coal-fired power, including the plant in East China Township. They want to build a new $1-billion natural gas plant on that site.

DTE Energy is planning to close three of its coal-fired power plants by 2023.  That’s 1,300 megawatts of electricity coming off the books.  But what will take its place? 

The company wants to build a $1-billion natural gas plant in East China Township in St. Clair County on a site where it currently operates a coal-burning power plant. Environmental groups oppose the plan.

Michigan Radio’s Tracy Samilton joins Doug Tribou to discuss the issues during this time of transition for the energy industry.

To learn more, check out the Environment Report's coverage of the proposed expansion of natural-gas production in Michigan.

Tracy Samilton covers energy and transportation, including the auto industry and the business response to climate change for Michigan Public. She began her career at Michigan Public as an intern, where she was promptly “bitten by the radio bug,” and never recovered.
Doug Tribou joined the Michigan Public staff as the host of Morning Edition in 2016. Doug first moved to Michigan in 2015 when he was awarded a Knight-Wallace journalism fellowship at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
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