Is Growing Coalition in IL Enough to Drive the Coal Tar Out?

There is a growing coalition of business, health, governmental and environmental organizations supporting Representative Laura Fine‘s proposed ban of coal tar pavement sealers. The bill, House Bill 2401, calls for the ban of coal tar pavement products by the end of this year.

The opponents are a formidable brew of big business, labor, and chemical interests.

As with last session, the Illinois Statewide School Management Alliance* is expected to oppose the ban. Can you believe that? If you can convince a school advocacy alliance to support the continued spread of toxins where children are exposed, then you can convince them about any of the industry’s long-held myths. Here’s the contact info for the representative of this organization, who was present and opposing the legislation last year:

Susan Hilton
Director/Governmental Relations

Illinois Association of School Boards
217/528-9688, ext. 1135
shilton@iasb.com

Illinois has more than enough reasons to ban this substance:

Effects on children: KNOWN
Effects on unborn: KNOWN
Effects on aquatic species: KNOWN
High levels of associated pollution in Chicago, suburbs and Illinois River: KNOWN

If you would like to read more about this issue as it relates to Illinois, here is an assembled list of articles which have been written here.

Illinois has system now that allows for public comment on legislation without being physically present, but it only works the day of a committee meeting. Stay tuned and I’ll let you know where to send in your comments.

In the meantime, this bill feels like it is in the hands of people. Will enough citizens speak out for a ban of this product and persuade lawmakers to support this legislation?

A few years ago, an online petition went around to support a nationwide ban of coal tar sealcoat. Over 400 Illinoisans signed along with some of the following comments:

Ms. Gale & Mark Eric Johansen, IL

Once again the government is continuing to allow the use of a substance that we know to be harmful in favor of economic interests rather than doing what is best to protect people and the environment. Congress, you work for us, ban coal tar sealant now!

Mrs. Donna Estes, IL

There are so many bad toxins out there. We need to start being responsible and clean them up and stop using them. We are all slowly being poisioned.

Mr. Rev. Jeff Zimmerman, IL

On top of the health and environmental effects, a recent Chicago Tribune on this subject noted that sealant does not prolong the life of the asphalt.

Ms. Eva Pecore, IL

Please ban Coal Tar pavement sealant, I don’t want to feel guilty because I took my kid to the park to play and he gets cancer

Ms. Cathie Christ, IL

Honestly why should we need this petition? Any substance deemed carcinogenic should be banned immediately. Get with it Congress … protect the people and our environment.

Ms. Peggy Brayfield, IL

There are safer, better alternatives. Protect our environment and all living things.

Mr. Tim Childress, IL

We need to put people first and commerce second business is all about the bottom line

Ms. Lynn Morris, IL

YOU MIGHT AS WELL ADD THE STREETS. WE DON’T NEED ANY MORE CRAP THAT’S GOING TO HURT US

* The Alliance is a consolidated effort led by the Executive Directors and Boards from four participating organizations: Illinois Association of School Boards (IASB), Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA), Illinois Association of School Business Officials (Illinois ASBO) and Illinois Principals’ Association (IPA). The ability of each of these organizations to influence public policy is enhanced through the cooperative efforts of the Statewide School Management Alliance, which directs all of their efforts at producing legislation that fosters a favorable educational climate in Illinois and promotes effective school board leadership.