This year has presented significant hurdles to our water resources with the rollback of the Clean Water Act, significant flooding all year long, and threats posed by polluters. Despite those challenges, together we have taken huge steps in protecting our water in Illinois and beyond.
Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act
After years of work, advocacy, and grassroots organization, the Illinois General Assembly passed landmark legislation that will help protect the rivers and water of our state from coal ash, and PRN was there every step of the way in crafting the bill, helping organize grassroots turn out, and testifying before the Illinois EPA. The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act became law in July with the Governor’s signature.
The Middle Fork
Following immense pressure from the public, Dynegy/Vistra decided to revise its massive bank armoring project along the Middle Fork to a more environmentally friendly option. This is a big win! Thanks to everyone who spoke out about this project. Our state and federal lawsuits against the company continue to keep the pressure on the company to clean up the coal ash on the Middle Fork.
Upper Mississippi
In April, the Upper Mississippi River was designated as one of the ten Most Endangered Rivers in America. While this may not seem like something to celebrate, the designation affords the river much needed attention and resources, providing PRN and its partners with assistance in our advocacy efforts. The designation has led to heightened media attention on the issues threatening the river and coordinated advocacy to address those threats.
Working with our partners, PRN has successfully beaten back efforts by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to roll back some of Illinois’ most protective flood management regulations.
Illinois River
Thanks to a legal challenge threatened by PRN and the Sierra Club, an industrial facility that was polluting the Illinois River was forced to clean up its plant and to pay an award of $75,000, which was donated to the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge for a wetland restoration project on the Illinois River.
Cover Crops
The Illinois General Assembly passed a state budget with $300,000 for crop insurance rewards for farmers who plant cover crops. This is a significant advance for conservation as it encourages farmers to consider planting cover crops to lower their overall crop insurance bill. PRN worked with partners to ensure the budget included this important way to help build healthier soil, reduce runoff, and protect our rivers and drinking water from harmful nitrates.
None of this would be possible if not for the continued support and contributions from our members. Volunteering your time to get signatures, traveling to Springfield for Lobby Day, and the support you give through your donations have had an enormous impact in protecting our water in 2019.
Thank you!
