Ameren - Illinois Will Not Waver on Pollution Standards!
- by: Sierra Club
- recipient: Illinois Pollution Control Board
A deal is a deal. Illinois should not waver on pollution standards.
In 2006, Illinois made history by passing a "best in the nation" mercury pollution reduction standard. The Sierra Club worked hard to pass the Illinois mercury standard for power plants. Ameren and other power companies seized the opportunity to negotiate a deal that addressed additional pollutant limits on their Illinois coal fired power plant fleet.
But Ameren, one of the largest polluters in the state, is now going back on their word and asking the Illinois Pollution Control Board (IPCB) for a free pass. If Ameren's requested "waiver" is granted, Ameren would be breaking its promise to Illinois to clean up its dirty, coal-fired power plants.
The IPCB is now accepting public comments and needs to hear from you. Ameren shouldn't get a free pass to pollute our communities!
Please Reject Ameren's Petition for a Variance (Docket No. PCB 2012-126)
Dear Illinois Pollution Control Board,
I object to Ameren's Petition for a Variance, Docket No. PCB 2012-126.
In 2006, Illinois made history by passing a leading mercury pollution reduction standard. The original agreement included new clean air standards for mercury, sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrous oxide (NOx), which create acid rain and smog, as well as many health-related problems. Ameren committed to a schedule for reducing its SO2 and NOx pollution in return for more time to make its mercury pollution reductions.
The state upheld its side of the deal, but now Ameren is trying to stall cleaning up its coal plants like it promised to. Please reject the company's request for a variance and hold the company to the standard passed in 2006. The agreement to reduce mercury pollution is vital in protecting public health and the environment through Illinois and the Midwest. This is critical for my health, our environment and the Midwest's future.
