For years, EES Coke, a subsidiary of DTE in River Rouge, has failed to install legally required pollution controls, releasing thousands of tons of sulfur dioxide into Detroit’s 48217 zip code, one of the most heavily polluted areas in Michigan. Sierra Club is suing to hold EES Coke accountable, https://earthjustice.org/press/2022/locals-and-environmental-group-win-a-seat-in-ees-coke-lawsuit but rather than owning up to their failures, DTE and EES coke are fighting back aggressively to avoid responsibility for their illegal emissions and the health harms they’ve caused. Now, EES Coke is seeking a new air permit that could allow even more pollution in communities already suffering from poor air quality.
The Sierra Club is urging community members to show up to the public hearing on February 12 with two primary demands:
- For cumulative impacts (see article below) to be considered before any new permit is granted in overburdened communities.
- For DTE and EES Coke to take financial responsibility for the harm they’ve caused by funding community health restoration, covering medical bills for cancer and asthma victims, investing in public green spaces, providing personal air filters and public air monitors, and cleaning up their pollution.
Take Action:
- Attend the Public Hearing In Person on February 12 in River Rouge. The in person public hearing will start at 5:30 p.m. at the River Rouge City Hall, 10600 W. Jefferson Avenue, River Rouge, Michigan. https://maps.app.goo.gl/H1oTffTxib1L5Sy49
- Watch the Public Hearing and Call In Your Comments. The informational session and hearing will also be broadcast. The public may join the broadcast at: https://bit.ly/4eeglKA. Call in at (636) 651-3142 and use conference code 374288. EGLE staff will be available to answer questions and provide assistance if needed.
- Submit Written Comments by February 24. Written comments can be submitted by email here EGLE-AQD-PTIPublicComments@Michigan.gov or through the U.S. Mail to: Permit Section Manager, EGLE, AQD P.O. Box 30260 Lansing, MI 48909-7760.
Background Information on the Proposed Permit:
- EGLE has provided a summary of the permit proposal here. https://www.egle.state.mi.us/aps/downloads/permits/PubNotice/APP-2024-0157/APP-2024-0157PPS.pdf
- An excellent Planet Detroit article on why cumulative impacts matter can be found here. https://planetdetroit.org/2023/09/what-michigan-could-learn-from-new-jerseys-2020-cumulative-impact-law/
For more information, contact Sierra Club Campaign Organizer, Bryan Smigielski, at bryan.smigielski@sierraclub.org.