Nitrate pollution in drinking water is a serious public health concern. A new Iowa report links it to rising cancer rates. Industrial agriculture is a primary source. 83 groups, including ELPC, are calling for urgent federal action. https://act.elpc.org/49okyvt

Data centers are driving a surge in Midwest energy demand. In IL, projected demand exceeds ComEd’s historic peak. This Earth Day, the stakes are clear: who pays, how it’s powered, and how communities are protected. 3 priorities to get it right: https://act.elpc.org/3QvYo3V

Flooding forced evacuations in northern Michigan as dams were pushed to their limits. Safe dam stewardship requires strong oversight. Consumers Energy’s plan to sell 13 dams to out-of-state private equity raises real safety concerns. This sale should not move forward. https://act.elpc.org/4tczmVZ

Illinois wetlands protect our communities. They reduce flooding, keep drinking water clean, and support wildlife. But federal rollbacks have left many wetlands at risk. https://act.elpc.org/41iMkW0

Mercury pollution from power plants dropped 90% under federal standards. Now the Trump EPA wants to roll them back and allow more toxic pollution into our air. https://act.elpc.org/4bG62ku

72% of Illinois wetlands are no longer protected. That puts clean water, diverse ecosystems, and communities at risk. Tell Illinois lawmakers to pass the Wetlands Protection Act: https://act.elpc.org/4bSMbxw

The ICC took a first step to address data center risks, with new protections and a deeper investigation ahead. But more is needed. Data centers should bring their own clean energy and infrastructure, not shift costs onto Illinois customers. https://act.elpc.org/4lHA0YM

Energy bills are rising. The Energy Bills Relief Act would help lower costs by restoring clean energy tax credits, a smart step toward affordability, reliability, and cleaner air. https://act.elpc.org/4rHnNol

We’re challenging a federal order forcing two Indiana coal plants to stay open. It could cost ratepayers millions, increase pollution, and override years of planning, even though cleaner, cheaper energy is available. Midwest communities shouldn’t pay for this. https://act.elpc.org/3PHBMwR

A 73-year-old oil pipeline runs through the Straits of Mackinac, and a proposed tunnel could keep it operating for decades. Today the Michigan Supreme Court heard challenges to the approval of Enbridge’s Line 5 oil tunnel. We urged the Court to require a full review. https://act.elpc.org/410xfbi

The U.S. Forest Service is proposing large-scale logging across tens of thousands of acres in Michigan’s Ottawa National Forest. These public lands provide critical wildlife habitat and recreation for Midwest communities. https://act.elpc.org/4dcnDS6

Consumers Energy says regulators must approve its plan to sell 13 Michigan dams to private equity as-is or the utility will decommission them. Customers deserve better than an all-or-nothing ultimatum. https://act.elpc.org/4ltdO4F

Chicago families are already stretched by rising utility bills. Now People’s Gas wants to more than double annual spending on pipe replacements, locking in higher costs for decades. There are lower-cost, safer alternatives. Pipe replacement should be a last resort. https://act.elpc.org/47gteD5

A massive logging project in the Ottawa National Forest could impact endangered species and remove mature forests that help stabilize our climate. We are urging a closer environmental review before this moves forward. https://act.elpc.org/4snEWUT

Breaking: Trump’s EPA just repealed updated Mercury & Air Toxics Standards, allowing coal plants to emit more mercury, heavy metals & soot. With so many coal plants in the Midwest, our communities will feel the impact. We will fight to defend clean air. https://act.elpc.org/4rTQ6QW

Consumers Energy wants to sell 13 dams for $1 each. Testimony before the Michigan Public Service Commission confirms the private equity buyer could turn around and resell them. Michigan’s rivers aren’t assets to flip. https://act.elpc.org/4tFWXyU

The Trump administration just repealed the Endangerment Finding. The scientific determination that greenhouse gases endanger public health. Repealing it would strike at the foundation of federal climate protections and pave the way for sweeping deregulation. https://act.elpc.org/4tE19iY

Conservation groups are urging regulators to stop a risky private equity deal to sell 13 dams on five of the state’s most important rivers for just $1 each. https://act.elpc.org/4kCP7SH

Big win for Illinois energy customers.⚡️ State regulators are requiring ComEd and Ameren Illinois to do more to keep energy bills affordable. Utilities must cut unnecessary costs and deliver real value for customers, not just profits. https://act.elpc.org/4rxukC8

The Trump administration is rolling back fuel economy standards that help cars use less gas and reduce pollution. If finalized, drivers will pay more at the pump and emissions will increase. The deadline to comment is tomorrow. Speak up now: https://act.elpc.org/4qMAhuD

The Great Lakes don’t need more invasive species. But ballast water from freighters can move zebra mussels from port to port. Canada is stepping up. U.S. standards still exempt most existing ships. https://act.elpc.org/4k8UoB6

Trump’s DOE is forcing old coal plants in Northwest Indiana to stay open. Families and businesses will pay more on their electric bills. Once again, consumers are footing the bill for unnecessary coal. https://act.elpc.org/3LKcm0e

🚨 Action needed today. Congress is voting on HJR 140, which could strip protections from 225,000+ acres near the Boundary Waters and open the watershed to toxic sulfide mining. Speak up now: https://www.friends-bwca.org/take-action-no-renewal-of-bwca-mineral-leases/

A new NYT Opinion looks at how factory farms pollute our water and air while avoiding basic oversight. We’re working across the Midwest to protect clean water and hold industrial polluters accountable. https://act.elpc.org/4sPr7iN

Illinois is modernizing how we power our economy. Virtual power plants can help meet rising electricity demand while keeping costs down by using energy from homes and businesses during peak hours. A cleaner, smarter grid is within reach. https://act.elpc.org/3LJoNcB

The Supreme Court’s Sackett ruling narrowed Clean Water Act protections, leaving Illinois wetlands exposed. A new Chicago Tribune editorial makes clear JB Pritzker and Illinois lawmakers must act now. https://act.elpc.org/45WwnY7

New EPA rule would limit states' and tribes' ability to protect waterways from infrastructure projects, including pipelines and facilities tied to AI. By narrowing reviews and speeding approvals, the rule could leave more streams, wetlands, and drinking water at risk. https://act.elpc.org/49lLM6B

Fuel economy standards cut pollution and save drivers money at the pump. Rolling them back would mean higher gas bills, more oil use, and dirtier air.   Speak up for these common-sense standards and submit a public comment today: act.elpc.org/4qMAhuD

Impacted communities are fighting back against new rules from the Trump administration that would allow polluting coke ovens to continue to produce steel. 1/3 cleantechnica.com/2025/12/22/e...

Rolling back fuel efficiency standards will not save drivers money. For Ohio families, it means higher gas costs, and more oil burned. Fuel efficiency has lowered everyday transportation costs for decades. Going backwards hurts consumers and our air. https://act.elpc.org/49MB08z

Big end-of-year news: ELPC Board Members have unlocked a $30,000 MATCH, doubling every gift made by December 31. Your donation goes twice as far to protect clean water, defend the Great Lakes, and support healthier Midwest communities. Donate before year’s end: https://act.elpc.org/4jj4RK8

Protecting the Great Lakes means stopping invasive species at the source. We’re challenging a final rule from the U.S. EPA that lets most existing cargo vessels avoid modern ballast water treatment, allowing invasive species to spread between ports. https://act.elpc.org/495fQ53

EPA wants to weaken the Clean Water Act and remove protections from wetlands and streams. Most Midwest wetlands are already gone, and those that remain protect water quality, reduce flooding, and support irreplaceable ecosystems. 📢 Make your voice heard by Jan 5th: https://act.elpc.org/48KhOHI

As big tech data centers expand in Michigan, a key question remains: who pays the cost? These facilities use enormous amounts of power and water, and local residents should not subsidize some of the most profitable companies in the world. https://act.elpc.org/4oYLwiy

The House passed the PERMIT Act, a bill that weakens the Clean Water Act and opens the door to more pollution in waterways nationwide. All four Iowa House members voted yes, despite Iowa’s water pollution crisis. This vote puts polluters first and clean water at risk. https://act.elpc.org/4j4M1Gu

As we head into 2026, the Midwest faces real environmental threats and real opportunities. ELPC is meeting this moment with strong legal advocacy and smart policy. Watch our end-of-year update from CEO Howard Learner: https://act.elpc.org/4iTyfWQ

The Trump administration is moving to weaken the Clean Water Act and remove protections from wetlands and streams across the country. That means more pollution, higher flooding risks, and fewer safeguards for the water people rely on. Speak up to protect our waters. https://act.elpc.org/48KhOHI

Congress is pushing two bills that give polluters more power and weaken protections for clean water and clean air. The PERMIT Act and SPEED Act would mean more pollution and less oversight. Tell your Representative to oppose both bills: https://act.elpc.org/3KKsrCu

The Trump Administration just announced plans to weaken fuel economy standards for cars. That means more oil burned, higher fuel costs for families, and more pollution driving the climate crisis. https://act.elpc.org/3MebosV

This Giving Tuesday, every dollar donated is going three times as far for the Midwest. ELPC’s $70,000 TRIPLE MATCH is live until midnight. Triple your impact for clean water, clean air, climate progress, and the Great Lakes! Give before midnight: https://act.elpc.org/3M2ZwKn #GivingTuesday

Chicago buying and renovating the intercity bus station is an important step toward improving sustainable travel options. A public station will bring multiple carriers together and strengthens a lifeline that thousands of riders across the Midwest depend on every day. https://act.elpc.org/4ojITHB

The EPA just moved to cut federal protections for wetlands, leaving more than 700,000 acres in Illinois vulnerable. With 90% of Illinois’ original wetlands already gone, state action has never been more urgent to protect clean water and defend communities from flooding. https://act.elpc.org/4phzWiK

A long-standing toxic waste dump on Chicago’s Southeast Side is finally beginning its transition into a public park. Want to hear how community and legal advocacy made this possible? Join our ELPC Thinks conversation. 🗓️ Nov 20th, 2025 at 12:00 PM CT Register: https://act.elpc.org/43BTZjM

After years of advocacy, the toxic waste dump adjacent to Calumet Park is becoming new lakefront parkland—a major win for environmental justice and the Southeast Side.

Illinois’ new transit law set the stage for real progress. Now it’s time to deliver. Howard Learner’s Chicago Tribune op-ed outlines how to modernize, coordinate, and strengthen Chicagoland’s transit system for riders today and tomorrow. https://act.elpc.org/47Q00uz

Join @elizabethwydra.bsky.social and @elpcenter.bsky.social tomorrow at 12:00 ET for a webinar on environmental issues at #SCOTUS! elpc.org/events/elpc-...

Michigan’s new CAFO rules are a hard-won step toward cleaner water and stronger protections for nearby communities. Now comes the work of making sure they’re enforced. https://act.elpc.org/3LlaKte

Transit is essential — and Illinois just proved it. The NITA Act delivers $1.5B in new funding and reforms that prevent a transit crisis and build a stronger future for riders and the environment. https://act.elpc.org/43D7Whe

Michigan’s data center boom could reshape the state’s energy future. Utilities want long-term deals with tech giants, but advocates warn of higher costs and climate setbacks if safeguards aren’t in place. https://act.elpc.org/47zUE6v

No one voted for polluted water. EPA’s proposal to delay toxic wastewater limits for coal plants would mean more arsenic, mercury & lead in our rivers, lakes, and drinking water. https://act.elpc.org/3L3C2nS