By Sharon Rolek, Member SETF
Mid-afternoon Friday, August 10, Governor Quinn’s statement
was released. He vetoed SB3766 – which
planned “to void any previously approved sourcing agreements by the ICC as it
relates to the Chicago Clean Energy project, and seeks to address several
contested issues including debt ratio, projected annual output, and cost
recovery percentages” of Leucadia’s Gasification Plant. The environmental
community bombarded the Gov. with 700 phone calls, 11,000 petitions and a
200-person rally at the Thompson Center. The trade unions and Alderman Pope put
a lot of pressure on the Gov. with their pro-Leucadia efforts.
While we are pleased the Gov. vetoed this bill, his reasons
were purely economic. Even after a
recent visit from the Brian Urbaszewski, Director of Environmental Health
Programs at the Respiratory Health Association of Metro. Chicago. His letter included comments about protecting
the ratepayers, but also that he wants a “bill to enable this project to move
forward.”
The veto of SB 3766 is a big
interim victory in our fight against Leucadia's coal plant, but the fight is
not over yet. Leucadia still has guaranteed 84% funding of their project
through a previously-passed bill. However, there are numerous hurdles Leucadia
has in front of them before the plant can go forward. Leucadia must obtain
pollution credits from the Illinois Pollution Control Board in order to operate
on the site. They also must apply for air and water permits with the Illinois
Environmental Protection Agency. Leucadia doesn't even own the land that they
want to develop. We will have further opportunities to engage in this process,
and we'll need your help to succeed once again! Anyone wanting to help, please contact
kady.mcfadden@sierraclub.org She is heading up our “Beyond
Coal”/Environmental Justice Alliance of the Southeast Side of Chicago.
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