State regulators have released new regulations for a highly controversial oil and gas extraction technique. Environmental groups in the area that will be affected say the new protections aren’t enough, while energy companies say the new rules are too burdensome. The Illinois General Assembly in June 2013 passed a law allowing high-volume hydraulic fracturing, which […]
Environment
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Fracking fast track bill defeated
Illinois is taking too long to approve regulations for a controversial oil and gas drilling method, according to a coalition of businesses. They simply asked lawmakers to speed things up with legislation to circumvent the rulemaking process. The bill infuriated many environmental groups and ignited a flurry of calls to legislators that killed the bill […]
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‘Green’ moves beyond recycling
Forget about recycling for a minute. Being “green” is more than just keeping glass out of the landfill. That was one message of the 10th Annual Green Symposium, a conference held in Springfield last week to promote sustainable business practices. Hosted by the American Institute of Architects and Resource One office furnishings of Springfield, speakers […]
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What to expect with fracking
Illinois will soon be open range for hydraulic fracturing, the controversial technique for freeing oil and natural gas trapped in underground shale rock. But even as the state prepares its rules governing the technique, some environmental activists are vowing a continued fight in cities and counties across southern Illinois. On June 17, Illinois Gov. Pat […]
Posted inArts & Culture
Open door outing
What better way to say hello to the New Year than a hike and time spent in the great outdoors with friends who share a love of nature. Join the Sangamon Valley Group of the Sierra Club on a New Year’s Day hike and feast of soup. Remember the children’s book Stone Soup? Well, there’s […]
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State gives Ameren a pollution pass
State regulators won’t enforce pollution limits on one of Illinois’ largest power generators until 2020 under a ruling released Sept. 20. The Illinois Pollution Control Board last week granted Ameren Energy Resources – a subsidiary of St. Louis-based Ameren Corporation – a variance that allows the power plant operator to put off compliance with a […]
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Neighbors must pay damages for delaying hog shed
An appellate court in Springfield says opponents of a pig farm outside Rochester must pay for delaying the project. However, neither side is overly happy with the outcome. “It’s a mixed bag,” says Springfield attorney Thomas Immel. His client, Rochester pig farmer Robert Young, won a $24,000 award of damages earlier this month – far […]
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Coal ash lawsuit could increase CWLP costs
An Illinois environmental group is one of 11 plaintiffs in a federal lawsuit seeking a new evaluation of coal ash – a controversial byproduct of coal energy that they say should be considered a hazardous waste. If the lawsuit prevails, it could significantly increase costs for Springfield City Water, Light and Power. Champaign-based Prairie Rivers […]
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Over the rainbow
Grab your seats and tickets and get ready for a night somewhere over the rainbow as The Muni closes out its season with everyone’s favorite story and musical, The Wizard of Oz. Kara DeWall plays Dorothy alongside everyone’s favorite dog, Toto, performed by rescued dog Arlen, trained by Judy Williams. Matthew Vala directs and Elizabeth […]
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CWLP readies for greener future
A contract requiring Springfield’s public utility to be more environmentally responsible doesn’t expire for another six years, but local activists are already urging the city and its residents to start thinking now about how today’s decisions can determine City, Water, Light and Power’s seemingly distant future. In 2006, the Sangamon Valley Group of the Sierra […]
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Twitter – For the birds.
No, really, it’s for the birds. For months, my smart phone-, Mp3-, cable-less self was reluctant to join, even explore the world of Twitter. Constant updates on Lindsay Lohan’s latest faux pas? No, thanks. I only signed up for the service in January as a way to keep track of some politicos in the statehouse […]
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Attack of the flying fish
Jumping several feet into the air, a single silver carp can knock a boat driver unconscious before a passenger even has time to say “Duck!” For that reason, the Illinois Natural History Survey station in Havana installed netting around the steering wheel and dashboard of its electro-fishing boats. “It’s simply one of the most dangerous […]
