WASHINGTON -- The White House said Tuesday the government will lift a moratorium on deep water oil drilling in the Gulf of Mexico "very soon" - likely this week.
White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the government is close to having the plans in place to lift the ban that was imposed after the massive Gulf oil spill.
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Showing posts with label environment. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Illinois Department of Transportation Recognized for Exceptional Sustainable Practices
From the Illinois Department of Transportation
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig announced today that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) made exceptional progress in 2009 in a statewide effort to become a more sustainable agency.
Among the list of accomplishments, Illinois Department of Transportation received the Green Government Award in December from the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council during the Annual Sustainable Symposium held in Springfield. The award was in the Sustainable Transportation category.
“We are pleased to have received this award,” said Secretary Hannig. “We work hard each day to ensure our construction projects adhere to the highest environmental standards, while maintaining the safety and effectiveness of our roads. Our efforts to improve construction methods, promote fuel conservation and enhance green practices all are a part of our overall effort to build a cleaner, greener Illinois.”
The award was presented by Governor Pat Quinn’s Director of Sustainability, Kate Tomford. Accepting the award at the Sustainable Symposium were IDOT’s Director of Finance and Administration, Ann Schneider, and IDOT’s Acting Sustainable Practices Manager, Steve Massey.
The award was based on several practices and efforts that IDOT initiated. One of the strides that IDOT made was creating a more environmentally friendly vehicle fleet. The fleet includes 741 alternative vehicles, 36 gas/electric hybrids and one E85/electric. The diesel fleet is now 100 percent capable of burning biodiesel fuel.
IDOT also was recognized for a recent project on the Bishop Ford Expressway in Chicago (I-94). This project utilized recycled shingles that made up approximately 5 percent of the 22,000 tons of mix used for the roadway surface materials.
Secretary Hannig created the position of IDOT Sustainable Practices Manager to identify sustainability and resource savings opportunities. The position also makes policy recommendations to executive staff and works closely with the long-term planning staff on sustainability issues.
IDOT was recognized for the greening of rest areas and welcome centers by installing rain barrels at some locations. The rain barrels were made by Illinois Correctional Industries. The use of green cleaning products at these areas also has begun.
The award highlighted IDOT’s efforts to promote the use of PrePass. IDOT partnered with the Secretary of State’s office to get the word to truckers about the PrePass system. PrePass enrolls carriers and collects required data and safety ratings to automatically determine the carrier fee to weigh stations. About one mile from the weigh station, the PrePass reader identifies the transponder in the windshield of the truck and transmits the data to the computer site. If all data is acceptable, the carrier gets a green light signaling approval to bypass. If the carrier gets a red light, truckers must enter the weigh station. PrePass in Illinois has reduced emissions by decreasing greenhouse gases, saving fuel and increasing efficiency and safety.
IDOT in the fall initiated and worked closely with the Department of Natural Resources to develop the Illinois Fallen Soldier Tree Memorial in Illini State Park in Marseilles, which was dedicated on November 10, 2009. The tree memorial has 250 oak trees planted on 2.5 acres of land in the park. A natural granite monument stone weighing about 7 tons was added to the site with a bronze memorial plaque memorializing Illinois soldiers killed since the beginning of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. A five-car parking lot and memorial with handicap accessibility was built and natural limestone benches were placed in the memorial park area.
The Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council has members from 15 state agencies and was created to improve sustainable practices under the Green Governments Illinois Act. The council annually presents awards to state agencies that have shown an exceptional commitment to improving the environmental quality of Illinois.
For more information on Illinois’ green initiatives, visit www.green.illinois.gov.
SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig announced today that the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) made exceptional progress in 2009 in a statewide effort to become a more sustainable agency.
Among the list of accomplishments, Illinois Department of Transportation received the Green Government Award in December from the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council during the Annual Sustainable Symposium held in Springfield. The award was in the Sustainable Transportation category.
“We are pleased to have received this award,” said Secretary Hannig. “We work hard each day to ensure our construction projects adhere to the highest environmental standards, while maintaining the safety and effectiveness of our roads. Our efforts to improve construction methods, promote fuel conservation and enhance green practices all are a part of our overall effort to build a cleaner, greener Illinois.”
The award was presented by Governor Pat Quinn’s Director of Sustainability, Kate Tomford. Accepting the award at the Sustainable Symposium were IDOT’s Director of Finance and Administration, Ann Schneider, and IDOT’s Acting Sustainable Practices Manager, Steve Massey.
The award was based on several practices and efforts that IDOT initiated. One of the strides that IDOT made was creating a more environmentally friendly vehicle fleet. The fleet includes 741 alternative vehicles, 36 gas/electric hybrids and one E85/electric. The diesel fleet is now 100 percent capable of burning biodiesel fuel.
IDOT also was recognized for a recent project on the Bishop Ford Expressway in Chicago (I-94). This project utilized recycled shingles that made up approximately 5 percent of the 22,000 tons of mix used for the roadway surface materials.
Secretary Hannig created the position of IDOT Sustainable Practices Manager to identify sustainability and resource savings opportunities. The position also makes policy recommendations to executive staff and works closely with the long-term planning staff on sustainability issues.
IDOT was recognized for the greening of rest areas and welcome centers by installing rain barrels at some locations. The rain barrels were made by Illinois Correctional Industries. The use of green cleaning products at these areas also has begun.
The award highlighted IDOT’s efforts to promote the use of PrePass. IDOT partnered with the Secretary of State’s office to get the word to truckers about the PrePass system. PrePass enrolls carriers and collects required data and safety ratings to automatically determine the carrier fee to weigh stations. About one mile from the weigh station, the PrePass reader identifies the transponder in the windshield of the truck and transmits the data to the computer site. If all data is acceptable, the carrier gets a green light signaling approval to bypass. If the carrier gets a red light, truckers must enter the weigh station. PrePass in Illinois has reduced emissions by decreasing greenhouse gases, saving fuel and increasing efficiency and safety.
IDOT in the fall initiated and worked closely with the Department of Natural Resources to develop the Illinois Fallen Soldier Tree Memorial in Illini State Park in Marseilles, which was dedicated on November 10, 2009. The tree memorial has 250 oak trees planted on 2.5 acres of land in the park. A natural granite monument stone weighing about 7 tons was added to the site with a bronze memorial plaque memorializing Illinois soldiers killed since the beginning of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. A five-car parking lot and memorial with handicap accessibility was built and natural limestone benches were placed in the memorial park area.
The Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council has members from 15 state agencies and was created to improve sustainable practices under the Green Governments Illinois Act. The council annually presents awards to state agencies that have shown an exceptional commitment to improving the environmental quality of Illinois.
For more information on Illinois’ green initiatives, visit www.green.illinois.gov.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Durbin Announces Nearly $7 Million in Recovery Act Funding for Illinois Environmental Programs
From the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
July 21, 2009 - [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EPA Region 5 have awarded $6,962,635 in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to three environmental programs in Illinois.
“Today’s funding will improve the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink while creating jobs across Illinois,” said Durbin. “It is not only good for our bodily health, but also the health of our state’s economy.”
The following Illinois communities and agencies will receive funding:
July 21, 2009 - [WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and EPA Region 5 have awarded $6,962,635 in funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to three environmental programs in Illinois.
“Today’s funding will improve the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink while creating jobs across Illinois,” said Durbin. “It is not only good for our bodily health, but also the health of our state’s economy.”
The following Illinois communities and agencies will receive funding:
- City of Chicago: $1,000,000 in funding for projects to cut emissions and fuel usage from the city’s diesel fleet. These clean diesel projects will create or retain roughly 23 jobs while protecting Chicago’s air quality by reducing harmful diesel emissions by 313 tons per year.
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency: $4,172,335 in funding to clean up diesel vehicles and equipment in the state. These clean diesel projects will create 123 jobs while protecting Illinois’ air quality by involving 675 eligible diesel vehicles or engines.
- Illinois Environmental Protection Agency: $1,790,300 in funding for water quality management planning to determine the nature, extent, and causes of water pollution problems, and to develop plans to solve those problems.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Durbin Announces $3.55 Million in Recovery Act and General EPA Funding for Environmental Cleanup in Illinois
From the Office of U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that Illinois will receive a total of $3.55 million in funding through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the assessment and cleanup of properties where hazardous chemical or pollutants may be present. The funding will go toward the renewal and revitalization of distressed industrial and commercial sites, with a goal of turning problem properties into productive business and community institutions.
“This funding will be the catalyst for revitalization that will create jobs and spur business development,” said Durbin. Not only is this good news for the environment, the health and well-being of Illinois citizens – this is good news for local economies.”
Of the estimated $111.9 million in total EPA funding announced nationwide, $74.6 million of the funding will be allocated through the general EPA grant program and $37.3 million will be made possible through the Recovery Act.
The following Illinois applicants will receive funding:
[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – Assistant Senate Majority Leader Dick Durbin (D-IL) today announced that Illinois will receive a total of $3.55 million in funding through the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the assessment and cleanup of properties where hazardous chemical or pollutants may be present. The funding will go toward the renewal and revitalization of distressed industrial and commercial sites, with a goal of turning problem properties into productive business and community institutions.
“This funding will be the catalyst for revitalization that will create jobs and spur business development,” said Durbin. Not only is this good news for the environment, the health and well-being of Illinois citizens – this is good news for local economies.”
Of the estimated $111.9 million in total EPA funding announced nationwide, $74.6 million of the funding will be allocated through the general EPA grant program and $37.3 million will be made possible through the Recovery Act.
The following Illinois applicants will receive funding:
- Blue Island: $200,000 for the cleanup of an uncontrolled landfill.
- Dixmoor: $200,000 for the cleanup of the 13-acre Dixmoor Parcels site.
- Freeport: $600,000 for the cleanup of three now-vacant manufacturing sites.
- Rockford: $200,000 for the cleanup of the former Ingersoll site.
- South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association: $1,000,000 for assessment and plans.
- Southwestern Illinois Development Authority: $400,000 for assessment and plans.
- Stephenson County: $400,000 for assessment and community outreach activities.
- Chicago Heights: $400,000 for assessment and community outreach activities.
- Rock Island: $150,000 for assessment and community involvement activities.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Illinois EPA Promotes Air Quality Awareness Week with New Air Quality Alert System for the Public
From the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Springfield -With the start of Air Quality Awareness Week, which runs from April 27 through May 1, 2009, and the approaching hot, dry weather of summer, the Illinois EPA wants to let residents know that air pollution levels often increase between early May and late September. Air pollutants, specifically ozone and particulate matter, can affect a person’s respiratory and pulmonary system. To better inform the public about ozone, particulate matter and other air quality matters, the Illinois EPA and the Partners for Clean Air Coalition are announcing the Illinois EnviroFlash system.
EnviroFlash (www.illinois.enviroflash.info) is an e-mail alert system that delivers air quality information straight to an individual’s inbox. Once subscribers sign up by filling-in their basic information like e-mail address and ZIP code, they will receive alerts with the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasts for the closest forecasting city. They can also receive alerts when ozone or particulate matter pollution is expected to be unhealthy. The Enviroflash system is replacing the Agency’s Air Pollution Action Day Notification System and will be for areas throughout the state.
“Because air pollution can have such a serious impact on the public, we urge everyone to take advantage of the free EnviroFlash system,” said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott. “It’s a simple way to stay informed and take appropriate steps to protect your health.”
By registering on the EnviroFlash system, individuals can select the level of information they receive. Notices can be sent daily, on days when air quality reached moderate (yellow) or any higher level. In addition, there are three format types individuals can choose from, HTML, text only, or short messages for hand held devices. Each day, the Illinois EPA submits air quality forecasted for five regions of the state, Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield and Metro-East. Subscribers will be matched to the closest city with an air quality forecast. Those forecasts will identify the pollutant of greatest concern by region for the following day.
EnviroFlash alerts can help people stay better informed of the risks associated with unhealthy air pollution levels. Groups most susceptible to the risks include children, older adults, people with respiratory or heart diseases and people who are active outdoors. However, when air pollution levels are very high, it is a concern for everyone.
Some ways to modify activities include planning activities with higher exertion during cooler times of the day, moderating exertion or reducing the time of exposure. In addition, individuals are encouraged to follow the following time to reduce their contribution to air pollution. Those include:
þ Limit Driving. Rideshare (www.sharethedrive.org), walk or bike.
þ Take public transportation.
þ Avoid excessive idling and abrupt starts.
þ If you must drive, use your most fuel efficient vehicle.
þ Use a charcoal chimney or electric starter instead of lighter fluid when grilling.
þ Limit use of household products that cause fumes.
þ Conserve energy at home to reduce energy demands on power plants.
þ Do not burn leaves and other yard waste.
þ Avoid using fire pits/fireplaces on Air Pollution Action Days.
þ Avoid using lawnmowers and other gasoline-powered equipment on Action Days.
“The key is to be smart, flexible and informed,” said Director Scott. “Sign up for EnviroFlash at www.illinois.enviroflash.info to get air quality alerts, take any necessary precautions and modify your activity.”
Ground level ozone forms when pollutants from vehicles and industrial sources react in the presence of sunlight and warm temperatures. High concentrations of ozone can cause health problems for individuals, especially those with heart or respiratory ailments. Residents should keep cool and limit physical activity when air pollution levels are high.
Particulate matter consists of tiny airborne particles that are often less than one-hundredth the width of a human hair. Like ground-level ozone (smog), particle pollution can aggravate respiratory and heart conditions. Exposure to particle pollution has also been linked to premature deaths. Unlike summertime ozone smog, unhealthful levels of particle pollution can occur in cooler months of the year.
Springfield -With the start of Air Quality Awareness Week, which runs from April 27 through May 1, 2009, and the approaching hot, dry weather of summer, the Illinois EPA wants to let residents know that air pollution levels often increase between early May and late September. Air pollutants, specifically ozone and particulate matter, can affect a person’s respiratory and pulmonary system. To better inform the public about ozone, particulate matter and other air quality matters, the Illinois EPA and the Partners for Clean Air Coalition are announcing the Illinois EnviroFlash system.
EnviroFlash (www.illinois.enviroflash.info) is an e-mail alert system that delivers air quality information straight to an individual’s inbox. Once subscribers sign up by filling-in their basic information like e-mail address and ZIP code, they will receive alerts with the Air Quality Index (AQI) forecasts for the closest forecasting city. They can also receive alerts when ozone or particulate matter pollution is expected to be unhealthy. The Enviroflash system is replacing the Agency’s Air Pollution Action Day Notification System and will be for areas throughout the state.
“Because air pollution can have such a serious impact on the public, we urge everyone to take advantage of the free EnviroFlash system,” said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott. “It’s a simple way to stay informed and take appropriate steps to protect your health.”
By registering on the EnviroFlash system, individuals can select the level of information they receive. Notices can be sent daily, on days when air quality reached moderate (yellow) or any higher level. In addition, there are three format types individuals can choose from, HTML, text only, or short messages for hand held devices. Each day, the Illinois EPA submits air quality forecasted for five regions of the state, Chicago, Rockford, Peoria, Springfield and Metro-East. Subscribers will be matched to the closest city with an air quality forecast. Those forecasts will identify the pollutant of greatest concern by region for the following day.
EnviroFlash alerts can help people stay better informed of the risks associated with unhealthy air pollution levels. Groups most susceptible to the risks include children, older adults, people with respiratory or heart diseases and people who are active outdoors. However, when air pollution levels are very high, it is a concern for everyone.
Some ways to modify activities include planning activities with higher exertion during cooler times of the day, moderating exertion or reducing the time of exposure. In addition, individuals are encouraged to follow the following time to reduce their contribution to air pollution. Those include:
þ Limit Driving. Rideshare (www.sharethedrive.org), walk or bike.
þ Take public transportation.
þ Avoid excessive idling and abrupt starts.
þ If you must drive, use your most fuel efficient vehicle.
þ Use a charcoal chimney or electric starter instead of lighter fluid when grilling.
þ Limit use of household products that cause fumes.
þ Conserve energy at home to reduce energy demands on power plants.
þ Do not burn leaves and other yard waste.
þ Avoid using fire pits/fireplaces on Air Pollution Action Days.
þ Avoid using lawnmowers and other gasoline-powered equipment on Action Days.
“The key is to be smart, flexible and informed,” said Director Scott. “Sign up for EnviroFlash at www.illinois.enviroflash.info to get air quality alerts, take any necessary precautions and modify your activity.”
Ground level ozone forms when pollutants from vehicles and industrial sources react in the presence of sunlight and warm temperatures. High concentrations of ozone can cause health problems for individuals, especially those with heart or respiratory ailments. Residents should keep cool and limit physical activity when air pollution levels are high.
Particulate matter consists of tiny airborne particles that are often less than one-hundredth the width of a human hair. Like ground-level ozone (smog), particle pollution can aggravate respiratory and heart conditions. Exposure to particle pollution has also been linked to premature deaths. Unlike summertime ozone smog, unhealthful levels of particle pollution can occur in cooler months of the year.
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Governor Quinn Kicks Off Earth Day by Implementing Green Practices at the Executive Mansion
From the Office of Governor Pat Quinn
SPRINGFIELD – April 22, 2009. On Earth Day, Governor Pat Quinn announced a new effort to make the Illinois Executive Mansion a greener place on the inside and the outside – by installing light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs and using rain barrels. Governor Quinn also signed an executive order to reduce the environmental impact of state government operations.
“It is important to make the Land of Lincoln green for future generations,” said Governor Quinn. “The effort to make the people’s house more energy efficient sets an example for everyone to follow.”
LED bulbs are replacing incandescent light bulbs at the Executive Mansion to cut down on energy use. More than 350 LED bulbs are being donated to the mansion by The LED Way of Skokie and Polybrite International. So far, 122 LED bulbs have been installed. Each LED bulb can last up to 50,000 hours and uses 90% less electricity than a regular light bulb. According to an energy savings calculation by The LED Way, placing just 122 LED bulbs in the mansion will save more than $4,500 per year and nearly $60,000 over the lifetime of these bulbs.
Our state has especially close ties to the LED bulb, as it was created by an Illinoisan. Nick Holonyak, of Zeigler, Illinois, invented the energy saving bulb back in 1962. Holonyak is a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Six rain barrels are being placed around the grounds of the mansion to capture rain water that will be used to water the gardens. Not only will using rain barrels help reduce the water bill at the mansion – the rain water is also better for plants than chlorinated water. One inch of rainfall on a typical residential roof can produce 625 gallons of water, which is enough to fill 11 rain barrels.
The rain barrels are green for a few other reasons: Illinois Correctional Industries is making them out of plastic barrels that were previously used for recycling, and they are delivering the rain barrels to the mansion in a biodiesel truck. Governor Quinn has long been an advocate for rain barrels and would like to make Illinois the rain barrel capital of the world.
Governor Quinn also signed an executive order to reduce the environmental impact of Illinois state government operations. The executive order directs state agencies to lead by example in waste prevention, energy efficiency and conservation, procurement, and water quality and conservation. By implementing these sustainability practices, agencies will not only benefit the quality of our air, land and water; they will also save Illinois taxpayers' money by reducing utility bills, waste disposal fees, and other operating costs.
SPRINGFIELD – April 22, 2009. On Earth Day, Governor Pat Quinn announced a new effort to make the Illinois Executive Mansion a greener place on the inside and the outside – by installing light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs and using rain barrels. Governor Quinn also signed an executive order to reduce the environmental impact of state government operations.
“It is important to make the Land of Lincoln green for future generations,” said Governor Quinn. “The effort to make the people’s house more energy efficient sets an example for everyone to follow.”
LED bulbs are replacing incandescent light bulbs at the Executive Mansion to cut down on energy use. More than 350 LED bulbs are being donated to the mansion by The LED Way of Skokie and Polybrite International. So far, 122 LED bulbs have been installed. Each LED bulb can last up to 50,000 hours and uses 90% less electricity than a regular light bulb. According to an energy savings calculation by The LED Way, placing just 122 LED bulbs in the mansion will save more than $4,500 per year and nearly $60,000 over the lifetime of these bulbs.
Our state has especially close ties to the LED bulb, as it was created by an Illinoisan. Nick Holonyak, of Zeigler, Illinois, invented the energy saving bulb back in 1962. Holonyak is a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
Six rain barrels are being placed around the grounds of the mansion to capture rain water that will be used to water the gardens. Not only will using rain barrels help reduce the water bill at the mansion – the rain water is also better for plants than chlorinated water. One inch of rainfall on a typical residential roof can produce 625 gallons of water, which is enough to fill 11 rain barrels.
The rain barrels are green for a few other reasons: Illinois Correctional Industries is making them out of plastic barrels that were previously used for recycling, and they are delivering the rain barrels to the mansion in a biodiesel truck. Governor Quinn has long been an advocate for rain barrels and would like to make Illinois the rain barrel capital of the world.
Governor Quinn also signed an executive order to reduce the environmental impact of Illinois state government operations. The executive order directs state agencies to lead by example in waste prevention, energy efficiency and conservation, procurement, and water quality and conservation. By implementing these sustainability practices, agencies will not only benefit the quality of our air, land and water; they will also save Illinois taxpayers' money by reducing utility bills, waste disposal fees, and other operating costs.
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