Pooling seeps of toxic coal ash waste, the red material in the river bank, from Dynegy’s Vermilion Power Plant in Oakwood, Illinois, can be seen leaking into the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. Springfield, IL — Yesterday, the Illinois Legislature passed SB9, The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act , which now heads to the Governor’s desk. The groundbreaking bill addresses the many waste pits filled with coal ash, the toxic byproduct of burning coal, located all over the state. Illinois is now the third state in the country to pass legislation providing significant coal ash protections above and beyond federal requirements. The legislation creates a regulatory framework to ensure polluters, not taxpayers, pay for needed closure and cleanup, guarantees public participation and transparency around cleanups for affected communities, and provides Illinois EPA the funds it needs to properly oversee closure and cleanup. It also requires Illinois to put in place standards for coal ash impoundments that are at least as protective as federal coal ash rule requirements, with additional protections against dust and water pollution. SB9 amends the Illinois Environmental Protection Act and was sponsored by State Sen. Scott Bennett (D-Champaign). State Rep. Carol Ammons (D-Champaign) sponsored the […]
Latest Articles
Benefits of Agricultural Lime for Plant and Livestock Farming
Takeaways: Agricultural lime is taken from either chalk or pulverized limestone and acts in the capacity of an additive for the soil when applied.
...
What If States Turn Pavement Into Charging Stations?
Takeaways: If states invested in pavement charging stations, there would be a $1.2 trillion in public health benefits and $1.7 trillion in climate benefits...
3D-Printed Terracotta Coral Reefs Could Save the ‘Rainforests of the Sea’
Takeaways: Researchers in Israel have developed a method of 3D printing corals which will help regrow bleached reefs.
They believe that corals and other...
Renewable Energy is Expected to Make a Record Rise in 2022
Takeaways: The International Energy Agency is forecasting a significant growth in renewable energy as a result of rising concerns over climate change and energy...
5,000 of the World’s Smallest Penguins Waddle onto Australian Beach in Record-Breaking Parade
Takeaways: Over 5200 little penguins participated in the largest "penguin parade" on Philp's Island in Australia.
These are the world's smallest penguin species which...
Scuba Divers Remove More Than 25,000 Pounds of Debris from Lake Tahoe
Takeaways: Volunteer scuba divers have removed 25 281 pounds of trade from Lake Tahoe.
They found engagement rings, cameras, and plastic bottles in their...