Posts from July 2020 and earlier can be found on our blog archive.
"Unregulated coal ash poses a buried, brewing threat to Lake Michigan and beyond" via Energy News Network
August 25, 2022
“Groundwater contamination has been happening at these sites for over a decade, the agency has been involved, but no regulatory body has put an end to it,” said Christine Nannicelli of Sierra Club Illinois.
"Synthetic Chemicals Found in Over 8 Million Illinoisans' Drinking Water" via The 21st Show
August 24, 2022
A Chicago Tribune investigation found more than 8 million people in Illinois get their drinking water utilities where at least one forever chemical has been detected.
President Biden Signs Federal Climate Legislation That Will Complement the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act Here in Illinois
August 16, 2022
President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 into law, marking the largest federal investment ever in climate and clean energy.
Local Residents, United Congregations of Metro East, and Sierra Club Illinois Respond to Dangerous Fire at Industrial Recycling Facility
August 10, 2022
A 5-alarm fire broke out at Interco Trading, a “metaltronics” recycling factory that recycles non-ferrous metals, including lithium ion and lead acid batteries.
"Lightfoot announces $422 million renewable energy deal" via Crain's Chicago Business
August 8, 2022
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced a five-year agreement with Constellation to purchase renewable energy for all city facilities and operations by 2025, making Chicago one of the largest U.S. cities to pledge such a move.
City of Chicago to Transition to 100% Renewable Energy by 2025, Thanks in Large Part to Local Organizing Efforts
August 8, 2022
The City of Chicago announced that it is moving to power all public buildings and sister agencies with 100% renewable energy by 2025.
"EmberClear gas plant approved; permit 'inconsistent' with state commitments, say opponents" via State Journal-Register
August 1, 2022
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has given the go-ahead to a Texas-based company to build an 1,100-megawatt natural gas-powered plant just south of Springfield over the objections of environmental groups.
Illinois EPA Grants Operating Permit to Texas Corporation to Build $1 Billion Polluting Gas Plant in Central Illinois
July 29, 2022
The IEPA granted a construction permit to EmberClear to build the Lincoln Land Energy Center—a massive, polluting gas plant.
"We must act now to save the beloved—and endangered—monarch butterfly" via Daily Herald
July 23, 2022
"Every insect, every plant, even all the things that live in the soil that we don't see, they all play an important role in creating a healthy ecosystem,” said Lonnie Morris of the DuPage Monarch Project.
Faith & Environmental Organizations Urge Improvements to Air Permitting Processes to Address Environmental Injustice
July 23, 2022
A coalition of organizations from both sides of the Mississippi River urge policymakers to swiftly improve air permitting processes to address air pollution and environmental injustice.