Wednesday, February 17, 2010
$100 million for CREATE will improve both freight and passenger rail service
The Environmental Law and Policy Center commended the U.S. Department of Transportation’s awards of TIGER grants in Midwest states that will benefit both freight and passenger rail.
A $100 million TIGER grant will go toward untangling freight rail lines in the Chicago area. This grant will make freight rail more efficient nationwide while also making passenger rail through Chicago faster and more reliable. The Chicago Regional Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) project, is a public–private partnership involving 14 rail companies and other agencies. Its goal is to reduce freight rail traffic congestion in Chicago, the hub of the nation’s railways.
“This grant is a double play that can both alleviate freight congestion and speed up passenger rail,” said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center.
In January, the federal government awarded $2.62 billion in federal grants to upgrade service on the rail lines in the Midwest network. “The Midwest High-Speed Rail Network can be a modern, fast, comfortable and convenient transportation option for the region, and CREATE helps to reduce freight congestion,” said Learner.
There are additional “double plays” for the region For example, Normal, Illinois is receiving a $22 million TIGER grant for its new intermodal station, and St. Paul, Minnesota is receiving $35 million for its redevelopment of the Union Depot as an intermodal station. Both projects are designed to connect high-speed rail passengers with local transit and to anchor downtown redevelopment. “The Administration is doubling down on its savvy bet that high-speed rail will succeed in the Midwest,” explained Learner. “These projects are great examples of how high-speed rail can provide an anchor for urban redevelopment and livable communities.”
A complete list of TIGER grant awards can be found at http://www.dot.gov/documents/finaltigergrantinfo.pdf
Monday, February 8, 2010
On February 8, Iowa legislators approved statewide rules that will protect Iowa’s waters from pollution and stem the trend of declining water quality in Iowa’s lakes and streams.
“This is great news for Iowa,” said Brad Klein, Staff Attorney at ELPC. “After years of delay, the legislature made the choice today to protect Iowa’s environment and economy and make this a better place to live.”
A university of Iowa study found that an estimated 11,479 jobs, $242.9 million of income and $424.9 million of gross state product are associated with the spending by visitors to Iowa lakes. The rules provide additional protections for Iowa’s few remaining high-quality waters, for example West Lake Okoboji and several trout streams in Northeast Iowa.
After decades of meetings, letters, delays and, finally, a legal intervention, clean water advocates gathered at the statehouse in Des Moines this morning to witness the final meeting and decision needed to adopt clean water ―anti-degradation rules for Iowa.
Clean water advocates said today that the Iowa rules are long overdue and that they have worked for years to get antidegradation Rules written and passed in Iowa. With the passage of the federal Clean Water Act in 1972 states were required to enact antidegradation rules by 1985 to prevent the further pollution of lakes, rivers and streams. Iowa adopted rules but the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency informed Iowa that its rules violated federal law as early as 1997.
Repeated delays in rewriting the rules led a coalition of environmental organizations – the Environmental Law & Policy Center, Iowa Environmental Council, Hawkeye Fly Fishing Association and the Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club – to file a Petition for Rulemaking with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources in 2007 requesting that the State act immediately to adopt antidegradation implementation rules.
This action initiated a rule-making process that included several opportunities for public comment and a hearing before the Iowa Environmental Protection Commission, which approved the revised rules in December of last year. Monday’s meeting of the legislative Administrative Rules and Review Committee marked the final step in a decades-long process.
Advocates stressed that the rules will allow Iowa to grow sensibly and sustainably. “These rules will stem the tide of declining water quality in Iowa, protect the outstanding jewels that remain, and serve as an economic engine for those communities with the foresight to protect and leverage the potential of these remarkable waters,” said Shannan Garretson, water program legal analyst for the non-profit Iowa Environmental Council.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) today commended the Obama Administration for the diverse selection of high speed-rail projects and national approach to awarding $8 billion in stimulus funding.
The 13 projects chosen represent critical first steps toward building a modern, national, passenger rail infrastructure and are the first significant passenger rail investments in nearly a century. These projects encompass 31 states. They enhance connectivity through a variety of technologies in the most environmentally responsible mode of regional transportation, noted Howard Learner, ELPC president.
“This is the beginning of transformative improvement to our nation’s transportation system, giving people a modern, fast, comfortable and convenient travel option,” stated Learner. This funding will put people to work while it improves our environment, strengthens key regions of our nation and enhances our ability to compete in the global economy.“
ELPC will host a National Press Club press briefing Monday, February 1, in Washington, D.C. to review the expected impact of the high speed rail investments. Panelists include Arthur Guzzetti, American Public Transportation Association, John Risch, United Transportation Union, and Thomas Simpson, Railway Supply Institute. The panel will be moderated by Howard Learner.
Currently, the Obama Administration’s total commitment to high-speed rail stands at $10.5 billion, with an additional $1 billion per year pledged to be included in the budget for the next five years. The House transportation committee has also recommended including $50 billion for high-speed rail development in the upcoming transportation reauthorization.
“Today’s awards are only the first step in a long-term process. Significant additional federal funding will be required if we are to truly realize the benefits of modern rail and compete in the global market,” Learner concluded.
To learn more about the Environmental Law & Policy Center’s high-speed rail advocacy, visit elpc.org/highspeedrail
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Monday, November 23, 2009
CLEAN WATER ADVOCATES ANNOUNCE INTENT TO SUE EPA TO SET STANDARDS NEEDED TO CONTROL PHOSPHORUS AND NITROGEN POLLUTION
Decade of Inaction Has Left Wisconsin Waters Unsafe
November 23, 2009 – A coalition of environmental groups seeks through legal action to push the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to regulate nitrogen and phosphorus pollution in Wisconsin waters under the Clean Water Act. EPA pledged to regulate this pollution in 1999, but action was delayed for years. Nitrogen and phosphorus pollution, common in many Wisconsin lakes and streams, has been shown to contaminate drinking water,contribute to the growth of potentially toxic cyanobacteria or “blue-green algae,” and is the main cause of algal blooms in the Great Lakes and the dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico.
To Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) credit, the DNR moved forward on EPA’s 1999 order and has collected all the data necessary to set standards for control of phosphorus pollution, giving the EPA the information it needs to set standards. The coalition is hopeful that the current EPA will act to put those standards in place, and they’re taking legal action to accelerate the process. Coalition members say the action is necessary because Wisconsin can’t wait any longer for clean water.
Betsy Lawton, Interim Executive Director of Midwest Environmental Advocates (MEA) and an attorney representing the coalition stated, “Wisconsin DNR has developed the science needed for sound phosphorus standards, and EPA must honor its 1999 pledge to set standards for this harmful pollutant that hampers recreation for Wisconsin residents by contributing to green, stinky water, closed beaches, and toxic algae.”
This year, nutrient-induced blue-green algae in Wisconsin has led to the death of pets, and several cases of rashes, sore throats and eye irritation “Businesses located on waters tainted with toxic algae are really hurting,” said Denny Caneff, Executive Director of the River Alliance of Wisconsin. “They lose customers who flee the stench and the health hazards posed by toxic algae. EPA needs to act to limit the nutrients causing these algae blooms.”
The groups filed a 60-day notice of intent to sue, the first step in a Clean Water Act citizen suit. The groups now must wait 60 days before filing a formal lawsuit. According to Albert Ettinger of the Environmental Law & Policy Center, “The current Administrator of EPA, Lisa Jackson, is obviously not the one to blame for the decade-long failure to establish standards for controls on phosphorus and nitrogen pollution, but under the Clean Water Act, she is now the one with the responsibility to fix the problem.”
The coalition of groups are being represented by two Midwestern environmental law centers, Midwest Environmental Advocates and the Environmental Law & Policy Center. The full 60 day notice is available here at www.midwestadvocates.org.
Clean Water Action Council of Northeastern Wisconsin - Environmental Law & Policy Center - Gulf Restoration Network -Midwest Environmental Advocates -Milwaukee Riverkeeper -Prairie Rivers Network - River Alliance of Wisconsin - Sierra Club - Wisconsin Wildlife Federation
The following are statements from the coalition members:
While acknowledging that Wisconsin isn’t the largest source of the pollution causing the Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone, Matt Rota of the Gulf Restoration Network said,” if we’re going to get serious about reducing the size of our nation’s largest dead zone, every source state needs to develop controls for their pollution. It’s time for Wisconsin to act. The Gulf and our fish and fishermen have been paying the price of our nation’s inaction for too long.”
Karen Schapiro of the Milwaukee Riverkeeper stressed that phosphorus must be controlled to protect the Great Lakes and the Milwaukee River Basin. Schapiro said, “setting nitrogen and phosphorus standards is a critical first step to protecting Milwaukee’s rivers. Phosphorus pollution is causing unnatural growth of nuisance plants in Lake Michigan. EPA must take action to lower phosphorus pollution in the Great Lakes system.”
“Clean water is critical to public health, recreation and tourism in Wisconsin. We need common sense rules that protect our natural resources,” said Rebecca Katers of Clean Water Action Council of Northeastern Wisconsin. “We hope this legal action spurs the EPA to move forward.”
“Obviously, Illinois has to control it own pollution, but establishing good standards for Wisconsin will both lessen pollution in the downstream Fox, Mississippi and Rock Rivers and help provide a benchmark for controlling pollution in Illinois waters,” said Glynnis Collins of Prairie Rivers Network
“Phosphorus discharge into Wisconsin lakes and streams is causing a substantial growth in nuisance aquatic vegetation which is causing serious injury to fishing, boating and other critically important uses of our waterways,” said George Meyer of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.
Sierra Club’s Eric Uram stated, “For Sierra Club, it’s critical we get a handle on nutrient pollution. Wisconsin’s drinking water supplies, rivers, lakes and streams are all suffering the effects of excessive nitrogen and phosphorus pollution. As a result, the health of our families; our environment and the wildlife – including hunting and angling opportunities – are being negatively impacted. Sierra Club wants to work here in Wisconsin to insure everyone’s water is kept safe by helping set the bar for protective nutrient standards.”
Monday, October 19, 2009
Agency Decides in Favor of Citizens and Environmental Groups
October 19, 2009 – The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today issued an objection to the operating permit for BP North America’s refinery in Whiting, IN that will require the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to rewrite the permit. The decision is a victory for the citizens and environmental groups who petitioned EPA to object to the permit in August 2008 on the grounds that it did not accurately account for the large increases in dangerous air pollution that would be caused by BP’s expansion of the refinery. The petition was submitted by Environmental Law & Policy Center, Hoosier Environmental Council, Natural Resources Defense Council, Save the Dunes Council, Sierra Club, Susan Eleuterio and Tom Tsourlis.
BP began a major expansion of the Whiting Refinery in 2008 in order to process dirty Canadian tar sands crude oil at the facility. The expansion would make the refinery the largest refiner of tar sands oil in the U.S. and would increase numerous traditional air pollutants like sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter. In addition, the expansion would create approximately as much new global warming pollution as a new 300-400 megawatt coal plant, about a forty percent increase from current refinery levels.
BP’s permit application claimed the expansion would not increase pollution because the company would offset the increased emissions by shutting down some older equipment at the refinery at a later date. But the company failed to take into account many distinct sources of pollution from the refinery, including flares (the large torch-like tower structures that burn excess gases from the refining process) and “fugitive emissions” from leaks and other sources. EPA’s objection requires the Indiana Department of Environmental Management to go back and redo the permit taking these sources into account. In the case of flares, EPA also presented the option of prohibiting all new and increased flaring emissions. This is the first Title V decision from the EPA requiring that these pollution sources be addressed in refinery permits, and stands as important direction-setting for future projects.
“BP needs to come clean about what this expansion really will mean for clean air and public health.” said Meleah Geertsma, Staff Attorney for the Environmental Law and Policy Center. “It doesn’t matter whether air pollution comes out of a vent or a flare or a smokestack, it’s all part of the problem and it should all be part of the permit. Today EPA has voiced its agreement with our concerns.”
“EPA recognizes what we’ve been telling BP and the state all along—this refinery expansion is clearly going to dump additional pollution on the surrounding communities, and the law requires BP to control it,” said Ann Alexander, Senior Attorney for the NRDC. “BP has been playing games with the numbers to try to duck that responsibility, but the jig is up.”
“In a struggling economy, Indiana is right to be focused on jobs and economic development, but that growth has to be well-balanced with reducing the harm of noxious air to kids and others vulnerable to air pollution. EPA’s decision is a very positive step in ensuring that Hoosiers in Northwest Indiana share in both economic development and improved environmental quality,” says Hoosier Environmental Council Executive Director Jesse Kharbanda.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Assembly passed the Electronic Products Recycling Bill (Senate Bill 107) that requires manufacturers to take responsibility for the growing problem of electronic waste. The new bill, authored by Senator Mark Miller and cosponsored by Representative Penny Bernard Schaber, passed with a bipartisan vote of 57-37.
“Electronic waste is the fastest growing toxic segment of the solid waste stream, and this Wisconsin legislation is part of the solution,” said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center, which advised on policy and built support for the legislation. “This legislation helps solve our e-waste problems, creates jobs and makes recycling easier for residents. It’s a win-win-win for Wisconsin.”
When electronic products end up in landfills, the toxins such as lead, mercury cadmium and beryllium can seep into our soil and groundwater. Products that aren’t recycled responsibly can also end up in salvage yards in developing nations where their toxins can contaminate air and water and damage the health of low-paid laborers who dismantle them.
To address this issue, 19 other states have enacted similar electronics recycling bills that require electronics manufacturers to set up a take-back program for used electronics or to partner with local recyclers to offer residents more electronics recycling venues close to home. The Electronic Products Recycling Act will ensure that Wisconsin residents have free, convenient options to recycle their electronic products.
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The Environmental Law and Policy Center is the Midwest’s leading environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization www.ELPC.org
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
ELPC Applauds Passage of Wisconsin’s Electronic Products Recycling Bill
Legislation will reduce toxic pollution and create jobs
On Tuesday, the Wisconsin Assembly passed the Electronic Products Recycling Bill (Senate Bill 107) that requires manufacturers to take responsibility for the growing problem of electronic waste. The new bill, authored by Senator Mark Miller and cosponsored by Representative Penny Bernard Schaber, passed with a bipartisan vote of 57-37.
“Electronic waste is the fastest growing toxic segment of the solid waste stream, and this Wisconsin legislation is part of the solution,” said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center, which advised on policy and built support for the legislation. “This legislation helps solve our e-waste problems, creates jobs and makes recycling easier for residents. It’s a win-win-win for Wisconsin.”
When electronic products end up in landfills, the toxins such as lead, mercury cadmium and beryllium can seep into our soil and groundwater. Products that aren’t recycled responsibly can also end up in salvage yards in developing nations where their toxins can contaminate air and water and damage the health of low-paid laborers who dismantle them.
To address this issue, 19 other states have enacted similar electronics recycling bills that require electronics manufacturers to set up a take-back program for used electronics or to partner with local recyclers to offer residents more electronics recycling venues close to home. The Electronic Products Recycling Act will ensure that Wisconsin residents have free, convenient options to recycle their electronic products.
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The Environmental Law and Policy Center is the Midwest’s leading environmental legal advocacy and eco-business innovation organization www.ELPC.org
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
ELPC stood with its coalition partners in front of the Fisk coal plant in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood to announce the next step in our campaign to clean up Illinois’ coal plants.
Midwest Generation, LLC faces a legal challenge from a coalition of Illinois health and environmental groups for releasing illegally high amounts of particulate matter that leads to respiratory illnesses and premature deaths in nearby communities.
The coalition members, Citizens Against Ruining the Environment, The Environmental Law & Policy Center, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), The Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago and Sierra Club, filed a 60-day notice of their legal challenge today, the first step in a Clean Air Act citizen suit. This action brings a new legal development in an ongoing campaign by environmental, health and community groups representing the communities in which the coal plants are located.
Researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health have found that pollution from 9 coal plants in northern Illinois causes 311 premature deaths, 4100 emergency room visits, and 21,500 asthma attacks annually. Midwest Generation owns coal plants in Chicago, Waukegan, Joliet, Romeoville and Pekin, Illinois.
Read ELPC’s press release here.
Watch: ABC7 Chicago’s coverage of the story.
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Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Indianapolis – Business and environmental leaders gathered in Indianapolis today to make the case for national efficiency standards that will help our state reap the benefits from energy efficiency. A recent study shows that energy efficiency standards can create thousands of new jobs in Indiana and save consumers over $1 billion on utility bills.
The backdrop to the event was a training class on building insulation, part of the weatherization job training program at the Indianapolis Community Action Association (INCAA). Energy efficiency funding in the federal economic stimulus has grown the training program at INCAA and created opportunities for unemployed workers in Indianapolis.
Read the full press release on energy efficiency standards and Indiana.
Monday, June 1, 2009
New residential buildings in Illinois will be more energy efficient, save money on energy bills and avoid pollution because of the new residential energy efficient building code passed the General Assembly on Sunday. House Bill 3987, sponsored by Representative Julie Hamos and Senator Don Harmon, will make energy efficient “green building” practices standard for every new home built and substantial rehab in Illinois. The Energy Efficient Building Code will require all new buildings to conform to the current International Energy Conservation Code.
Read the full press release on the new energy efficiency law.
