Energy Program

Great Rivers works to promote public health by encouraging cleaner energy.  Our program consists of several projects.  We monitor actions taken by government and utilities to see whether they would be a detriment to air quality and public health.  We take action to challenge permits for polluting industries and facilities and if necessary challenge these facilities in court.  We are currently involved in two very specific projects which are detailed in this report, “In the Coal Pit.” 

Great Rivers Attorneys Speak Out on Energy - Spring 2006.  Read More

Air Quality Program

An important part of our air quality program involves monitoring actions taken by federal, state and local governments that will impact the quality of the air breathed by the citizens of Missouri and surrounding states. Great Rivers is frequently involved in matters that adversely affect air quality. Measures taken by Great Rivers include drafting comments to proposed rules, issuing position papers about the pollutants, and, as a last resort, handling litigation for clients seeking to improve air quality.

Global Warming

Global warming refers to the increase in the earth's temperature caused by a buildup of various gases in the earth's atmosphere. These gases-notably carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide-keep the sun's heat from being sufficiently radiated back into space. The buildup of these so-called "greenhouse gases" has allowed too much of the sun's heat to remain in the earth's atmosphere. Although some of the sun's energy is needed to make the earth habitable by maintaining an average temperature in the atmosphere which is needed to support life, the buildup of these so-called "greenhouse gases" has allowed too much of the sun's heat to remain in the earth's atmosphere.

Many scientists agree that human activity is the cause of the temperature increase. Since the Industrial Revolution, the average temperature has been rising, with a one-degree Fahrenheit increase noted during the last century, with accelerated warming occurring in the last twenty years. In general, scientists also believe that this warming is due to the greatly enhanced burning of fossil fuels (e.g., coal, gasoline and other petroleum-derived products) which generates large amounts of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide. Industrial production, use of internal combustion engines in motor vehicles, increased agriculture and mining are the most common human activities to which global warming has been attributed. Among the countries of the world, the United States probably produces the highest levels of greenhouse gas emissions; by 1997, it was emitting about one-fifth of the total global amount.

The effects of global warming have already begun to be felt and, at current emission levels, will eventually become catastrophic. Glaciers and polar ice caps have begun to melt, causing the sea level to rise in coastal areas. If allowed to continue, this will result in actual inundation of these areas with a resulting loss of property and land mass. Simultaneously, inland regions will experience severe droughts which will destroy some plant and animal species and seriously impact crop yields and water supplies. As the warming atmosphere provides a more hospitable environment for pathogenic organisms, the incidence of some diseases such as malaria will be enhanced. Oceanic weather patterns will experience dramatic, destructive change; some scientists believe that the increasing number of tropical storms and hurricanes may be caused, at least in part, by global warming. Weather patterns over land may be affected alternatively by drought, heat waves and/or higher intensity precipitation. Some of the greenhouse gases may also be contributing to stratospheric ozone depletion.

The most sensible and effective means for halting and reversing global warming is through international efforts to reduce global warming, particularly in those countries responsible for the majority of greenhouse gas emissions. Most recently, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change has proposed the Kyoto Protocol which sets binding targets for reduction of greenhouse emissions by developed nations. Although the treaty was signed by the U.S. in November 1998, the Senate has thus far withheld its consent. Hence, the U.S. is not legally bound by its terms. In fact, the Bush administration continues to answer the protests of environmentalists by calling for "voluntary" cutbacks by industry and other emitters. The refusal of the Senate and the White House to move forward in a positive direction on this issue is due to the allegedly negative effect of such measures on the American economy.

Great Rivers Environmental Law Center is closely monitoring scientific and political developments in connection with global warming. Great Rivers may become involved in future litigation and may issue position papers if and when such actions are indicated.

Read About Our Projects