Our Mission
TO PROTECT OUR CHILDREN
TO PROTECT OUR HOME
FROM ENVIRONMENTAL RISK
Read full Mission statement with Goals and Strategies
Who We Are
We are citizens of Presque Isle County and neighboring areas. We see that the environmental risks here are not only for our children, but for many other peoples children, and the generations of children yet to come.
We seek to educate on the present and future effects of a coal burning power plant in Rogers City and beyond. We have great concern about public health risk stemming from the degradation of land, water, and air.
Our Main Concerns
Public Health | Environment | Economic Impact
Taking Action
Citizens for Environmental Inquiry has recently filed a law suit against the DEQ
Please read the following article...
Press Release Feb. 7, 2008:
Citizen Lawsuit Seeks Injunction Against New Coal Plants Until State’s DEQ Establishes Rules Governing Carbon Dioxide Pollution
In a legal action with potentially far-reaching consequences, a Michigan citizen’s group has filed suit to seek the Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) compliance in regulating carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from coal-fired power plants as allegedly required by The Environmental Protection Act (EPA). The suit also asks that the DEQ be enjoined from further issuance of air quality permits until they comply with existing law.
The suit was filed in Ingham County Circuit Court. It comes about five months after the group, Presque Isle County-based Citizens for Environmental Inquiry, served a legal request on the DEQ to regulate carbon dioxide as a pollutant in accordance with law. When the department failed to respond adequately within the legally required 90 days, the organization began considering the lawsuit.
“With at least five new coal-fired power plants seeking air permits from the state, my clients can no longer delay measures to assess and control the millions of tons of global warming pollution that can be released,” said Joseph P. Swallow, a retired Circuit Court judge and legal counsel for CEI. “The law (Environmental Protection Act) clearly defines CO2 as a pollutant and mandates regulation, but the state has no regulations whatsoever.”
Charles Winters, President of CEI, said Gov. Jennifer Granholm’s recent executive order addressing greenhouse gas emissions doesn’t require recommendations until the end of 2008. That’s an “unconscionable delay during which five new coal plants could be approved and under way.”
The lawsuit asks that a judge mandate the DEQ to initiate procedures to promulgate carbon dioxide regulations, or explain under law why it is not required to do so.
In filing this lawsuit CEI is very much aware that Michigan has the highest unemployment rate in the nation and Presque Isle County has the highest in Michigan.
During these desperate times the filing of this lawsuit may be interpreted by many as a spurious threat against much needed jobs. Such is not the case, as the Court action only asks that existing laws be enforced by our public officials. Even during these desperate times public officials must be true to their sworn duty, Attorney Swallow added.
Citizens for Environmental Inquiry was created in 2006 to scrutinize harmful emissions from a proposed coal plant in Rogers City. They were stunned to learn of the harmful impacts of CO2 emissions worldwide, and shocked that Michigan is without regulations governing the emission of CO2.
Read the full complaint.
We need your help!
We ask you to be educated and involved.
Join CEI and help raise awareness to the risks we face.
Monies are needed so please, if you can, make a donation.
Contact us if you have any questions about Citizens for Environmental Inquiry.
Citizens for Environmental Inquiry is a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization
ID# 20-8740763
In The News
CEI Sues the DEQ
DEQ must follow the law says CEI lawsuit. read the full complaint
Minority Report
Here you can read the Minority Report written by Thomas Harkleroad and Byron DeLong, both Members of Presque Isle County Planning Commission.
Click Here to read the report.