Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative has filed an appeal to reverse an earlier decision that denied the company an air quality permit needed to move forward with a proposed power plant in Rogers City.

The appeal was filed Tuesday afternoon in the 28th Circuit Court of Missaukee County, home to Wolverine.

On May 21, the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) denied the air quality permit, based on findings of the Michigan Public Service Commission which said Wolverine failed to demonstrate the plant was needed to meet future supply needs.  Governor Granholm also said the new plant would lead to “a whopping increase” in electricity rates.

Wolverine strongly disputes the accusations.  Spokesperson Ken Bradstreet said the company is asking the court to remand the permit denial back to the DNRE for further consideration; and asking that Governor Granholm’s executive directive be declared unlawful. 

That directive placed new restrictions on the construction of any coal-fired power plant in Michigan. 

Bradstreet said the company still wants to build in Rogers City Township. 
“It’s a world class place for a plant,” he said.  “We’re exploring all of our options but Rogers City is the best place for our new plant.” 

It is not known how much time the court might take to reach a decision on Wolverine’s appeal.