This year we made significant advances when it came to our efforts to protect water from coal ash and inspire change towards our renewable energy goals.
Middle Fork
In May, we filed a lawsuit against Dynegy for violations of the Clean Water Act and their continual seepage of coal ash into the Middle Fork. The lawsuit elevated the Middle Fork to a national level, landing the issue in the Chicago Tribune, The New York Times, and other newspapers across the country. The Middle Fork was also recognized as one of American Rivers’ Most Endangered Rivers for 2018. While the lawsuit was dismissed, the federal judge acknowledged the serious threat to the river and said the Clean Water Act doesn’t apply here. We have appealed their decision.
Also on the Middle Fork, we helped convince the Army Corps of Engineers to take a closer look at a bank armoring permit that would bury 2,000 feet of riverbank in stone, leaving a scar on the National Scenic River. The Corps announced a comment period that will give the public a voice in the permitting process they might otherwise not have had, and the comment period is open until January 10th.
Coal Ash
With our national partners, we won a lawsuit requiring the US EPA to strengthen the federal coal ash rule, including requirements that closed power plants, like the Vermilion Power Station, be regulated by the rule. These plants were previously unregulated. Until we won the lawsuit, the US EPA had been in the process of gutting the rule. This is a big win that will affect plants across the country, not just those in Illinois.
PRN led a coalition of environmental and community groups to Springfield to release a report on the impact of improperly stored coal ash on groundwater in Illinois. The report, which we co-authored, shows that 22 of the 24 power plants reviewed have pollution of groundwater above health based standards. We called for coal ash reform with permanent protection of our water, a process that gives the public a voice, and a guarantee the polluter pays.
Energy
We worked with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition to share information with communities about the Future Energy Jobs Act. Our work with the Coalition, partners, and communities will also help shape and advance future energy policy that will expand renewable energy, lead to a carbon-free power sector, electrify transportation, and ensure that equitable jobs are at the heart of our clean energy movement.
In collaboration with the People’s Climate Movement, we supported and helped organize the September 8th Rise for Climate events in communities around downstate Illinois, mobilizing people to raise their voices for climate action. This effort has expanded our network and sparked a movement.
Last but not least, we also co-sponsored the Solar Urbana-Champaign 3.0 group buy program in Champaign and Piatt Counties, hosting over 20 solar educational events that generated commitments for over 555 kW of solar on 45 properties in the two-county area. We hope to see this effort expand across East Central Illinois.
None of this would have been possible if not for you, our members, who supported all of these efforts with messages of support, letters to legislators, attending events, and going to Springfield. Thank you!
