Illinois may not have the worst contamination of PFAS “forever chemicals,” according to a new study by the Environmental Working Group, but the toxic compounds are present in water systems and groundwater in Peoria, Galesburg, Bloomington and the Quad Cities. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the legislature recognize the danger, and some are pressing for reforms.
Tag Archive for environment
Radon “old news,” but threat current
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
January is National Radon Action Month designated to increase awareness of the dangers of radon, which is especially relevant to Central Illinois where residents live with high levels of the carcinogenic gas, according to the U.S. Surgeon General and Environmental…
Bill Knight | Market forces, climate change, lawsuits drive closure of coal fired power plants
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
It was a slap in the face but no shock when Texas-based Vistra Energy announced its closing of somewhat modernized coal-burning power plants near Canton, Coffeen, Havana and Hennepin, Ill., to meet terms of a deal negotiated with the state,…
News analysis: Trump damaging EPA & globe to benefit favored industries
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
Last month, President Trump defended his administration’s role in protecting the environment, remarks observers say were needed after a year of controversies concerning the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and climate change – and recent moves sparking even more criticism. “President…
PDC pushes landfill-gas regs despite Trump delays
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
Methane is a major contributor to climate change, and worldwide, methane’s top source is natural gas, followed by cows, then you. At least, your waste, deteriorating beneath the surface of area landfills and releasing methane and carbon dioxide (CO2). Clean-energy…
Illinois and eight states sue to carry out landfill-gas rules
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
Rules updating landfill-gas guidelines were finalized in August of 2016 to go into effect that October, but after Donald Trump’s election, his newly appointed Environmental Protection Agency leadership team delayed enacting the changes, and then pushed for a second delay…
Trump attacks judges whose decisions block him
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
The federal judge who ruled against delays in implementing the three-year-old landfill-gas rules by President Trump’s EPA was blasted on May 25, when Trump called him an “activist, Obama-appointed judge.” Judge Haywood Gilliam Jr. of U.S. District Court of Northern…
Bill Knight | Climate change is a job-killer
by Bill Knight • • 0 Comments
Last month, actor Rainn Wilson (from “The Office”) tweeted, “I love the idea of a Green New Deal but Fox News said the plan includes the mandatory sucking of farts out of camels, solar-panel skull implants, Al Gore face tattoos…
Environmental News Briefs
by Community Word Staff • • 0 Comments
Antibiotic use expands to citrus Antibiotic resistance in humans has been linked to overuse with livestock, but now the EPA is defying objections from both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration to allow…
Earthdance: Peace, social responsibility, environmental justice
by Clare Howard • • 0 Comments
Sherrie Campbell uses her body to communicate, heal, nurture and inspire. The former principal dancer with Peoria Ballet says her deep connection with the environment and dance has helped her navigate rough periods in life and infuses her with healing…