Ohio Has No Laws On School Siting

Received from Renee Claire Blanchard:

December 22, 2008

Dear Richard ,

About an hour ago I sent out an appeal to all our supporters asking for their help in sending a message to Congress that our country is in need of strong comprehensive federal guidelines on school siting. Today, the USAToday released another report on schools built near areas with environmental chemical pollution. I am sending this second appeal to you because Ohio is of particular concern.

Ohio has no laws on school siting or controlling existing permitted facilities and your children deserve better. Please take action today and send a letter to your congress person asking the EPA to come in on deadline with strong comprehensive school siting guidelines in June 2009.

This article raises an important point that industries that are already operating would not be subject to any new laws. Therefore, we are suggesting a "Three Times--You're Out" position be state regulatory agencies. That is if the facility violates their air permit three times they can no longer operate. We wouldn't allow a vehicle driver to continue to drive after three drunk driving violations why would we allow and industry to operate so irresponsibly.

Besides sending a letter to your congress person, there are other ways you can take action in your own community:

(1) Write a letter to your local school board voicing your concern
(2) Write a letter to the editor for your local newspaper
(3) Meet with your neighbors and discuss additional steps your community should be taking on this important issue
(4) Pass a local ordinance on school siting

You can find out about and sign up to take action in your community, by visiting the CHEJ website.

Thank you for your hard work on this important issue,

Renee Claire Blanchard
Campaign Coordinator
Center for Health Environment and Justice
PO Box 6806 Falls Church, VA 20040