This Month Across the Midwest

► OCTOBER 2023 NEWSLETTER

EPA's Disappointing Move on Lake Erie

After years of litigation, Ohio finally released its plan to clean up Lake Erie earlier this year. Unfortunately, the Ohio plan was woefully insufficient to fighting the phosphorus pollution that has been causing toxic algae outbreaks for years. Last week, the U.S. EPA has approved the plan anyway, meaning it could be a long road to recovery for the waters of Lake Erie.

“The public deserves better from state and federal officials to take the necessary actions to clean up Lake Erie now and not let this environmental and public health tragedy continue indefinitely. ELPC and the Lucas County Board of Commissioners are carefully considering further legal action that is necessary now to clean up Lake Erie soon, not sometime much later, said Howard Learner, Executive Director at the Environmental Law & Policy Center.

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News & Updates

WILD & NATURAL PLACES

Ensuring a Strong Future for NEPA, Our Bedrock Environmental Law

The National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) is a critical tool for ELPC’s work, helping us to protect the Great Lakes and our environment. Unfortunately, many have sought to undercut NEPA and make development easier at the expense of communities and climate. The Biden administration’s latest fixes will mean a stronger, smarter NEPA.

Wisconsin Coalition Calls for Logging Project Reconsideration

ELPC and 28 allied organizations sent a letter to the US Forest Service on Sept. 19, urging a halt to logging of mature and old-growth trees in Wisconsin’s Northwoods. The Fourmile logging project in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest endangers the state’s endangered American Pine Marten, an Ojibwe clan animal.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION

Make the Most of Your Miles with Stronger Fuel Economy Standards

Last week, ELPC testified at the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s hearing in support of stronger Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards for new cars, light trucks, heavy-duty pickups, and vans. Strong standards save consumers money at the pump, reduce oil use, increase energy security, and protect our health.

CLEAN AIR

ELPC Data Shows Stronger Soot Standards Would Protect More People

ELPC joined the public health community in calling on EPA to create stronger standards for particulate matter air pollution. Too many unhealthy areas are overlooked by current standards, so ELPC conducted an analysis of air quality monitoring data in Chicago to show what stronger protections might look like.

ELPC Staff Retreat

Last week, ELPC staff came together from multiple offices for our annual retreat. Staff met with local partners/clients and visited communities & natural areas that we are fighting to protect in Chicago and Indiana.

AWARDS & RECOGNITION

ELPC Awarded by American Bar Association

ELPC has recently been honored with the prestigious American Bar Association Award for Excellence in Environmental, Energy, and Resources Stewardship.

We are grateful for the recognition!

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Join the Drive for Cleaner Cars

NEWS ROUNDUP

Michigan Public Radio: Supreme Court Receives Friend of the Court Briefs in Manure Case
The U.S. Sun: What Lies Beneath: Inside Five-Mile ‘Secret City’ Buried Under Major Metropolis Used as Movie Setting with Shops, Cafes & Abandoned Tunnels
ELPC Blog: Protecting Michigan Manure Regulations
Chicago Classic Magazine: A Win-Win-Win for the Environment
ELPC Blog: Celebrating National Wilderness Month in the Midwest
Chicago Sun Times: Johnson Unveils City Reforms to Fight Environmental Racism

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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