Serving from California to New York to right here in St. Louis, meet this year’s wonderful group of interns.
Great Rivers Environmental Law Center
Lawyers for the Environment
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Great Rivers Environmental Law Center and Missouri Confluence Waterkeeper Send Notices of Intent to Sue Under the Clean Water Act to Two Missouri Sewage Plants for Visible Water Pollution
Water treatment facilities in rural Missouri and the state’s largest metro area both accused of violating bedrock federal environmental law.
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Protection Won for Missouri Youth
With the passage of the GET LEAD OUT OF DRINKING WATER ACT on July 1, 2022, Madeline’s work bore tremendous fruit. The bill requires any public school, private school, or provider of an early childhood education program that receives state funding to test for lead in their institution’s drinking water fixtures and to install filters to remediate those sources that are compromised.
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Concerned Groups Move to Block Coal Mine Pollution From Being Dumped Into Big Muddy River
Great Rivers is representing Sierra Club Illinois and Prairie Rivers Network in an appeal of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency decision to grant a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit to Williamson Energy LLC, the owner of Pond Creek coal mine. In the newly granted permit, the IEPA declined to even consider placing a proper limit on chloride releases from the Pond Creek coal mine, despite the harmful impact excess chloride can have on wildlife in the river, and allows level of iron, sulfate and other pollutants that will harm the environment and potentially public health.
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Meet Great Rivers’ 2022 Interns
Meet Great River’s talented 2022 interns.
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St. Louis on the Air Features President Bruce Morrison
St. Louis on the Air host Sarah Fenske sat down with Bruce Morrison, President of Great Rivers Environmental Law Center, and Steve Taylor, press secretary for the Global Justice Ecology Project, to discuss new federal funding designated to remediate Superfund sites in Missouri. The conversation focused on the factors the EPA considers for site selection, the impact of site remediation on Missouri residents, and the importance of environmental justice and citizen advocacy.
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Resolution to Increase Solar Opportunities Reached; Advocacy for Accelerated Coal Retirements Continues
Great Rivers has reached a joint resolution with Ameren Missouri to identify opportunities benefiting underserved communities through the deployment of renewable resources, efficient electrification, and energy savings programs.
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Combatting the Threat of PFAS
Great Rivers, Sierra Club, and Prairie Rivers Network threaten a citizen suit against Sugar Camp Energy and American Consolidated Natural Resources.
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Cleaning Up the Hyde Park Neighborhood
Great Rivers is working to improve the quality of life in St. Louis’s Hyde Park Neighborhood.
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An Update From Our Sustainable Lands Program
We are fighting to close illegal roads in Ozark National Scenic Riverways and opposing a proposed mine along the Eleven Point River.
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President’s Letter
An update from Great Rivers’ president.
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Will We Freeze This Winter? A Response to Spire.
Spire isn’t telling the whole truth, which is that it’s scare mongering to escape a dilemma of its own making. Via Henry Robertson.
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Notice Filed of Intent to Sue Coal Mine Operator over Illegal Discharge of PFAS-Laden Foam
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are highly persistent “forever chemicals” that, when ingested, can lead to serious health problems including cancer and organ and immune system damage.
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Protecting the Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Great Rivers has raised legal concerns about a National Park Service plan to manage illegally created roads and trails within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
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How to Make the Most of Nature: Activities and Outings for Families to Prevent Nature-Deficit Disorder
Spending time in nature has proven to be a lifesaver during the pandemic — after all, exploring local parks, hiking trails, or even just relaxing in your backyard are all safe ways to escape being stuck inside while maintaining social distancing guidelines. But as it turns out, being outside has a whole host of physical and mental health benefits that will last long after COVID has passed.
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Attorney Spotlight – Sarah Rubenstein
Great Rivers Attorney Sarah Rubenstein reflects on what inspires her work, what she hopes to accomplish, and what cases have been the most difficult – and rewarding.
About
Since 2002, Great Rivers has served Missouri and Southern Illinois, providing free and reduced-fee legal services to individuals, organizations, and citizen groups. We strive to use our skills and connections to protect the environment and public health of our region.
Our Programs
Great Rivers Environmental Law Center works to protect our health and environment through six programs: Climate and Energy, Environmental Justice, Air Quality and Public Health, Water Quality, Wetlands and Floodplains, and Land Use.
Get Involved with Great Rivers
There are a number of ways in which you can become meaningfully engaged with Great Rivers. Whether it’s bringing local issues to our attention, contributing financially or offering your skills in a volunteer capacity, you can help protect our environment!
News
Great Rivers Submits Comments to EPA on Lead and Copper Rule Revision
Madeline Middlebrooks, our Equal Justice Works Fellow, has been working on lead contamination issues present in St. Louis area schools.
New Report Exposes Shortcomings in Missouri Utilities’ Climate Pledges
Great Rivers is urging the Public Service Commission (PSC) to expedite the companies’ transitions to clean energy sources.
Great Rivers Files Comments Opposing Maryland Heights’ Myopic Plan to Develop Floodplain at Taxpayers’ Expense
The City’s proposal for over $85,000,000 in tax incentives would jeopardize downstream citizens, vulnerable wildlife, and the funding of vital community services.
Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed announces release of 100% Clean Energy Plan for St. Louis
Great Rivers’ Attorney and Climate and Energy Director Henry Robertson and other Committee Members will share the findings of the City’s 100% Clean Energy Plan.
Great Rivers Will Proudly Present the 2019 Lewis C. Green Environmental Service Award to Kathleen Henry
Ms. Henry’s nomination was chosen by unanimous consensus of the Board of Directors.