NATION IN BRIEF : ILLINOIS : Pollution Program Targets Great Lakes

The Environmental Protection Agency and the governors of the Great Lakes states announced a voluntary “pollution prevention” program that EPA Administrator William K. Reilly predicted would meet the agency’s goal of a 50% cut in the discharge of certain toxic chemicals into the lakes by the end of 1995. Environmental groups generally praised the program, but some warned that a purely voluntary approach would never end pollution of the Great Lakes. Under the plan, announced in Chicago, the EPA and state governments will encourage industries and others to adopt pollution prevention programs targeted at specific toxic chemicals and certain areas of the Great Lakes region. Incentives to industry include promises of public recognition of voluntary pollution prevention measures that could be used in advertising and marketing campaigns.