Clean air advocates and some progressive members of the Chicago City Council aren't waiting any longer for two coal-fired power plants to clean up their act.
For almost a decade now, environmental justice organizations have been fighting to clean up the two coal-fired power plants operated by energy company Midwest Generation in Chicago's Pilsen and Little Village neighborhoods. It's clear why. Under a provision in the federal Clean Air Act, coal plants are required to undergo major modifications to upgrade their pollution controls -- steps Midwest Gen has all but ignored. As a result, the two facilities spew large quantities of soot and other pollutants into the city air (45,000 tons in the past three years, according to the Chicago Clean Power Coalition). A 2001 Harvard study estimated that those emissions cause 41 premature deaths and 550 emergency room visits annually for ailments like asthma, heart disease, and cancer.
State and federal action, however, has been slow. While the U.S. Justice Department, on behalf of Attorney General Lisa Madigan and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, filed suit against Midwest Gen in federal court last year -- asserting that the plants violate the Clean Air Act -- the ensuing litigation could take years. State lawmakers also hammered out a deal in which the company agreed to install pollution control devices known as "scrubbers" at both plants , but not until 2015 at Fisk (Pilsen) and 2018 at Crawford (Little Village).
For clean air advocates and some progressive members of the Chicago City Council, that's just too long to wait. Tomorrow, Ald. Joe Moore (49th Ward) -- along with co-sponsors Toni Preckwinkle (4th Ward), Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward), Gene Shulter (47th Ward), and Sandi Jackson (7th Ward) -- plan to introduce an ordinance that would force Midwest Gen to reduce emissions of carbon dioxide and particulates within the next four years. "We are here to act more quickly, to fill in those gaps," said Faith Bugel of the Environmental Law and Policy Center at a press conference this morning. "And those gaps are major." Watch the sponsors echo that sentiment during the City Hall event:
According to a summary of the ordinance provided to reporters, the measure will require the plants to limit emissions of "PM/PM10" pollution by 90 percent. It would also target "PM/2.5" pollution, a smaller particle that is currently unregulated. Stricter carbon dioxide limits guiding natural gas plants are included, as well. Once the news standards go into effect for years from now, monthly reports on emissions tests would also be required. "This is an unprecedented ordinance to deal with an unprecedented problem," said Bugel.
At tomorrow's full council meeting, the bill will likely be referred to the Committee on Energy, Environmental Protection and Public Utilities. While he doesn't have enough votes yet to secure passage, Moore was optimistic that his colleagues would sign on. A nudge from Mayor Richard Daley would certainly help. While Hizzoner has so far kept mum on the question of a city-wide coal ordinance, Moore was quick to point out that the Daley administration's own Climate Action Plan recommends upgrading existing coal plants.
If the ordinance ultimately passes, Midwest Gen will undoubtedly challenge its legitimacy in court on grounds that similar pollution control measures are being advanced at the federal or state level. After the press conference, Moore said the measure should stand up to legal scrutiny thanks to the city's "broad home rule authority" to protect public health: "I'm very confident that, if tried, we would prevail."
Share
The main reason for environmental disorder is ejection of harmful gases in the atmosphere which results in several major problems like acid rain,global warming etc.Cleaning up coal and carbon compund from the atmosphere is not an easy task hence this require maximum effort and cooperation of each individual.
Making coal pollution stop has become a problem that interests all social, environmental and health associations! It's a public health problem. And the impact on the population, the already ill one, is very high! The only "good" thing in all this is that we have many people coming in for some severe symptoms and we discover some very serious illness that has to be treated, as it is another issue of public health! For example, many people who live in cities close to coal factories come with very nasty pulmonary symptoms, and when we apply the routine hiv tests we discover they are positive. Those people never knew, and some of them are in a stage when we can control it fairly well. Other that that, the coal pollution has to be on the top 10 list of the most dangerous for public health, and has to stop!
The air has been so bad for so long anyway, I'm just wondering when it will stop poisoning us and our children. Any steps forward will be just that, steps forward.
Fiat Beograd
Good info and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is actually the best place to ask but do you guys have any thoughts on where to hire some professional writers? Thank you
online games
Very good read,i will bookmark you and read all your posts as i get home Tassimo brewpot coffee maker review
This is truly a great read for me. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles.Keep up the good work!
::satellite direct::
This article highlights a number of good points and opinions, great piece of writing.
Its all about the education. Some good points brought up in the article. furniture packages
Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk
online textingHjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk
Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk
Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk
slewing ring Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk
Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk Hjhfkjhdj hjhkjdhkhk
There are a lot of reason behind the environmental disorders. Smoke and pollution pollutes our environment a lot which results in global warming.
Power Plate
Personal Trainer
There is an article that gives great insight to foundational elements when it comes to being able to successfully make money on the internet. Holley Tlatelpa
Our friendly & professional personal advisors are trained to provide you with expert advice on bankruptcy and other debt solutions like debt consolidation. We have a proven track record in the field of personal insolvency. Our CEO is a Chartered Accountant and Registered Trustee in Bankruptcy so rest assured you will receive the best possible personal insolvency advice to help solve your financial problems.
I think This article highlights a number of good points and opinions, great piece of writing.
Car Games
This is a fantastic website and I can not recommend you guys enough. Full of useful resource and great layout very easy on the eyes. Please do keep up this great work. Medical Assistant
People who need digital photo frames should get it from NIX
Coal ash is a major element which is increasing the rate of pollution tremendously.Not only Chicago but other countries are also facing the same situation.This growing movement is responsible for the restricting polluting element in our atmosphere.
Vibrators
I am often to blogging and i really appreciate your content. The article has really peaks my interest. I am going to
hampton bay ceiling fans
Cordless Phone
hampton bay lighting
Chair And A Half
Shark Steam Cleaner
bed bug bites
We must take care of our environment. Our mother nature needs our help. Zetaclear
Great article :) thanks for sharing this information I never really thought about it like that.
Womens Wide Shoes
This growing movement is responsible for the restricting polluting element in our atmosphere.
Designer Earrings
If you hear the word cruise, I was reminded grim tale of sea tourism, namely the Titanic. Hopefully things like this do not happen again, and became a valuable lesson for us all.
casino muisti
casino
Good info and straight to the point. I don’t know if this is actually the best place to ask but do you guys have any thoughts on where to hire some professional writers? Thank you
Coal is a pollutant which is causing various troubles to us in a very short time period.As it is a carbon compound it increases the volume of carbon in our atmosphere and hence increases the CO2 level.A major initiative was required for to prevent these steps.
SEO Expert
For the last few of weeks, I managed to go though only some of content articles you share here, but I come across them as particularly fascinating and informative assets. Just want say thanks for that information and facts you've shared. Regards!
gas card
Swopper der ergonomische Bürostuhl für gesundes Sitzen. Hier im Swopper Shop.
Outstanding post, you have pointed out some excellent points , I too believe this s a very wonderful website.
http://arabsix.info
Thanks for sharing. http://sixpackabs101.net/
Great to know the -- in depth from this blog.This will really help for my forward steps to be taken.
wherever there's a will I am in it.. but wherever there's a fight I am not
http://www.iphone5gblog.com
Here in Germany, some of the companies already be prepared Wintereifen CO ² neutral. With the company Le Creuset in France and VSCT in the Turkey is also onthat way. It is, therefore, if you want.
I look forward to some answers from you.
Regards
Peter
Visit http://www.winterreifenonline.eu or http://www.starcooks24.de for CO2 neutral products.
How Much Coal And Pollution Will Be Caused By Sen.Reids New Train?
Senator Reid added a Earmark to build a new railway/ train track to the Bunny Ranch / penthouse pigs to and from From Disney. Won't this worsen their 'GLOBAL WARMING" problem?
I think Global Warming is BS but how do the people feel who Protest Coal and fight against pollution?
chiropractic marketing
coal is very dangerous as it contain poisonous elements.
pretty cool, very much interesting topic.
thank you for sharing this information.
This is a very common step usually people taken in favor of Aldermen step coal fight.Usually we don't have much information on this content but this blog provides a lot to the viewers through this blog.
http://bedbugsuperdogs.com/
I am pleased to obtain your distinguished way of writing the post CHECK THIS http://www.bournemouthairportparking.org
*I was very pleased to find this web-site.I wanted to thanks for your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I have you bookmarked to check out new stuff you blog post.
solid state drive
web development in Pakistan
I do not want my children to have no future to have no world for cheap energy today. In the meantime we are looking for interns in the following areas. Please note these jobs will require working late on
Friday nights in London and Saturday nights in London
We can give them a good education that they can use in their life to get a better chance in this life. Im sure with a good education all of us will see the changing that all that kids can have Russian Translations
For a healthy environment,We have to just avoid all poisonous obstacle which have been causing harmful with unsatisfactory situation and make its proper solution which is actually an important and essential for everyone.So above explanation regarding the step taken in coal fight will definitely an impressive with successful steps.http://www.bsiproductdevelopment.com/
Thanks good articles you can find in the net explaining everything in detail regarding the topic. I thank you for taking your time sharing your thoughts and ideas to a lot alat kesehatan|medical hospital equiment
great news love illinois
iPad 3
iPhone 5 Jailbreak
A great blog and very helpfull post. I really like it.
Thanks for sharing this.
http://www.bestchristmastoy.org | http://www.tomtomxxl540t.com
Very interesting post . I have some usefull information about turism on my turism and business tips blog
thank you for sharing such a wonderful piece of information.
cheers
iphone 5
I've been here and it's beautiful, but I've never heard the story. I really enjoyed that. I bought a little trinket and I think it's in my sons toy chest, but I'll have to find it. It means so much more now. Thanks for the story! gastric bypass diet
Severe action must be taken to prevent these kinds of pollution in the world. blogspot for online mbas
Recent content
- Trumbull School Parents Ramp Up To File Lawsuit Against CPS
- Pension Saga Continues As Quinn, State Leaders OK Conference Committee
- Labor Groups: Future CTA Rail Car Makers Must Disclose Local Job Details
- Search For DePaul Arena Architect Underway
- Madigan Petitions For Second Concealed Carry Appeal Extension
- Jackson Jr.: Send Me To Jail First
- Former Chicago Alderman Convicted Of Bribery
- Lawmakers Want Vote On Union-Backed Pension Bill, Daley Releases Own Plan
- Equality Illinois Rolls Out 'Fight Back For Marriage' Campaign
- Quinn Signs Fracking Bill
- IL Universities' Proposal On Pensions Headed To Committee
- 'Where Fresh Is' Campaign Encourages Illinoisans To Buy Local Produce
- The Fight For Marriage Equality Rages On In Illinois
Comments
Login or register to post comments