Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club
Outings Newsletter Local Action Resources Membership
Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club
Outings Newsletter Local Action Resources Membership
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National |
 | Clean Air |
| Energy |
| Population |
| Wildlands |
The Illinos State legislature last week passed HB1825, which allows the Illinois Dept. of Natural Resources (IDNR) to grant incidental take permits. This means that the IDNR can grant a permit for developers to cause the death of plants or animals on the Illinois threatened and endangered (T & E) species list if they decide that the species can still survive in the state, and mitigation measures can minimize the damage to the species. This bill is better than HB 2243 (Woolard & Granberg), which exempted three species from protection by the Illinois Endangered Species Act - a dangerous precedent. However, HB 1825 still greatly weakens protection of threatened and endangered species whenever a species blocks a development project. Currently, populations of the least brook lamprey and Indiana crayfish are threatened by a proposed dam on Sugar Creek, and the massasauga rattlesnake is threatened by a planned private resort on public land at Lake Carlyle.
WHAT YOU CAN DO:
Our last hope of strengthening this bill to give T & E species better protection is to flood the governor's office with calls, FAXes and e-mails. URGE GOVERNOR RYAN TO USE THE AMENDATORY VETO TO GIVE THE ILLINOIS ENDANGERED SPECIES BOARD (NOT THE IDNR) THE FINAL DECISION-MAKING POWER ON WHETHER OR NOT TO ISSUE AN "INCIDENTAL TAKE" PERMIT. We must take politics out of scientific species decisions. The Illinois Endangered Species Protection Board consists of top biologists and wildlife specialists who are the most knowledgeable people in Illinois regarding threatened widlife. These scientific experts, rather than political appointees at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, should ultimately make decisions regarding actions impacting endangered species. These decisions should be based on sound science, and not on a political motivations. These species should be given the chance to recover and thrive, not just barely survive in Illinois. Some of the T & E species in Illinois may be able to qualify for nationally endangered or threatened status, but just not be on the federal list yet. In fact, the massasauga rattlesnake is currently being considered for listing as a federally endangered species, but the process takes a long time.
SEND YOUR MESSAGES TO GOVERNOR RYAN AT:
Phone (Springfield): (217) -782-6830
OR 1-800-642-3112
e-mail:
Governor@state.il.us
PLEASE ACT A.S.A.P - TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!
PLEASE COMMENT TO EPA EXPRESSING YOUR SUPPORT FOR STRICTER AUTO POLLUTION STANDARDS AND CLEANER GASOLINE:
Below are EPA proposed standards that need to be strengthened, followed by a discussion of points to use in urging the EPA to strengthen these standards.
1.) Narrow pollution loopholes for SUVs and light trucks:
Presently, SUVs and light trucks pollute three to five times more than other cars; but the technology exists today to enable even the heaviest and dirtiest SUVs to meet passenger car standards. To strengthen the proposal, EPA SHOULD close the loophole sooner than 2009 and plan to bring even the heaviest (8,500 -10,000 lbs.) SUVs, like the Ford Excursion, into the program.
2.) Require stricter standards for production of diesel passenger vehicles:
There is growing evidence indicating substantial cancer and other health risks from diesel exhaust. EPA SHOULD require diesel engines to meet the same standards as gasoline engines.
3.) Require cleaner, low sulfur gasoline nationwide:
Most of the country has high sulfur gasoline which damages auto emission control systems and leads to more pollution. EPA SHOULD resist the oil industry's pressure for a weaker regional program.
4.) Leave the door open for revisiting the standards in 2004:
The auto industry is asking for a review by a so-called independent body. This would threaten the program by giving them an opportunity to overturn these standards in 2004. EPA SHOULD reject the industry's proposal.
EPA will be receiving voluminous comments from industry groups and allied organizations - it is critical that we let EPA know that there is strong public support for tough standards. You must include your name, address, affiliation (i.e., organization, company, or private citizen) regardless of how you choose to submit your comments.
To submit comments by phone call toll-free:
1-888-TELL-EPA (1-888-835-5372) The comment line is open 24 hours a day - 7 days a week -just follow the instructions, you'll have 2 minutes to voice your opinion and it will be transcribed and put in the official docket.
To submit comments by e-mail: Go to www.epa.gov/oms/tr2-cmt.htm and fill out the e-mail form or send them to
tier2.comments@epa.gov
Written comments should be sent to:
Public Docket No. A-97-10
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Air Docket (6102)
Room M - 1500
401 M Street, SW
Washington, DC 20460
