Environmental activists want Gov. Jennifer Granholm to reject more coal-fired power plants for Michigan until the state begins regulating carbon dioxide, the primary global warming gas.
Representatives of several groups said Monday in Traverse City they had signatures of 25,000 people unhappy about proposals for eight new coal-fired plants in the state.
Lee Sprague of the Sierra Club said coal is an outdated fuel source and a leading producer of carbon dioxide. He said Michigan should become a leader in developing alternatives such as wind power.
The Legislature is expected to act this week on a wide-ranging energy package that aims to boost alternative energy. But utilities say Michigan is far from having enough wind turbines to meet its electricity needs.