Chicago-Kent Journal of Environmental and Energy Law

A New Life for Coal Plants: How Repurposing Coal-Fired Energy Plants Could Help Revitalize Midwestern Communities

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On November 4, 2024

In News & Announcements

A New Life for Coal Plants: How Repurposing Coal-Fired Energy Plants Could Help Revitalize Midwestern Communities 

By: Annmarie Buckley 

As the U.S. continues efforts to prioritize clean energy, coal-fired energy plants across the country are shutting down. These shutdowns have had enormous health and environmental benefits on the surrounding communities.[1] Despite those benefits, the decommissioning of coal plants can have detrimental effects, particularly on the towns that relied on the plants for economic growth and stability.[2] Midwestern and Appalachian towns are acutely affected by coal plant decommissions, as coal has been the economic lifeblood of those communities for generations.[3] To alleviate the economic burdens of decommissioning, there is a growing demand for ways to repurpose retired coal plants to serve the needs of the communities surrounding them.

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Garlic Mustard: Tasty In The Kitchen, Not In Michigan Forests

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On October 18, 2024

In News & Announcements, Blog Posts

 

Garlic Mustard: Tasty in the Kitchen, Not in Michigan Forests

By:  Natalie Wienold

Many Americans embark on their summer trips to iconic destinations, sometimes choosing between California on the West Coast or Cape Cod and Nantucket on the East Coast.[1] However, they often overlook a stunning  “third coast”: Michigan.[2] Northern Michigan is an underrated area, for its natural beauty with its array of trees and greenery, freshwater lakes, beaches, and picturesque small towns.[3] As Michiganders and visitors enjoy the idyllic landscape; they must remain vigilant for invasive species that threaten the vibrant ecosystems of Michigan forests. One of the most prevalent invaders that Michiganders continue to be advised on is garlic mustard.[4]

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Europe’s Top Human Rights Court Finds A Positive Obligation For Governments to Make Effective Climate Policy

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On April 26, 2024

In News & Announcements

EUROPE’S TOP HUMAN RIGHTS COURT FINDS A POSITIVE OBLIGATION FOR GOVERNMENTS TO MAKE EFFECTIVE CLIMATE POLICY

By: Matthew Warren

On April 9, 2024, Europe’s top human rights court ruled that Switzerland’s failure to effectively combat climate change violated its citizens’ human rights.[1] In the case Verein KlimaSeniorinnen Schweiz and Others v. Switzerland, the European Court of Human Rights’ (“ECtHR”) Grand Chamber held that the Swiss government had not met its positive obligation to cut greenhouse gas emissions pursuant to Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights (“the Convention”).[2] KilmaSeniorinnen is a group of over 2,000 Swiss women aged 64 and older that argued that they were particularly at risk of dying from heatwaves as a result of government inaction.[3] This is the first time that an international human rights court has upheld a right to climate protection.[4]

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“Big Yellow Taxis” and the Cost of Live Music

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On April 24, 2024

In News & Announcements

“Big Yellow Taxis” and the Cost of Live Music

By: Davey Komisar

I was six years old when I saw my first live concert. In April of 2000, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young played at the United Center in Chicago. That day forever changed my life. Music has a funny way of doing that, eliciting emotions you never knew existed. It can be inspiring, nostalgic, even comforting. Music is also a tool used by artists to express their own emotions and passions. One such passion that many musicians share is their desire to for a healthier environment in an everchanging world.

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Will Louisiana v. EPA change environmental justice?

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On April 12, 2024

In News & Announcements

Will Louisiana v. EPA change environmental justice?

By: Madeline Cintron

Fresh air and blue sky are a stark contrast to the heavy smog and toxic pollutants that people across the United States regularly dealt with before the Clean Air Act (CAA).[1] Environmental statutes like the CAA help create healthier spaces across the United States.[2] However, even with environmental statutes and regulations, there are people across the country who are surrounded by dirty air and/or are heavily impacted by other forms of pollutants.[3] From the beginning, environmental protection has not been applied equally across the United States.[4] Historically, “minority, and low income populations [have] bear[ed] a higher environmental risk burden than the general population.”[5]

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Nuclear Energy Should Help Pave the Way for a Renewable Energy Future

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On March 9, 2024

In News & Announcements

Nuclear Energy Should Help Pave the Way for a Renewable Energy Future

By: Jack Sundermann

Demand for electricity varies greatly from day to day or even hour to hour.[1] The amount of electricity consumed on a hot summer day can be multiple times greater than the amount consumed at night on a cool summer evening.[2] Baseload plants provide the minimum amount of power that is always in demand.[3] Traditionally, baseload demand has been met by fossil fuel plants that burn coal or natural gas.[4] Modern nuclear power plants can provide a carbon-free alternative to coal or natural gas fired baseload plants.[5]

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California’s Coastline: to Sink or to Save?

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On February 8, 2024

In News & Announcements

California’s Coastline: To Sink or To Save?

By: Katelyn Holcomb

Early California dreamers built and established themselves along a coastline that is inherently meant to change, but as sea levels rise, the Pacific Ocean engulfs California’s famous beaches and coastline. [1] With every swell, with every storm, and with every passing tide, the coastline erodes; and everything built on that earth—the Pacific Coast Highway, seaside communities, the rail line to San Diego—has nowhere to go.[2] One foot of sea level rise pushes the shoreline inland as much as the length of a football field, yet Californians insist on residing on the edge of the water.[3] Californians play a “game of chicken” with the Pacific Ocean, hoping that it will yield and allow for picture-perfect life along the coast to continue. However, the ocean persistently advances, eating the coastline we have come to admire and love.

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COP28 Ends in Pledge to Transition Away from Fossil Fuels

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On January 20, 2024

In News & Announcements

COP28 Ends in Pledge to Transition Away from Fossil Fuels:

By: Matthew Warren

The 28th annual Conference of the Parties (COP28) of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) concluded in Dubai after running from November 30 to December 12, 2023.[1] While initially drawing criticism for being hosted by the United Arab Emirates’ national oil company president, Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, the conference proved fruitful as the 198 member state parties agreed for the first time to transition away from coal, oil, and natural gas.[2]

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California Becomes the First State with Direct Potable Reuse Regulations

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On January 10, 2024

In News & Announcements

California Becomes the First State with Direct Potable Reuse Regulations

By: Victor Chahin

The American Southwest has recently encountered its driest periods in 1,200 years.[1] California, one of the most populous yet driest states in the United States, continuously grapples with exacerbated drought conditions.[2] Over the past decade, the Golden State has witnessed an increase in both the frequency and severity of dry periods in comparison to wet ones, significantly impacting the state’s water supply and reserves.[3]

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A New High Seas Treaty: What it Could Mean for the Future of the Oceans

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On January 6, 2024

In News & Announcements

A New High Seas Treaty: What it Could Mean for the Future of the Oceans

By: Mira Rhodes

The ocean makes up about 70% of the earth’s surface.[1] Because these waters flow outside national boundaries, they have always been unregulated and thus unprotected from human-created environmental threats.[2] However, in early March of 2023, United Nations (U.N.) member states agreed upon a High Seas Treaty aimed at protecting and conserving biodiversity in international waters.[3] This treaty is known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) treaty.[4] The treaty was formally adopted by the U.N. in June of 2023[5] and signed by the United States on September 20, 2023.[6]

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Journal of Environmental and Energy Law
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law
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Chicago, IL 60661-3691

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