Other Stories this issue

Mr. Tyson’s Neighborhood

State Chip Mill Committee 
Releases Report

Big Industry Wants Different Rules
for Electricity in Missouri

Outings

Genetic Engineering in the News

We Defend Clean Air Suit

State Assembly Legislation
Overshadowed by Races

Thomas Moran - new chapter
political chair

New Opportunities for Roadless Areas

Smart Growth - Congestion Pricing

Archives

We Defend Clean Air Suit Before Highway Commission

Following is the text of a statement made to the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission at its December 3 meeting regarding the Club's suit regarding St. Louis air quality. The Commission has intervened in the suit because it could result in withholding of federal highway funding from the St. Louis region.

...The Sierra Club and the Missouri Coalition for the Environment have sued the EPA to enforce the Clean Air Act with respect to the failure of the St. Louis region to reduce its ozone pollution levels to within the health-based federal limits. 

Local sanctions are being sought, as they are required under law. Contrary to popular misconceptions, however, the suit does not ask the Court to order statewide sanctions. We understand that the Court cannot order such sanctions. At most the Court could remind the EPA that it has the power to impose such sanctions. Given that the EPA has not yet done the things the law requires it to do, and considering the makeup of the Senate committee that oversees its budget, it seems unlikely that the EPA would go from zero to warp speed on this issue by imposing statewide sanctions. 

The Sierra Club didn't make up the ozone standards or the rules by which they are to be met. We just want clean air for St. Louis, and we are engaged in a lawful action to see that existing laws are carried out. 

You and we might disagree about air quality matters, but that should not prevent our working together to improve Missouri's transportation system.

... The Commission appeared to take that statement in stride.