ELPC Files Civil Rights Complaint Against Indiana Environmental Agency

Represented by ELPC, Gary Advocates for Responsible Development (GARD) re-filed a complaint with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of External Civil Rights Compliance. We asserted that the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) violated the Civil Rights Act of 1964 when it renewed the permit for Maya Energy to build and operate a waste processing facility near the predominantly Black neighborhood of Glen Park and across the street from a K-12 school.

“It is no small coincidence that Gary is a predominantly non-white city and is home to the largest concentration of industrial pollution in the state,” said Mike Zoeller, ELPC Senior Attorney. “While IDEM may not have intended to create the disproportionate amount of industry and resulting pollution in Gary, the Civil Rights Act requires the state agency to consider the discriminatory effects of its permitting decisions to avoid the kind of disparities that exist today.”

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News & Updates

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

A Mixed Session for State Legislatures Across the Midwest

ELPC’s policy advocates have worked hard in Midwest states this season, advancing important bills to reduce pollution, protect public health, and advance clean energy and transportation solutions.

CLEAN WATER

ELPC Reaction to Dangerous U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Sackett v. EPA

A new decision from the U.S. Supreme Court rolls back critical federal protections for most wetlands. ELPC Senior Attorney Scott Strand said: “Unfortunately, the court’s decision means dirtier water, more uncontrolled flooding, more net carbon emissions, and a significant loss of wildlife habitat.”

CLEAN ENERGY

ELPC Supports EPA’s Plan to Cut Pollution from Power Plants

EPA’s new standards would avoid over 600 million metric tons of carbon dioxide pollution from fossil fuel power plants. ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner said, “EPA’s proposal is a necessary step to advance the carbon pollution reductions called for by the world’s leading scientists.”

CELEBRATING MILESTONES

Chicago Area Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Honors ELPC

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago's Board of Commissioners issued a resolution honoring ELPC’s 30th anniversary. It noted our work combating climate change, advancing clean energy & transportation, improving air quality, and protecting natural resources - including the Great Lakes.

ACTION CENTER

Urge EPA to Strengthen Heavy-Duty Vehicle Standards

Urge EPA to Strengthen Passenger Vehicle Standards

UPCOMING EVENTS

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NEWS ROUNDUP

WTTW: In a Win for Opponents, Army Corps Pulls Back on Pre-Construction Activity at Site of Proposed 25-Foot ‘Toxic Tower’
CBS News Chicago: Report Shows How Badly Lake Michigan is Affected by Rising Water Levels, Climate Change
ELPC Blog: The Bullseye on Agriculture Climate Programs
ELPC Thinks: Rep. Eric Sorensen (IL-17)
ELPC Statement: U.S. Supreme Court Decision Affirms States’ Rights to Regulate CAFOs to Protect Animal Welfare and Supports States Advancing Innovative Climate Solutions
Post Tribune: Environmental Groups Urge Caution with Gary Lime Manufacturer’s IDEM Permit Renewal
Indiana Public Radio: Gary Advocates Call for Tighter Pollution Requirements for Lime Manufacturing Plant
ELPC Statement: Conservation Groups React to Wisconsin Court Decision Upholding Public Service Commission’s Approval of Cardinal-Hickory Creek Transmission Line

We're all in to protect the Midwest's environment.

Founded in 1993, the Environmental Law & Policy Center is the Midwest's leading environmental legal advocacy organization. We advocate, innovate, and litigate to protect the Midwest's environment from the Great Lakes to the Great Plains.

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