Announcements
This page features general announcements, while short-term programs/events are listed on our “Events” page, and longer-term programs/events will appear on our “Events Ongoing & Recurring Page.”
IMPORTANT FUNDING EFFORT FOR LONG-TIME COMMUNITY RESOURCE
Our thanks to Ana Quijano, of Claretian Associates, for this information:
GoFundMe Link: https://www.gofundme.com/lollys-roof-repair
Consent decree to force Indiana Harbor Coke Co. to limit air pollution, pay $5 million fine--NWI Times- 10/30/18
Hi everyone,
I mentioned at the East Chicago/Calumet Coalition Community Advisory Group (CAG) meeting Nov. 10, 2018 the Final Consent Decree approved by the USEPA, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Harbor Coke Company and various companies subcontracted by ArcelorMittal Steel, East Chicago.
The Southeast Environmental Task Force (SE side Chicago) initiated a legal challenge to the Indiana Harbor Coke Company air permit that was up for renewal. Peggy Salazar, SETF Executive Director, Keith Harley, Attorney at Law, Chicago Legal Clinic, and I were able to encourage public involvement to influence IDEM to conduct a public hearing on the air permit in East Chicago. The draft and revised draft permits were extremely technical and the process was very stressful as it continued for years.
Of note is the Supplemental Environmental Project on lead abatement, which is underlined in the NWI Times article below.
A big thank you to Keith Harley for the pro-bono work that helped northwest Indiana residents improve the environment.
Carolyn Marsh
Member of SETF
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
https://www.nwitimes.com/business/lake-newsletter/consent-decree-to-force-indiana-harbor-coke-co-to-limit/article_35f8673a-e77e-573a-a3c7-eb57d7ff6e8f.html
I mentioned at the East Chicago/Calumet Coalition Community Advisory Group (CAG) meeting Nov. 10, 2018 the Final Consent Decree approved by the USEPA, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Harbor Coke Company and various companies subcontracted by ArcelorMittal Steel, East Chicago.
The Southeast Environmental Task Force (SE side Chicago) initiated a legal challenge to the Indiana Harbor Coke Company air permit that was up for renewal. Peggy Salazar, SETF Executive Director, Keith Harley, Attorney at Law, Chicago Legal Clinic, and I were able to encourage public involvement to influence IDEM to conduct a public hearing on the air permit in East Chicago. The draft and revised draft permits were extremely technical and the process was very stressful as it continued for years.
Of note is the Supplemental Environmental Project on lead abatement, which is underlined in the NWI Times article below.
A big thank you to Keith Harley for the pro-bono work that helped northwest Indiana residents improve the environment.
Carolyn Marsh
Member of SETF
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
https://www.nwitimes.com/business/lake-newsletter/consent-decree-to-force-indiana-harbor-coke-co-to-limit/article_35f8673a-e77e-573a-a3c7-eb57d7ff6e8f.html
November 9, 2018 Update to Youth vs U.S.
FYI, an update from Our Children’s Trust.
Carolyn Marsh
Dated Nov. 8, 2018
Dear Friends,
Today, a panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals granted, in part, the Trump administration’s motion for a temporary stay of District Court trial proceedings in Juliana v. United States.
The Ninth Circuit panel only placed a stay on the trial, but not discovery and trial preparations. The stay will be in place until the Ninth Circuit decides the federal defendants’ petition for writ of mandamus, which was filed on Monday.
This is the federal government’s TWELFTH “stay” request in the federal courts. This is the FOURTH time that the Trump administration has gone to the Ninth Circuit in this case before a final judgment is entered by the trial court, when the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals would ordinarily have jurisdiction to hear the case. They have twice petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for early review.
The Ninth Circuit panel also ordered an expedited briefing schedule. The youth plaintiffs, and the District Court if it wishes, must file a response to the government’s petition within 15 days, and the government can respond five days later. The panel also ordered the parties to file a joint report on the status of discovery and any relevant pretrial matters in 15 days. Read the full order from the Ninth Circuit here.
Late this afternoon, U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken conducted a status conference in Juliana v. U.S. and informed the parties that she would promptly set a trial date once the Ninth Circuit lifts the temporary stay it placed on trial. She also told the parties that she would schedule the pre-trial conference as soon as the trial date is scheduled and she expected the parties to continue getting their work done and be ready for trial when the Ninth Circuit rules.
Given the urgency of climate change, we hope the Ninth Circuit will recognize the importance of a prompt trial date and lift the temporary stay quickly. Our federal government is wielding its power to bend the bounds of civil procedure. Our team is doing everything in our power to respond quickly and effectively to these extraordinary tactics.
As one of our amazing law clerks, Precious Makuyana, said today: “We are in the world of ‘uncivil procedure.’”
We will keep you posted on developments as they arise in the days ahead. They seem to come every day now. On behalf of all youth and future generations, we thank you for your continuing attention to this crucial constitutional case, and for your support!
The Team at Our Children’s Trust
Carolyn Marsh
Dated Nov. 8, 2018
Dear Friends,
Today, a panel of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals granted, in part, the Trump administration’s motion for a temporary stay of District Court trial proceedings in Juliana v. United States.
The Ninth Circuit panel only placed a stay on the trial, but not discovery and trial preparations. The stay will be in place until the Ninth Circuit decides the federal defendants’ petition for writ of mandamus, which was filed on Monday.
This is the federal government’s TWELFTH “stay” request in the federal courts. This is the FOURTH time that the Trump administration has gone to the Ninth Circuit in this case before a final judgment is entered by the trial court, when the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals would ordinarily have jurisdiction to hear the case. They have twice petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for early review.
The Ninth Circuit panel also ordered an expedited briefing schedule. The youth plaintiffs, and the District Court if it wishes, must file a response to the government’s petition within 15 days, and the government can respond five days later. The panel also ordered the parties to file a joint report on the status of discovery and any relevant pretrial matters in 15 days. Read the full order from the Ninth Circuit here.
Late this afternoon, U.S. District Court Judge Ann Aiken conducted a status conference in Juliana v. U.S. and informed the parties that she would promptly set a trial date once the Ninth Circuit lifts the temporary stay it placed on trial. She also told the parties that she would schedule the pre-trial conference as soon as the trial date is scheduled and she expected the parties to continue getting their work done and be ready for trial when the Ninth Circuit rules.
Given the urgency of climate change, we hope the Ninth Circuit will recognize the importance of a prompt trial date and lift the temporary stay quickly. Our federal government is wielding its power to bend the bounds of civil procedure. Our team is doing everything in our power to respond quickly and effectively to these extraordinary tactics.
As one of our amazing law clerks, Precious Makuyana, said today: “We are in the world of ‘uncivil procedure.’”
We will keep you posted on developments as they arise in the days ahead. They seem to come every day now. On behalf of all youth and future generations, we thank you for your continuing attention to this crucial constitutional case, and for your support!
The Team at Our Children’s Trust
STATE BOARD OF ELECTIONS: https://www.elections.il.gov
South Shore Line Announces Release of Finding of No Significant Impact for Proposed Double Track NWI Project
Project would add a second track between Gary and Michigan City
Chesterton, IN – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration (FTA) today issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) based on its review of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Double Track NWI (DT-NWI) Project. This is a significant milestone for the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) that gives them the green light to continue developing this regionally transformational Project. The Project will result in reduced travel time, more frequent train service, improved safety, and expanded connectivity between northwest Indiana and Chicago. The DT-NWI Project will provide NICTD with the ability to add trains to meet the demands of growing ridership on its South Shore Line.
“The team at NICTD has worked hard to minimize the project’s impact on the natural and human environment for the past two years,” said Michael Noland, president of South Shore Line. “We are thrilled to reach this critically important milestone and advance the project in the Capital Investment Grant process with the FTA,” he added.
The FONSI, which was signed by FTA Regional Administrator, Kelley Brookins on November 1, 2018, is the environmental capstone decision-making document for the Project. The FONSI outlines the determinations and findings of the environmental analysis in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and includes information about the selection and modification of the preferred alternative, analysis of impacts, environmental commitments, and responses to public comments.
The FONSI is available for review on the project website (http://www.doubletrack-nwi.com/docs) and at NICTD’s offices at 33 E. U.S. 12, Chesterton, IN 46304 (adjacent to Dune Park Station).
The DT-NWI Project proposes to construct a second track between Virginia Street in Gary and E Michigan Boulevard in Michigan City, realign the South Shore Line along 10th and 11th Streets in Michigan City, and close 21 at-grade crossings. It would also enhance the Gary/Miller, Portage/Ogden Dunes, Dune Park, Beverly Shores, and 11th Street (Michigan City) Stations.
# # #
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) operates the South Shore Line train with service from Millennium Station in Chicago to the South Bend International Airport in South Bend, IN
“The team at NICTD has worked hard to minimize the project’s impact on the natural and human environment for the past two years,” said Michael Noland, president of South Shore Line. “We are thrilled to reach this critically important milestone and advance the project in the Capital Investment Grant process with the FTA,” he added.
The FONSI, which was signed by FTA Regional Administrator, Kelley Brookins on November 1, 2018, is the environmental capstone decision-making document for the Project. The FONSI outlines the determinations and findings of the environmental analysis in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and includes information about the selection and modification of the preferred alternative, analysis of impacts, environmental commitments, and responses to public comments.
The FONSI is available for review on the project website (http://www.doubletrack-nwi.com/docs) and at NICTD’s offices at 33 E. U.S. 12, Chesterton, IN 46304 (adjacent to Dune Park Station).
The DT-NWI Project proposes to construct a second track between Virginia Street in Gary and E Michigan Boulevard in Michigan City, realign the South Shore Line along 10th and 11th Streets in Michigan City, and close 21 at-grade crossings. It would also enhance the Gary/Miller, Portage/Ogden Dunes, Dune Park, Beverly Shores, and 11th Street (Michigan City) Stations.
# # #
The Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District (NICTD) operates the South Shore Line train with service from Millennium Station in Chicago to the South Bend International Airport in South Bend, IN
Calumet Heritage Area Website Announced
We are delighted to announce the arrival of the Calumet Heritage Area Website. The result of decades of planning and outreach, the Calumet Heritage Area is now officially recognized by the National Park Service. The organization's new website can be reached at this address: https://www.calumetheritagearea.org This link is also now permanently included on the Links page of the Southeast Chicago and Northwest Indiana website. A sample of the new site's Home Page is included, below:
Update, Nov. 3, 2018, Juliana v United States, Climate Trial of the Century
Carolyn Marsh
Whiting, Lake County, IN
Dear Friend,
Today, for the second time, the United States Supreme Court denied the Trump administration’s application for stay in the landmark constitutional climate lawsuit, Juliana v. United States. The lawsuit, brought by 21 young Americans and supported by Our Children’s Trust, is back on track for trial!
“The youth of our nation won an important decision today from the Supreme Court that shows even the most powerful government in the world must follow the rules and process of litigation in our democracy," said Julia Olson, executive director and chief legal counsel of Our Children’s Trust and co-counsel for the youth plaintiffs said.
Seven of the justices found the Defendants did not have a "fair prospect" of success on their petition for a writ of mandamus, one of the factors necessary for the Court to stay lower court proceedings. Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch would have granted the application.
This afternoon, immediately after receiving the order of the Supreme Court, plaintiffs filed a request in the District Court asking for an immediate status conference to get Juliana v. United States back on track for trial.
With the news of the Supreme Court’s order in favor of these young people, a generous donor who has matched donations to Our Children’s Trust in the past, has offered another powerful matching challenge. If we are able to raise $50,000 from our grassroots supporters at this pivotal moment, this donor will double your gift, up to an additional $50,000! https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/oss0mj405fu?utm_source=Our+Children%27s+Trust+Newsletter&utm_campaign=0da418d8ef-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_10_20_11_53_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4094e87487-0da418d8ef-116157125
Please consider a donation at this time, doubled up to a total of $50,000, to help us bring forth the evidence in this case with certainty and strength. Thank you for your generous consideration.
We will let you know as soon as we hear from the U.S. District Court about next steps in the Trial of the Century.
Thank you very much for your partnership at this crucial time.
The Team at Our Children’s Trust
Carolyn Marsh
Whiting, Lake County, IN
Dear Friend,
Today, for the second time, the United States Supreme Court denied the Trump administration’s application for stay in the landmark constitutional climate lawsuit, Juliana v. United States. The lawsuit, brought by 21 young Americans and supported by Our Children’s Trust, is back on track for trial!
“The youth of our nation won an important decision today from the Supreme Court that shows even the most powerful government in the world must follow the rules and process of litigation in our democracy," said Julia Olson, executive director and chief legal counsel of Our Children’s Trust and co-counsel for the youth plaintiffs said.
Seven of the justices found the Defendants did not have a "fair prospect" of success on their petition for a writ of mandamus, one of the factors necessary for the Court to stay lower court proceedings. Justices Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch would have granted the application.
This afternoon, immediately after receiving the order of the Supreme Court, plaintiffs filed a request in the District Court asking for an immediate status conference to get Juliana v. United States back on track for trial.
With the news of the Supreme Court’s order in favor of these young people, a generous donor who has matched donations to Our Children’s Trust in the past, has offered another powerful matching challenge. If we are able to raise $50,000 from our grassroots supporters at this pivotal moment, this donor will double your gift, up to an additional $50,000! https://app.moonclerk.com/pay/oss0mj405fu?utm_source=Our+Children%27s+Trust+Newsletter&utm_campaign=0da418d8ef-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_10_20_11_53_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_4094e87487-0da418d8ef-116157125
Please consider a donation at this time, doubled up to a total of $50,000, to help us bring forth the evidence in this case with certainty and strength. Thank you for your generous consideration.
We will let you know as soon as we hear from the U.S. District Court about next steps in the Trial of the Century.
Thank you very much for your partnership at this crucial time.
The Team at Our Children’s Trust
MORE ON THE ABOVE TRIAL FROM CAROLYN MARSH:
October 26, 2018
Hi everyone,
Here’s a new FB event page created by John Halstead, 350 Indiana-Calumet and an event update.
https://www.facebook.com/events/526906184441521/
Carolyn
When: Monday, October 29, 2018
Title: Climate Trial of the Century gathering
What: Solidarity with nationwide rallies for this historic climate lawsuit
Juliana v United States - Youth Plaintiffs for Constitutional Climate Rights.
Where: Northern District of Indiana
United States District Court
5400 Federal Court Plaza (Hohman Ave. and Douglas St.)
Hammond, Indiana 46320
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The event is called to publicize Juliana v United States. The 21 young plaintiffs represent millions of individuals who are deeply worried about the future health of the planet. Industries in Northwest Indiana are major producers of green house gases that contribute to climate change, thereforewe stand in support of the Trial of the Century.
Sponsor: 350 Indiana-Calumet, Co-organizers: John Halstead <johnhalstead@gmail.com and Connie Wachala, <csowa2@sbcglobal.net>
Sponsor: Sierra Club Dunelands Group, David Woronecki-Ellis, Chair
Sponsor: Southeast Environmental Task Force (SE Chicago), Peggy Salazar, Executive Director
Speaker: Samuel Henderson, Staff Attorney, Hoosier Environmental Council"
Speaker: Catherine Menge student, Bishop Noll Institute
Speaker: Liz Davis, student, Calumet College of St. Joseph
Speaker: Beyond Coal Campaign - Indiana, Ashley Williams
Open microphone
Statements:
Connie Sowa Wachala, 350 Indiana-Calumet
We believe we have a responsibility to support the brave young people suing the U.S. government for perpetuating climate change and endangering our future. Our group is calling for a just transition to renewable energy, for the sake of our economy, our health, and our children's future.
David Woronecki-Ellis, Chair, Sierra Club Dunelands Group
With the effects of climate change already beginning to impact people's lives around the globe, we commend and support the young citizens in the US who are suing the government to maintain their future rights to life, liberty, and property in a quickly changing world. The Juliana v. United States case should be heard by the court and will ideally come to a conclusion that reinforces that our government is "of, by, and for the People", not for short-term corporate interests.
Hopefully, the court will conclude that the health of our shared biosphere should be maintained for the benefit of these young plaintiffs, so they can live as prosperous a life as we and our parents have been allowed to enjoy.
Daniel Dugan, civil engineering student, Purdue Northwest University
I know the importance of planning ahead. My job will be to build infrastructure to last a century in the future. That is the kind of foresight I expect of our government. Yet it has made remarkably little preparation for climate change. I stand with the plaintiffs on this case to say that our future is to important to sacrifice for short term profits, and so that our government remains of, by, and for the people. “
Our Children’s Trust -350.org
Twenty-one youths are taking the United States government to court to fight for what is a constitutional right — a world in which to live full, thriving, and healthy lives.
The plaintiffs, all 21, come from different walks of life: different regions, racial backgrounds, and economic classes. We stand united in our demand: a bold, science-based National Climate Recovery Plan to ensure that our generation and future generations can survive.
Just last week, the Department of Justice petitioned the nation’s highest court in an attempt to stop our case from going to trial. The Supreme Court placed an administrative stay on the litigation effectively halting the lawsuit temporarily so that it could hear from our lawyers before issuing a decision.
Our Children’s Trust Organizer via ActionNetwork.org [organizing@ourchildrenstrust.org]
https://www.youthvgov.org/october29/
New York Times interview with lawyer for Trial of the Century link:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/23/climate/kids-change-climate-lawyer
October 26, 2018
Hi everyone,
Here’s a new FB event page created by John Halstead, 350 Indiana-Calumet and an event update.
https://www.facebook.com/events/526906184441521/
Carolyn
When: Monday, October 29, 2018
Title: Climate Trial of the Century gathering
What: Solidarity with nationwide rallies for this historic climate lawsuit
Juliana v United States - Youth Plaintiffs for Constitutional Climate Rights.
Where: Northern District of Indiana
United States District Court
5400 Federal Court Plaza (Hohman Ave. and Douglas St.)
Hammond, Indiana 46320
Time: 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
The event is called to publicize Juliana v United States. The 21 young plaintiffs represent millions of individuals who are deeply worried about the future health of the planet. Industries in Northwest Indiana are major producers of green house gases that contribute to climate change, thereforewe stand in support of the Trial of the Century.
Sponsor: 350 Indiana-Calumet, Co-organizers: John Halstead <johnhalstead@gmail.com and Connie Wachala, <csowa2@sbcglobal.net>
Sponsor: Sierra Club Dunelands Group, David Woronecki-Ellis, Chair
Sponsor: Southeast Environmental Task Force (SE Chicago), Peggy Salazar, Executive Director
Speaker: Samuel Henderson, Staff Attorney, Hoosier Environmental Council"
Speaker: Catherine Menge student, Bishop Noll Institute
Speaker: Liz Davis, student, Calumet College of St. Joseph
Speaker: Beyond Coal Campaign - Indiana, Ashley Williams
Open microphone
Statements:
Connie Sowa Wachala, 350 Indiana-Calumet
We believe we have a responsibility to support the brave young people suing the U.S. government for perpetuating climate change and endangering our future. Our group is calling for a just transition to renewable energy, for the sake of our economy, our health, and our children's future.
David Woronecki-Ellis, Chair, Sierra Club Dunelands Group
With the effects of climate change already beginning to impact people's lives around the globe, we commend and support the young citizens in the US who are suing the government to maintain their future rights to life, liberty, and property in a quickly changing world. The Juliana v. United States case should be heard by the court and will ideally come to a conclusion that reinforces that our government is "of, by, and for the People", not for short-term corporate interests.
Hopefully, the court will conclude that the health of our shared biosphere should be maintained for the benefit of these young plaintiffs, so they can live as prosperous a life as we and our parents have been allowed to enjoy.
Daniel Dugan, civil engineering student, Purdue Northwest University
I know the importance of planning ahead. My job will be to build infrastructure to last a century in the future. That is the kind of foresight I expect of our government. Yet it has made remarkably little preparation for climate change. I stand with the plaintiffs on this case to say that our future is to important to sacrifice for short term profits, and so that our government remains of, by, and for the people. “
Our Children’s Trust -350.org
Twenty-one youths are taking the United States government to court to fight for what is a constitutional right — a world in which to live full, thriving, and healthy lives.
The plaintiffs, all 21, come from different walks of life: different regions, racial backgrounds, and economic classes. We stand united in our demand: a bold, science-based National Climate Recovery Plan to ensure that our generation and future generations can survive.
Just last week, the Department of Justice petitioned the nation’s highest court in an attempt to stop our case from going to trial. The Supreme Court placed an administrative stay on the litigation effectively halting the lawsuit temporarily so that it could hear from our lawyers before issuing a decision.
Our Children’s Trust Organizer via ActionNetwork.org [organizing@ourchildrenstrust.org]
https://www.youthvgov.org/october29/
New York Times interview with lawyer for Trial of the Century link:
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/23/climate/kids-change-climate-lawyer
LABKON'S ORIGINAL PIECE: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/commentary/ct-perspec-scrappers-general-iron-polluter-chicago-river-metals-environment-1001-story.html
DONATE: http://www.skyart.org/donate.html?utm_source=All+Contacts&utm_campaign=948d979157-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_03_30_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_27b07ec424-948d979157-11237293
WBEZ INTERVIEW: https://www.wbez.org/shows/morning-shift/small-businesses-on-south-west-sides-get-financial-boost-from-city/5d87ee66-303a-474d-a0f0-7ff579561294?utm_source=All+Contacts&utm_campaign=948d979157-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_03_30_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_27b07ec424-948d979157-11237293
ABC-TV INTERVIEW: https://abc7chicago.com/community-events/south-chicago-art-center-offers-free-programs-for-kids-and-young-adults-/4030274/?utm_source=All+Contacts&utm_campaign=948d979157-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2018_03_30_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_27b07ec424-948d979157-11237293
GUEST ARTICLE: https://www.claretianassociates.org/blog
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https://www.flickr.com/photos/140201273@N02/collections/72157670191593577/
https://www.unitedwaypc.org/United-Against-Opioid-Abuse-Initiative?utm_source=UWPC+Newsletter-+August+2018&utm_campaign=2018-03_quarterly-newsletter&utm_medium=email
2018 LIVE UNITED video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XOeXfBaVpYU&t=
https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Valparaiso/ValparaisoHalfMarathon?utm_source=UWPC+Newsletter-+August+2018&utm_campaign=2018-03_quarterly-newsletter&utm_medium=email
PRESS CONFERENCE AT GENERAL IRON: https://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2018/07/30/we-don-t-want-your-trash-residents-protest-general-iron-s-move-southeast-side
LINK TO ABOVE-MENTIoNED ARTICLE: https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/how-about-a-little-respect-for-the-little-calumet-river-and-the-10th-ward
SIGN THE PETITION: https://www.change.org/p/mayor-rahm-emanuel-ban-the-toxic-landfill-in-southeast-chicago
PETITION LINK: https://www.change.org/p/mayor-rahm-emanuel-ban-the-toxic-landfill-in-southeast-chicago
WTTW ARTICLE LINK: https://chicagotonight.wttw.com/2018/05/11/you-have-protect-us-residents-speak-out-about-manganese-pollution
