Statement on federal court consent decree on Charter Street Heating Plant

Here is a statement from Alan Fish, associate vice chancellor for facilities at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, regarding today’s (Monday, Nov. 26) agreement regarding the Charter Street Heating Plant.

"Along with our partners at the state level, we have made an immediate commitment to reduce coal use at the Charter Street facility by 15 percent and cap usage while we identify ways to move forward with efficient and cleaner options.

"Because we’re reducing coal use, we can achieve our goal of reducing coal-generated emissions through energy conservation, purchasing or generating energy from renewable resources and changing the way we use our fuels and facilities. Today’s agreement is a victory for all of us who are interested in moving forward with cleaner technology and ensuring a reliable source of energy for the campus.

"The cooperation shown by the Department of Administration and the Department of Natural Resources helped solve what has been a difficult problem and has set us on a course to achieve our goals of energy reliability and continued environmental stewardship. This agreement puts in place a workable, responsible way to help the state and the campus find answers for the future and a cleaner environment for today."