LANSING, Mich. -- The aggressive back and forth over two proposed coal-fired power plants sparked a rally in Lansing Tuesday.

Nearly 2,000 people in favor of those two projects gathered during the afternoon hours at the state Capitol.

The “Put Us To Work” rally was organized to show support for the plants in Rogers City and Hampton Township.

Environmentalists said the plants are unnecessary for power production based on consumption figures, but others believe they will bring much-needed jobs to the areas.

Both plants are estimated to need about 3,600 construction workers to build them.

Another 100 permanent jobs would be attached to each plant once they were up and running.