Fossil Fools Day 2009

On April 1, 2009 nearly 100 Coloradoans rallied in North Denver to demand a future beyond coal for Fossil Fools Day - and WildEarth Guardians lead the charge.

In the shadow of Xcel Energy's Cherokee coal burning power plant -- Denver's dirtiest coal plant -- community members of all walks of life called upon Colorado's leaders to chart a clean energy future and protect public health from dirty fossil fuels.

Armed with signs, banners, and pinwheels symbolizing the power of renewable energy, the diverse group cheered for clean energy and heard from environmental advocates, health experts who exposed the devastating impact of burning coal on communities throughout Colorado, particularly Denver's diverse neighborhoods. WildEarth Guardians also released the report, "Xposing Xcel," a comprehensive report showing that Xcel's seven coal burning power plants in Colorado are taking a tremendous toll on clean air.

The message was clear: we're not fooled by fossil fuels.

Adding muscle to the message, WildEarth Guardians also announced its intent to take Xcel Energy to federal court over violating clean air laws nearly 12,000 times in the last five years at the Cherokee plant. This lawsuit will be a huge step toward holding Xcel accountable to public health and economic prosperity, and exposing the damage wrought by coal.

"Clean air starts with holding Xcel accountable to our health and well-being," said Jeremy Nichols, Climate and Energy Program Director for WildEarth Guardians. "It's time to power past coal and toward clean energy solutions, starting with the Cherokee power plant."

Fossil Fools Day was just the beginning. The movement to power past coal is mounting in the American West and the vision for a clean energy is coming to be.

View Xposing Xcel Report.

View the Video