MERIDIAN TOWNSHIP - Clean Water Action and other concerned groups held a press conference on July 25 at Belanger Park in River Rouge, Michigan to demonstrate the need for strong U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards that limit toxic water pollution from coal-fired power plants. At least 16 plants in Michigan discharge toxic wastewater directly into the Great Lakes and other waterways, according to a new national report.

Clean Water Action is working with the Board of Water and Light and Michigan State University to rely less on the use of coal-fired power plants and switch to greener, renewable energy sources.

"In the local area, what we're really focused on with our municipal utility here, the Lansing Board of Water and Light is urging them to increase their investment in renewable energy, energy efficiency, and involve the public in their energy planning process," says Mary Brady from Clean Water Action.

The T.B. Simon and Eckert power plants are currently polluting the air and water, but are not the largest offenders in Michigan.