Changes

In 2008 2007 the Sierra Club challened challenged the State of Wisconsin over pollution emissions from five of its state-run coal plants used to provide heat and power to four state-run university buildings and one hospital. The plants include those that function at UW-Eau Claire, UW-La Crosse, UW-Oshkosh, UW-River Falls and Mendota Mental Health Institute. The State's Department of Natural Resources sided with the Sierra Club, and now the state of Wisconsin has to decide on whether or not to install pollution-control equipment to greatly reduce emissions, or reduce the use of coal all together. As decision is to be made by spring 2010.<ref>[http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/02/wisconsin-may-shut-down-five-coal-plants.php "Dpt. of Good Ideas: Wisconsin May Shut Down Five Coal Plants,"] Treehugger.com, February 22, 2010.</ref> The Sierra Club alleged that the millions of dollars in upgrades made at these facilities were significant and actually increased the potential for the plants to emit more pollution.<ref>[http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/govt_and_politics/article_92bd1030-1dcb-11df-9a92-001cc4c002e0.html "State may shut down five coal-fired power plants,"] Dee J Hall, ''Wisconsin State Journal'', February 19, 2010.</ref>