The Minnesota Pollution Control Board warned Excel Dairy at a June 22 hearing this was the dairy's last chance to correct the air emissions problems with their dairy operation in Marshall County near Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

The Elk River Municipal Utility is considering buying into the Big Stone II coal-fired power plant proposed to be built near Milbank, South Dakota. While other utilities and other states across the Midwest and the nation are abandoning plans for building new coal plants, the Big Stone II proposers continue down this path, which critics call "uneconomic and environmentally irresponsible."

You may have read a recent article in Time about something called Carrotmob, wherein people can contribute toward an environmental goal by doing nothing more than showing up and buying something you would buy anyway.  We're looking to get one going here in the Twin Cities and need people to help organize.  If you can lend a hand with a video camera, spend a few minutes chatting with local business owners, or just plain spread the word, please email tccarrotmob@gmail.com.  For more information please go to http://www.carrotmob.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 19, 2009

Radical Environmentalists Oppose Obama's National Fuel Standards for 2016; Claim New Limitations Will Not Do Enough to Curb Global Warming

After an hour of vigorous bi-partisan debate, an amendment to the Omnibus Energy policy bill to rescind Minnesota's 15 year moratorium on new nuclear power plants was voted down today on the House floor 72-60. This is a victory for those concerned with the environmental effects of nuclear power.

After hours of testimony, reducing neighbors and one Citizen’s Board member to tears, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency granted a one year permit to Excel Dairy. The unusually short permit (most are issued for five years) reflects the 1500 head dairy’s record of permit violations, odor complaints and conflict with local residents and agencies.

Excel Dairy made history recently as the only feedlot in US history to be declared a public health hazard by a state health department. Approximately 28 million gallons of manure are stored on the dairy's site near Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Hydrogen sulfide, a potent neurotoxin emitted by stored liquid manure, has been monitored by MPCA and grossly exceeded Minnesota Air Quality Standards. Excel Dairy’s cattle have been removed from their buildings because the lagoons are about to overflow.