Great Rivers Environmental Law Center
Lawyers for the Environment
Category: Press Releases
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.
Read MoreProtection 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.
Read MoreEarth Day Visitors Share Motivations to Protect the Environment
Thanks to the help of many wonderful volunteers, Great Rivers was represented at community events in St. Louis, Columbia, and Springfield Missouri on Earth Day 2022.
Read MoreConcerned 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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Hyde Park Neighborhood Files Lawsuit Against Industrial Property Owners for Hazardous Conditions
The lawsuit alleges that the properties are being used in violation of the zoning code and concern buildings in disrepair, vehicles blocking sidewalk and street access and illegal dumping, and is in response to years of complaints made to the City by Hyde Park residents. Additionally, the lawsuit alleges that industrial waste, toxic chemicals and other forms of improper waste disposal at these properties are in violation of both St. Louis City ordinances and Missouri environmental laws.
Read MoreSt. 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.
Read MoreEthan Thompson Joins Great Rivers
Ethan received his JD from Washington University in St. Louis and his Masters of Political Science from Central European University in Budapest, Hungary.
Read MoreResolution 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.
Read MoreCombatting 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.
Read MoreCleaning Up the Hyde Park Neighborhood
Great Rivers is working to improve the quality of life in St. Louis’s Hyde Park Neighborhood.
Read MoreAn 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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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.
Read MoreNotice 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.
Read MoreProtecting 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.
Read MoreHow 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.
Read MoreMeet our 2021 Interns
Serving from California to New York to right here in St. Louis, meet this year’s wonderful group of interns.
Read MoreGreat 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.
Read MoreNew 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.
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