Environmental Defense and the Maryland chapter of the Sierra Club say they plan to file a lawsuit to prevent the construction of an 18-mile segment of highway which they claim will violate clean-air standards.
The environmental groups' intent to sue notice has been delivered to the federal government, the state of Maryland and the regional Transportation Planning Board. The groups hope that the government bodies will take advantage of the 60-day notice period to re-analyze the intended construction project for its environmental impact.
"The Washington region already fails to meet certain clean-air standards and that building the six-lane, 18-mile highway would increase pollution. The $2.4 billion intercounty connector would link Interstate 270 in Montgomery County with Interstate 95 in Prince George's County."
"Because the Washington region does not comply with federal limits on fine particles, the groups say, federal officials cannot legally approve or fund any project that would increase the amount of particulates. The highway was given final approval by federal officials in June and some minor construction projects have begun."
FULL STORY: Clean Air Act Cited In Expected Lawsuit
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Manufactured housing communities have long been an affordable housing option for millions of people living in the U.S., but that affordability is disappearing rapidly. How did we get here?
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Americans are moving a lot less than they once did, and that is a problem. While Yoni Applebaum, in his highly-publicized article Stuck, gets the reasons badly wrong, it's still important to ask: why are we moving so much less than before?
Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.
Updating LA’s Tree Rules Could Bring More Shade to Underserved Neighborhoods
A new USC study finds that relaxing Los Angeles’ outdated tree planting guidelines could significantly expand urban tree canopy and reduce shade disparities in lower-income neighborhoods, though infrastructure investments are also needed.
California's Canal Solar Projects Aim to Conserve Resources and Expand Clean Energy
California’s Project Nexus has begun generating electricity from solar panels installed over irrigation canals, with researchers and state agencies exploring statewide expansion to conserve water and boost clean energy production.
HHS Staff Cuts Gut Energy Assistance Program
The full staff of a federal program that distributes heating and cooling assistance for low-income families was laid off, jeopardizing the program’s operations.
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