Judge Carr wrote in his Opinion that the Ohio EPA, “is essentially delaying, and intends to continue to delay indefinitely, a TMDL for western Lake Erie in favor of alleged half measures.” And continues, “Even more significantly, perhaps, Ohio does not have a plan to change course should those measures fail to remediate Lake Erie.” 

We plan to move for summary judgment and a full ruling on the merits of the case by spring 2020 so that the State of Ohio can move expeditiously in adopting enforceable regulatory standards that are sufficient to reduce phosphorus (mostly manure and fertilizer) runoff pollution into Western Lake Erie by 40% by 2025 as Ohio has committed to do. The goal is to clean up Lake Erie sooner, rather than later, and bring an end to the recurring severe toxic algae outbreaks.

ELPC is joined by co-plaintiff Lucas County. The Cities of Toledo and Oregon have also weighed in with their support for requiring TMDLs.
 
Thank you for your ongoing support. We are proud of these results and while here is much more work to be done, we won’t stop fighting. Please let me know if you have any questions or suggestions. 

Best wishes,

Howard A. Learner
Executive Director,
Environmental Law & Policy Center
 
P.S. The $15,000 match is only good through Giving Tuesday. Please give generously today and help us continue the fight to protect the Great Lakes.