Kicking Coal Ash and Taking Names
More than 400 Sierrans came to Chicago (photo gallery), met with EPA, and kicked the coal ash industry's arguments to the curb. EPA came to town for one of 6 public hearings on a new rule to regulate coal ash. From contaminated wells in Will County to toxic dust in Washington County coal ash is one of the dirty, toxic secrets of the coal industry. As we burn coal we break the chemical bonds between carbon and several heavy metals. The carbon goes up into the atmosphere (hence that little problem we call global warming) and the heavy metals that have serious health impacts remain concentrated in the ash. Some of the ash is used in concrete and other materials, but much of it either sits wet in unlined ponds where it can contaminate groundwater, or dries in piles where it is carried far and wide. Thanks to those that testified (especially if you were in that 11:50 pm time slot). If you couldn't make it in person you can still be part of the action by sending in your comment today.
Our Future's So Bright, We Gotta Wear Shades 
Illinois' future got brighter August 17, 2010, when Governor Quinn signed our solar bills HB 6202 and HB 5429 into law. House Bill 6202 requires Illinois' regulated utilities to start buying some electricity from solar power plants starting in 2012, with steadily
increasing amounts until 2015, when 6% of renewable energy purchases
must come from solar power plants. By creating a stable market solar industries will be willing to invest in Illinois and as a result 5000 new jobs are expected to be created in the state.
House Bill 5429 or the Solar Bill of Rights removes barriers by homeowner and condo associations to placing solar panels on your roof. Removing those barriers is key to the future of solar, as installing small units on homes, businesses and reducing electricity losses through transmission are the areas for the greatest potential growth in the solar sector.
Illinois Sierrans pulled out all the stops to help get these bills passed. You visited and called legislators or took action through previous Prairie State Protectors. Consequently, we are one step closer to transitioning from the dirty fuels of the past. Thank you for being part of this victory for Illinois' energy future.
Dreaming A Reality
After nearly
five years of effort, the dream of the Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge is moving closer to reality. Staff members from the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service will be hosting four public meetings this October to seek
input from local residents and user groups on the
potential refuge.
The meetings will utilize an open format allowing
members of the public to spend one-on-one time with service staff members to
answer questions, offer comments and provide ideas about the refuge. Two
Illinois meetings will occur at the McHenry
County Government Center
Administration Building at 667 Ware
St, Woodstock IL (map) on October 12 and
Lost Valley Visitor
Center in Glacial Park (Harts Rd. & Rt. 31, Ringwood
IL) (map) on October 13. Two Wisconsin meetings will be held but dates and locations have yet
to be announced.
The open
houses will be held from 4-8 p.m. If you are unable to attend one of the public meetings, you can still be part of the dream for a new refuge, by submitting a comment.
