July 2021 ENews from Across the Midwest
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This Month Across the Midwest
** ► JULY 2021 NEWSLETTER
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** Transmission Companies Admit Secret Text Messaging with PSC Commissioner in Driftless Area Transmission Line Case
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ELPC public interest attorneys on behalf of our clients, the Driftless Area Land Conservancy and Wisconsin Wildlife Federation, are challenging the destructive and unneeded Cardinal-Hickory Creek transmission line through the scenic Driftless Area's landscape, communities and vital natural resources. One key issue has been extensive improper ex parte communications ([link removed]) between the transmission companies and the Wisconsin Public Service Commissioner who led the process to approve the line.
Because of theimproper communications ([link removed]) , the transmission companies have asked the Commission to “rescind” its decision to approve the huge transmission line. They are essentially admitting their wrongdoing and that the Commission’s approval was tainted by bias, or at least the appearance of bias. We are opposing their requested stay and asking the Court to allow discovery to establish the facts on bias and the due process violations, and then decide the case.
** News and Updates
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** WILD & NATURAL PLACES
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** Coalition to Expand Wilderness in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula ([link removed])
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ELPC has joined with more than 60 environmental, outdoor recreation, academic, political, religious, and business organizations from across the Upper Peninsula and Michigan in a campaign to expand Federal Wilderness areas across the U.P. The proposed areas include the Ehlco area, the Trap Hills, Norwich Plains, and the Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness Addition. We want to ensure that these rare and beautiful places in the U.P. stay pristine for our use, enjoyment, and spiritual rejuvenation — both today and for generations to come. Learn more at www.KeeptheUPWild.com
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** CLEAN WATER
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** U.S. House Shows Strong Support for Great Lakes Funding ([link removed])
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The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) is an effective, bipartisan program has already achieved strong results for the Midwest and the Great Lakes. The House Appropriations Committee approved full funding for GLRI in FY2022 – $375 million. ELPC is a vocal advocate for this funding, and we are thrilled to see such strong support continue for this vital program. We will continue to advocate for full passage through Congress.
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** CLEAN ENERGY
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** Suing Iowa Utilities Board for Refusal to Evaluate MidAmerican Coal Plants ([link removed])
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ELPC, Iowa Environmental Council, and the Sierra Club are appealing a decision by the Iowa Utilities Board to allow MidAmerican to evade review of its coal plants. MidAmerican Energy Company claims to be making progress toward its 100% renewable vision, but MidAmerican cannot be 100% renewable until it retires its uneconomic coal plants.
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** CLEAN TRANSPORTATION
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** INVEST Act Invites Rethinking Transportation in the Midwest ([link removed])
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ELPC was pleased to see the INVEST Act passed in the House of Representatives last week, with a focus on resiliency, safety, accountability, and fix-it-first priorities. We hope to see the Senate get on board, rather than building new highways while our old ones deteriorate, we should maintain the system we have first. The proposed investments in transit and passenger rail are vital to connect our cities and towns, improve mobility, reduce climate pollution, and create good jobs.
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** UPCOMING EVENT
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** SAVE THE DATE
Friday, September 24
Chicago, IL
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Celebrating Live and In Person
(Fingers crossed!)
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** JOB OPENINGS
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** Data Scientist ([link removed])
Director of Human Resources ([link removed])
Ohio Public Interest Litigation Attorney ([link removed])
Paralegal ([link removed])
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** Legal Assistant ([link removed])
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** CONVERSATIONS WE'RE FOLLOWING
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* ELPC Blog ([link removed]) :Transit Standards Should Focus on Outcomes not just Outputs
* Michigan NPR ([link removed]) : Consumers Energy to shut down all coal-burning power plants by 2025
* ELPC Blog ([link removed]) : No More Smoke and Mirrors: Restoring Sound Science in Clean Air Cost-Benefit Analysis
* Grist ([link removed]) : The Feds Just Threw a Wrench into Enbridge’s Plan to Keep Line 5 Running
* ELPC Blo ([link removed]) g ([link removed]) : ELPC Testifies to Fix Flawed EPA Rules & Reduce Vehicle Pollution
* Indiana Environmental Reporter ([link removed]) : “Environmental Groups, Farm Bureau Federation at Odds over Biden Plan to Revise Waterways Definition.”
* Better Government Association ([link removed]) : Biden’s Infrastructure Push Challenges Illinois’ Car-Centric Approach
** We're all in to protect the Midwest's environment.
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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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