(Pittsburgh, PA) January 11, 2018 –Sierra Club and the Lower Susquehanna Riverkeeper, represented by PennFuture and the Law Office of Howard Crystal, filed a settlement Wednesday with the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) that will reduce toxic pollution in waterways from 10 coal-fired power plants that had been operating in the state with expired water permits.
WASHINGTON DC - For the last two years the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) states have been conducting a review of their carbon pollution reduction policies in order to set goals that will plot the future course of the program out to 2030. Today, the states released a final model rule that memorializes an agreement to strengthen RGGI, together with economic modeling data that shows the changes will spur economic growth and job creation in the region.
Johnstown, P.A.--Yesterday, operators of the Colver Power Project announced plans to close the waste coal burning plant in September of 2020 when its contract to sell electricity to Penelec expires. This will be the 268th coal plant to retire since 2010.
Boston, MA—Boston is on its way to becoming the largest city on the East Coast to pass plastic bag regulations today. Similar to that of Cambridge’s, which went into effect in March of 2016, Boston’s comprehensive law requires recycled content in paper bags, and that reusable bags be durable by having a minimum thickness. The Boston regulations also include a modest 5¢ fee on all single-use bags to encourage shoppers to bring their own bags. The retailer keeps the fee making this a minimum price not a tax.
BOSTON, Mass. -- Today, the Sierra Club released a new report showcasing 10 U.S. cities that have made ambitious commitments to be powered with 100 percent clean, renewable energy like wind and solar.
Baltimore, MD--The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) denied a request by eight Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states today to require a handful of states to the west and south of them to participate in additional safeguards reducing smog pollution in the region.
ANNAPOLIS, MD - Today, 63 Maryland Senators and Delegate urged Governor Larry Hogan to implement Obama-era standards for coal fired-power plants in the state. The Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) is proposing to renew expired water pollution permits for three coal-fired plants in Dickerson, Chalk Point and Morgantown that would allow excessive dumping of toxic pollutants into Maryland waterways.
Concord, N.H. —Results of the auction involving Eversource’s (formerly Public Service Company of New Hampshire) power plants were announced today, including Atlas Holdings and Castleton Commodities International as the proposed buyers of the Merrimack and Schiller coal-fired power plants. The Public Utilities Commission of New Hampshire still must approve the sale after a formal review process.
Washington, D.C. - Donald Trump and his EPA Administrator, Scott Pruitt, announced today that they will repeal the Clean Power Plan, harming the health of American families and communities.
Boston, MA -- Following yesterday’s well-attended public hearing, the Boston City Council voted unanimously in support of a resolution to authorize the adoption of a Community Choice Energy (CCE) program in the city.
Albany, N.Y.— The New York State Energy and Research Development Authority (NYSERDA) released a report today identifying two new “areas for consideration” which could host an additional 1,600 megawatts of offshore wind.
Beallsville, MD--Today the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) hosted the second of three hearings this week allowing for public comments on their proposals to update water pollution permits for the Morgantown, Dickerson, and Chalk Point coal-fired power plants. The Sierra Club with local residents and allied organizations spoke out for stronger protections to keep coal waste and toxins out of the Chesapeake Bay and Maryland’s drinking water.