Testimony given to Appropriations Committee

Position - Support

Good afternoon, my name is Andrew Galli, I'm the Maryland Program Coordinator for Clean Water Action. The Intercounty Connector (ICC) has been in the planning process since the 1950's; since before Clean Water Action got its start in 1972. Since then, at least the 1980s, we've been opposed to building a highway between Interstates 95 and 270 for the same reason that we are against sprawl-encouraging road projects throughout the United States. Building a new highway doesn't reduce traffic congestion, it makes it worse. I-95, 495, and 270 are current examples of the failure of highways to cure congestion in the Maryland suburbs, and members of this Committee are familiar with other examples throughout the state.

Advertisement placed in The Washington Post on Thursday, January 8, 2009.

Message to: President-Elect Obama and Members of Congress
From: National SAVE Energy Coalition

Improving the energy efficiency of America's homes, businesses and public buildings will create thousands of jobs in the green workforce, fight global warming, increase energy independence, and reduce energy costs for businesses and consumers. That's why we urge that a significant part of the Economic Recovery Act be directed to greater investment in energy efficiency.

Overview

• Background
• Key Issues
• MERCURY
• CO2 / GLOBAL WARMING
• WATER
• Current Status
• Questions

by Mary Jo Stueve, South Dakota Program Coordinator

Get the full presentation (pdf, 556 Kb)

Presentation Overview

Big Stone II Coal Case Study

• Players & Action Arenas
• Key Issues
• Power-Ploys & Counter-Ploys
• Media Matters
• Lessons Learned

by Mary Jo Stueve, South Dakota Program Coordinator

Get the complete presentation (pdf, 712 Kb)

To ensure that the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers’ Climate Change Action Plan is implemented, and that our government actively works toward the plan’s long-term goal of deep greenhouse gas reductions, environmental, health and other groups around the region are joining together to press for steady progress. The Connecticut Climate Coalition (CCC) will work to ensure full implementation of the New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers’ Climate Change Action Plan in our own state. In addition, CCC will collaborate closely with coalition partners pressing for action on global warming around the region.

Problems with Big Stone II

• It's destructive: Big Stone II and global warming
• It's expensive: impact of emerging global warming laws on costs of Big Stone II
• It's not needed: wind-based alternatives can meet energy needs better
• It's a lost opportunity: wind power brings far more permanent economic benefits to the region

by Barbara Freese, Union of Concerned Scientists presented at SoDak Park Supper Club on the South Dakota shores of Big Stone Lake at the September 28th, 2006 Public Education Forum.

by Greg Rislov, Commission Advisor to the SD Public Utilities Commission, SDEIA Board Educational Meeting June 9, 2006 presentation.

Get the complete presentation (pdf, 1.1MB)

What are the sources of mercury pollution in the region?

1. Energy: coal-burning power plants
2. Taconite processing (MN only)
3. Purposeful use:
   • Municipal solid waste combustion
   • Volatilization of disposed products
   • Smelters that recycle cars, appliances

Mercury pollution from coal plants

Coal plants are the largest source of mercury pollution in Minnesota and South Dakota.

You are welcome to reprint the following posters, brochures, and signs
for educational purposes. These materials have been provided by the
Transportation Program of Natural Resources Canada's Office of Energy
Efficiency (OEE), Minnesota's Office of Environmental Assistance, and
Airwatch Northwest in hope that all communities will become "idle
free".