Mar 18 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Drew Andersen Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, Iowa

A pair of environmental groups from Waterloo and Marshalltown will gather in Des Moines this afternoon to urge Gov. Chet Culver to place a moratorium on construction of coal-fired power plants in Iowa.

Both cities have proposals to build coal-fired plants on the table, and both projects have come under scrutiny from environmental groups. LS Power has proposed a 750-meagwatt plant in Waterloo, and Alliant Energy has proposed a 660-megawatt plant in Marshalltown.

Members of the Iowa Sierra Club and Community Energy Solutions will join for the protest rally at the Capitol in Des Moines. Sierra Club organizer Josh Jones said members will highlight the benefits of alternative energy and point out the costs of using coal.

Troy Price, press secretary for the governor, said Culver's office did not believe it has the authority to issue a moritorium on power plant construction. Officials with the Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Utilities Board -- agencies from which power plants must receive permits -- were unsure if the governor has such power.

Regardless of the governor's power to limit plant construction, Jones said today's gathering will be a memorable event.

"It's really the first time that citizens from both communities have coordinated an event to protest these proposed plants," said Jones. "It is really going to be something that helps build their confidence and spirit up for this battle that's been long and protracted."

Around 50 participants are expected for the protest, including Marshalltown activist Bill Helgen, Waterloo resident Linda Huss and Community Energy Solutions member and Waterloo resident Jeri Thornsberry.

In response to today's protest, LS Power noted there was a significant need for energy in the state of Iowa. Placing a hold on coal-fired energy plant construction "would be economically devastating for Iowa ratepayers and future economic development, " said spokesperson Alyssa Becthold, Hellman public relations director.

Today's protest is scheduled to begin at 1:15 p.m. in the west wing of the first floor rotunda of the State Capitol.

Contact Drew Andersen

at (319) 291-1418

or drew.andersen@wcfcourier.com.