Threat to water is ever present

Two weeks from now we may forget all about the water poisoning situation in West Virginia. It has already waned from the news. But will the people whose water supply was affected forget?

Living near a dangerous polluter is frightening. In Southern Illinois we face the threat of numerous fracking well sites. The regulations bill that was passed in Illinois last year had some of the strongest regulations in the country but they are now in danger of being watered down. Longwall mines threaten other parts of our state and traditional coal mines continue to plague communities endangering air quality as well as water supplies.

Groups such as the Sierra Club are working diligently to encourage clean and renewable energy sources. We have to all press for these changes to protect our homes, families, environment and future.

Connie Schmidt

Warrenville

Chairwoman

River Prairie group

Illinois Sierra Club