Posted on 11/04/2006 11:24:27 AM PST by Tolerance Sucks Rocks
Two environmental groups say they will sue to stop construction of the intercounty connector, arguing that building the highway would violate sections of the federal Clean Air Act.
Environmental Defense and the Maryland chapter of the Sierra Club said 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.
"There are elementary schools and nursing centers close to the ICC, and people who live and work within several hundred yards of this new highway will suffer health problems as a result of breathing fine particles from the trucks and buses and cars," said Michael Replogle, transportation director for Environmental Defense, which has filed an "intent to sue" notice with the federal government, Maryland and the regional Transportation Planning Board.
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.
"It's up to the federal agencies to meet their responsibilities under the Clean Air Act and take a good hard look at this and whether the approval of this road was a legal action," Replogle said.
A 60-day notice of intent to sue is required when taking legal action against federal agencies for violating the Clean Air Act, said Hope Babcock, director of the Institute for Public Representation at Georgetown University Law Center, which is representing the environmental groups.
"We want them to go back and do an analysis that is not defective," she said.
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
I wonder if this one deserves a DC Chapter ping, since the lawsuit concerns a project in the area...
Where is the judiciary that should be throwing these suits out left and right on the grounds of 'no standing' ?????
So what is better. A six lane highway so the cars can pass faster or use the old highway where cars will back up and stay in an area longer since they are driving slower and pollute more.
But you don't understand!
YOU are supposed to take a bus everywhere!
Nevermind the 3 hour trip, the psychotic "homeless" people, and the endless wait for "exact change" and all.
It's your duty to the planet, Dude!
I never said that environMENTAL lawsuits were based on actual logic and fact...
Incidentally, I did hear about the forecast by Maryland's Transportation Secretary that once the ICC opens, the beltway will remain just as crowded due to other drivers replacing the ones using the ICC. The crap people will put up with to drive free...
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