It’s Time to Write Governor Pritzker
By signing SB9, The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, Governor Pritzker has come out on the right side of protecting communities and our environment from coal ash pollution. And, during the 2018 gubernatorial campaign, he tweeted the following in response to an article that appeared in the Chicago Tribune in January 2018 about coal ash and the Middle Fork:
Coal ash pollution is a threat to our environment and public health, and it’s time Illinois had a governor who is committed to protecting our environment. Unlike Bruce Rauner, that’s the type of leader I’ll be. – J.B. Pritzker
It’s time to remind him of Governor Pritzker of this commitment to protect Illinois’ National Scenic River from coal ash pollution, and ask him to work with John Kim, Acting Director, Illinois EPA to require Dynegy-Midwest Generations to move its toxic ash from the floodplain of the Middle Fork, Illinois’ National Scenic River. That’s the only permanent solution for the leaking ash pits that are vulnerable to the natural forces of this meandering river.
Read the letter. Then add your contact information in the form to the right to access the letter and send. Personalizing the letter will have the greatest impact.
Click to read more.Dear Governor Pritzker and Director Kim:
With the passage of the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, Illinois has taken an important step forward in protecting its groundwater and surface waters from coal ash contamination. However, the future of Illinois’ only National Scenic River, the Middle Fork of the Vermilion, remains in jeopardy. As a resident and voter in Illinois, I am writing to ask you to take action to secure the long-term preservation of this irreplaceable resource.
Vistra-Dynegy is seeking approval from the IEPA to reinforce the riverbank and leave nearly 3.3 million cubic yards of toxic coal ash waste in leaking, unlined pits along the Middle Fork. IEPA representatives have assured the public they will only approve a solution if it protects the river in perpetuity. Yet, an independent expert has testified that regardless of bank stabilization efforts, the Middle Fork will continue its relentless move toward the coal ash pits to reclaim the floodplain. This means that unless the coal ash is relocated, taxpayers will forever be paying for monitoring, repair and possible cleanup of toxic coal ash, and the people of Vermilion County will be forced to live with the threat of a spill. This is unacceptable and should not be allowed by our elected leaders and the agencies that are mandated to protect Illinois residents and our valuable natural resources.
Other states are taking action. Coal ash is being successfully removed from coal ash pits in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Why not on the Middle Fork?
We believe that you, as Illinois’ governor and the head of its Environmental Protection Agency have a responsibility to take a stand on this issue and protect the health, safety and economic interests of Illinois citizens.
Call for the removal of the coal ash from the floodplain of Illinois’ only National Scenic River!
What Can You Do?
Use the form below to write Governor Pritzker and IEPA Director Kim today. Urge them to require Dynegy to move its toxic waste away from the Middle Fork. That’s the only solution that will, in perpetuity, protect the river from ongoing pollution and communities from a catastrophic coal ash spill.