FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Gail
Philbin, Gail.Philbin@sierraclub.org
Sierra Club Statement
on Permit Approval or Ajax Asphalt Plant in Genesee Township
The Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy’s
(EGLE) approval of an air permit for the Ajax Materials Corp. asphalt plant in
Genesee Township near a low-income housing complex spotlights the urgent need
for reform of environmental regulations that address the cumulative impacts of
industrial pollution. Sierra Club Michigan Chapter released this statement on
the issue, which can be attributed to Gail Philbin, Sierra Club Michigan
director:
“EGLE's decision to issue an air permit to the Ajax
Materials Corp. proposed asphalt plant demonstrates the need to strengthen our
federal and state environmental standards as they apply to communities in
heavily industrialized areas. Sierra
Club supports the Flint based coalition members and environmental law firms
which have fought this permit and are now pursuing a civil rights complaint
to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Civil Rights’ Office on EGLE's action.
"There are very real health effects from being
surrounded daily by industrial pollution, even if the environmental standards
for each individual facility are met. Cumulative pollution from multiple
sources can translate to higher rates of asthma and other health problems in
communities that often lack access to adequate medical care. Our state
environmental agency needs to ensure that all Michigan residents are protected
by our environmental laws.”
###
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is
America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization,
with more than 3.8 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting
every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature,
the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our
communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through
grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more
information, visit www.sierraclub.org.
