March 2020: Action Across the Region
Big update in our battle against toxic algae blooms in Lake Erie. Ohio has told the court that they plan to implement a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL), or pollution cap, as required by the Clean Water Act. The TMDL would set limits on how much manure and fertilizer can run off into the waterways – the main cause of toxic algae.
 
This concession by the Ohio EPA is an important first step, and one ELPC has pushed for through our litigation, but as with any plan the devil is in the details. Ohio’s TMDL must be a strong, enforceable standard, and it must be implemented quickly. ELPC will be there every step of the way to ensure that happens. Read Toledo Blade coverage here.
ELPC’s federal legislative director Ann Mesnikoff testified before the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) at its second and final public hearing on the proposed rollback of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). None of the hearings were held in the Midwest, which is why ELPC organized 55 organizations across the region to call CEQ out for rushing this misguided rule and not hearing from all impacted parties.  

“The clear preference of this administration is to put bad policy first. This is the case with CEQ’s proposal and rush to move it forward; it’s as if CEQ is attempting to rename the law to the National Expediting Permitting Act," said Mesnikoff in her testimony. ELPC will be ready to challenge a final rule in court if needed. Read Ann’s full ELPC testimony here or watch Rachel Granneman’s video or Howard Learner’s video testimonies.
Michigan had two positive developments in our work to move the state to a clean, renewable energy future. Last week the Michigan Public Service Commission directed DTE to revise their Integrated Resources Plan. The utility did not sufficiently consider the economic value of renewable energy and energy efficiency. ELPC was an intervenor in this case and commends MPSC for this decision. “What remains to be seen is whether DTE will make meaningful changes to ensure its customers receive the economic, health and environmental benefits that clean, renewable energy has to offer,” said ELPC Senior Attorney Margrethe Kearney.

While DTE has been trying to shirk its environmental duties, another Michigan utility is stepping up to the climate challenge. Consumers Energy announced its commitment to net-zero carbon emissions. The utility will phase out coal plants, stop building natural gas plants, and otherwise offset its carbon footprint by 2040 if not sooner. With 6.5 million customers in Michigan – this is a big deal.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced plans to use $4.7 million of VW settlement funds to initiate an electric school bus pilot program. Our advocacy on this issue across the Midwest is paying off. Minnesota is joining other Midwest states like Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana that are also investing VW funds in electric school buses. School buses serve more people across the country than any other form of public transportation, and they serve a particularly important and vulnerable population: our children. An investment in safe transportation for our kids is an investment in the future of our communities.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Midwest’s favorite environmental party is just a few months away! Join us for what’s always a fun night. 

BUY TICKETS
ELPC'S PINTS FOR THE PLANET
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day

WHEN: Wednesday, April 22
WHERE: Participating bars across the Chicagoland Area 

Proceeds will help us continue to protect our beloved Midwest lakes and waterways because good beer needs clean water! So grab some friends, drink up and do good!
Join the solar industry’s 7th Annual Midwest Solar Expo in May
Network with 450+ solar, storage and utility execs at the 7th Annual Midwest Solar Expo, May 19-21, 2020 at the Graduate Minneapolis Hotel. Gain the latest market insights and trends while networking with hundreds of industry leaders. Register today!
ACTION CENTER
The Trump Administration's current budget proposal threatens to eliminate long-distance trains and severely cut Amtrak’s budget. Tell Congress to Invest in Passenger Rail. 
Tell the Trump administration to stop prioritizing corporate polluters and protect the National Environmental Policy Act. Protect your Voice, Protect the Environment, Protect NEPA
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