While this year has been fraught with a number of challenges in our efforts to protect water, there have been amazing bright spots. This is just a taste of some of the progress we have made in safeguarding Illinois’ water resources.
Following last year’s win with the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, our energy team has been working hard to ensure the rules that regulate coal ash are as strong and protective as possible. The rulemaking process has continued despite the COVID-19 crisis with virtual hearings in August and September. Scores of folks signed our petition, and over a hundred people spoke at the online hearing.
Is Your Water Safe?
In May, PRN Agricultural Programs Specialist Catie Gregg began a survey of rural wells to raise awareness of the dangers of nitrate in our drinking water. Elevated levels of nitrates in drinking water could mean you or your family are at a higher risk for certain health conditions (i.e., blue baby syndrome, certain cancers, and thyroid issues). Sixty-five nitrate test kits were sent across Illinois while additional educational materials were sent to many others.
We joined partners in several lawsuits challenging the harmful practices of several federal agencies. We are working together against the Trump administration’s EPA, the Fish & Wildlife Service, and the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure better protection for wetlands and headwater streams, Lake Sturgeon, and the Mississippi River.
Our Clean Water Act lawsuit against Dynegy for illegal discharges on the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River has made progress this year after some initial setbacks. The lawsuit has received national attention as one of the first applications of an important US Supreme Court decision on a similar Clean Water Act case in Maui. PRN is currently fighting another attempt by Dynegy to have the case dismissed, and we’ll continue fighting to protect the Middle Fork, Illinois’ only National Scenic River.
Plan for the Future
The Illinois State Water Plan is being updated for the first time in 40 years. The plan provides guidance on how the state manages water resources, covering issues from water quality and climate change to recreation and equity of access. This is a tremendous opportunity for Illinois to create a bold, inclusive vision for Illinois’ water resources, and PRN has several staff working with state agency personnel to ensure that the plan protects public health and the environment.
American Rivers designated the Upper Mississippi as America’s #1 Most Endangered Rivers®. This the second year in a row it landed on the list. PRN Water Resources Associate Ryan Grosso helped rally support from our membership to take action to protect the river. PRN also joined with the National Wildlife Federation and three other conservation groups in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers over the impacts of its plan for managing a 195-mile section of the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri and Cairo, Illinois.
None of this work would be possible without the continued support of our dedicated members. Thank you for helping us protect water across Illinois!
