Official First Family Photograph

The Obamas in the Green Room, Sept. 1, 2009, with Sasha, second from left, and Malia, right. (Annie Leibovitz for the White House)

Illinois River Is Heavily Polluted According To New Report

According to a new report published by the Sierra Club, "Wasting Our Waterways," the Illinois River ranked 11th in the country for most toxin chemicals released. The report used the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) to analyze the impact on U.S. waterways.

According to TRI, more than 230 million pounds of toxins were discharged into American water in 2007. That includes 8.8 million pounds in all of Illinois, and 3.9 million pounds in the Illinois River. Four of the 12 highest-ranked rivers are in this state, although several of them travel through other states as well. And TRI does not include agricultural uses or sewage treatment plants. (PJStar.com, 10/21/09)

AAEA Opens Chicago Office

AAEA has reestablished its presence in Chicago, Illinois.

The Chicago Office for the Midwest Region will not only cover issues in the city and surrounding areas, it will also address regional environmental and energy issues.

We are excited about reestablishing in the hometown of Oprah Winfrey and President Barack Obama.

We look forward to a productive future as we work to mitigate environmental issues in this region.

Sandrea O'Dette McDonald upper right, is Director of the Chicago Office.