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News and Action March 20, 2006 |
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Historic Victory for Clean Air in Federal Court But North Carolina also loses a big one on 126 petition 2006 Canary Coalition Board Nominations are Open |
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Historic Victory for Clean Air in Federal Court But North Carolina also loses a big one on 126 petition
On Friday, March 17, the DC Circuit federal Court of Appeals ruled against the EPA's attempted revision of the "Routine Maintenance, Repair and Replacement (RMRR)" NSR provision of the Clean Air Act handing a huge victory to the states, cities and environmental organizations who brought suit against the Bush Administration. The RMRR rule revision was the most sweeping attempted by the EPA. It would have permitted the complete rebuilding of older power plants, factories and refineries over the period of five years, without triggering the New Source Review process or forcing the installment of modern emission control systems. Chalk up another powerful victory for the grassroots who pushed public officials in fourteen states and more than twenty cities to bring this lawsuit, and win, against the EPA.
But, on March 16, the day before the EPA was handed this defeat in federal court the agency announced that it was rejecting NC Attorney General Cooper's petition under section 126 of the Clean Air Act to require polluting industries in 13 states to reduce emissions. This is a severe setback for Cooper's attempts to influence other states to meet North Carolina's standards as set in the NC Clean Smokestacks Act. The EPA claims that the emission reductions sought by Cooper will be achieved under the Clean Air Interstate Rule (CAIR) created in 2005. But, the CAIR rule falls far short of requiring the same standards as Clean Smokestacks, will take much longer to achieve its ultimate goals, permits trading of pollution credits rather than actual reductions in emissions and doesn't affect Georgia utilities and industries including Southern Company, one of the largest polluters to cause unhealthy air quality in some parts of North Carolina. Durham Herald-Sun story, http://www.herald-sun.com/state/6-713647.html |
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Sixteen Community Organizations Poised to Launch Eight-State "Energy at the Crossroads Tour" in Asheville, NC, March 28, 30. On Tuesday, March 28 the Energy at the Crossroads Tour will be launched with a press conference at City Hall in Asheville, NC. Sixteen community organizations have joined with Nuclear Information and Resource Service and the Canary Coalition in promoting the Tour stop in Asheville. On Thursday, March 30, there will be a public forum at Owen Conference Center, UNC-Asheville More Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Eventscampus, 7-9pm. The forum is geared toward having fun while performing potent activism. There will be speakers, music (Billy Jonas), a comedy skit, a slide-show presentation and open discussion. Download a poster and pass it on to all your lists and friends. |
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2006 Canary Coalition Board Nominations are Open Nominations are open for five Board positions this year. Ballots will be mailed out in May and counted at the June annual membership meeting. We especially welcome and need more representation from minorities. If you are interested in serving or know of someone who might be, please contact the office, 828-631-3447 or email info@canarycoalition.org |
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More Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Events We have many events coming up requiring volunteers for tabling. We'll need people to help throughout the Energy at the Crossroads Tour. We need people to help with the lobbying effort in Raleigh when the legislature convenes in May. 'Nuff said. Call 828-631-3447 or email info@canarycoalition.org |
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If you have not already done so, please renew your annual membership with the CanaryCoalition and help keep the database updated with your most recent contact information. There is no annual membership fee, although all donations are gratefully accepted (and very much needed). All new and renewing members receive the interactive membership computer CD. The membership CD is a powerful tool that aids its owner in being a clean-air activist. It contains a 15-minute PowerPoint presentation about air quality issues and the Canary Coalition that can be shown to friends, groups, classrooms, etc. Also on the membership CD is a library of documents containing information about important air quality issues. There are also graphics for iron-on applications, printable membership forms and a link to the Canary Coalition website. For donations of $35 or more tee-shirts are available upon request. Send contact information and donations to: The Canary Coalition PO Box 653 Sylva, NC 28779
or you can donate online |
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