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

Nitrate pollution is still contaminating Iowa’s rivers — but EPA removed these waters from the “impaired” list. ELPC and partners are calling on EPA to restore protections and hold polluters accountable. Clean water and public health depend on it. https://act.elpc.org/3KYOm8S

Yesterday’s #ClimateDayAtTheCapitol highlighted a clear message for Illinois lawmakers: fix and fund public transit to keep our communities connected, reduce pollution, and move toward a clean energy future. #TransitIsEssential #ClimateAction

Over 774,000 Midwesterners now work in clean energy. Jobs in the sector grew nearly 2% in 2024, outpacing overall regional economic growth. Read more in the new #CleanJobsMidwest report: www.CleanJobsMidwest.com

Hey Springfield! Let’s talk #transit #transitisessential #climateaction @abundanthousingil.bsky.social @accessliving.bsky.social @elpcenter.bsky.social

Illinois transit is in crisis. Without funding and reform, CTA, Metra, and Pace face major cuts next year. Nearly half of "L" trains and 60% of bus routes could disappear. Cuts would strand riders and worsen pollution. Tell lawmakers to fix and fund transit: https://act.elpc.org/iltransit

EPA quietly reversed course on Iowa’s nitrate pollution problem, rolling back protections despite years of evidence showing serious contamination. ELPC is challenging this decision and calling for transparency and accountability to protect clean water. 🔗 https://act.elpc.org/3JbZv5z

The Midwest’s data center boom is testing our clean energy goals. Can we meet growing electricity demand while cutting pollution and costs? Watch ELPC experts break it down: http://act.elpc.org/3KKxJ0v

Summer may be over, but water quality challenges across the Great Lakes continue. ELPC’s new analysis shows that while some states improved in 2025, many beaches still faced frequent closures and advisories — especially in Ohio. https://act.elpc.org/48nhPTG

Data centers are booming in the Midwest—driving up electricity demand and raising big questions about our clean energy goals. Join ELPC experts Brad Klein & Saad Siddique for an ELPC Thinks conversation Clean Energy & the Data Center Dilemma. 📅 Oct 9 | 1pm CT / 2pm ET 👉 https://bit.ly/4gTk6Z1

Coal ash is leaking toxic metals into groundwater across the Midwest. EPA must act now. Cleanup cannot wait. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4mz3C9q

EPA’s 2009 Endangerment Finding was based on sound science and upheld by the courts. Climate evidence has only grown stronger. EPA now proposes to undo it using a biased report from climate skeptics and a flawed reading of the law. We filed comments pushing back. 🔗 https://bit.ly/4gGY4bG

For almost a century, the Chicago River was too polluted to swim. This weekend, hundreds of swimmers dove in for the first public Chicago River Swim in 98 years. ELPC, partners, and the Midwest environmental community made this milestone for clean water possible. https://bit.ly/3Kg7dMb

From hazardous air to mercury in Lake Michigan, Northwest Indiana communities face major pollution threats. ELPC is fighting back. https://elpc.org/blog/four-ways-were-fighting-air-and-water-pollution-in-northwest-indiana/

Did you know the House is poised to pass a bill putting our drinking water and wildlife at risk of even more pesticides and toxic discharges? 🚨 Tell your representative to vote NO on the PERMIT Act! 🚨

512,000 acres of Midwest forests are at risk if the Trump Admin repeals the Roadless Rule. Repeal would invite logging, mining, and road-building into some of our last wild places. 📝 Submit your comment by Sept. 19: https://bit.ly/3KnAkx0

The PERMIT Act is the Permission to Pollute Act. It weakens the Clean Water Act, allowing more farm runoff, industrial waste, and toxic chemicals into rivers and lakes. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09092025/clean-water-act-amendments-iowa-impact/

Event: Protecting the Midwest's Wild Forests 📅 Sun, Sept 14 | 6 PM CT Join us and @sierraclub.org for a webinar with former Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck on the Trump Admin’s push to repeal the Roadless Rule and open 45M acres of forest to industry. RSVP: act.sierraclub.org/events/detai...

DOE issued a second “emergency” order keeping Michigan’s J.H. Campbell coal plant alive—despite no grid shortage. ELPC & allies are challenging this unlawful move to protect climate and ratepayers. 🔗 https://elpc.org/news/challenge-to-the-latest-illegal-extension-of-j-h-campbell-coal-plant/

Nitrates in the Des Moines & Raccoon Rivers already forced a lawn watering ban this summer. As Congress returns to Washington, the #PERMITAct would only make Iowa’s water crisis and flooding risks worse. https://bit.ly/3HFFu6T

Public meeting tomorrow on U.S. Steel Gary Works’ air permit changes. Share your concerns on particulate pollution impacts. 📅 Wed 9/3, 6pm 📍 21st Cent. Charter School, 556 Washington St, Gary, IN Learn more: https://bit.ly/4ni4xMt

Iowa’s water is already in crisis. Today, ELPC + 13 orgs delivered a letter to all 4 Iowa House Reps opposing the #PERMITAct, which would weaken the Clean Water Act & put safe drinking water at greater risk. More: https://elpc.org/news/calling-on-iowa-delegation-to-oppose-the-permit-act/

Ohio families and small businesses could see lower energy bills from proposed voluntary demand response programs that reward customers for using less power at peak times. Read more: https://elpc.org/news/ohio-lawmakers-introduce-bill-to-lower-energy-costs-through-voluntary-demand-response-programs/

The Army Corps says it will not extend the toxic landfill on Chicago’s Southeast Side. Now the fight is to make sure the land goes to the Park District for the community park that was promised 25+ years ago. 🔗 https://insideclimatenews.org/news/20082025/chicago-residents-fight-toxic-landfill/

Congress is considering the PERMIT Act (H.R. 3898), a bill that would weaken the Clean Water Act and make it easier for polluters to dump PFAS, pesticides, and other toxic chemicals into our waters. Tell your Representative to vote NO. Take action: https://bit.ly/4lMumDs

East St. Louis students are riding into the school year on electric buses that cut air pollution and protect kids’ health. 🚍💨 Clean air and safe rides are a win-win for families and communities. www.thecooldown.com/green-busine... #BacktoSchool #ChargingUsForward

Families should be able to swim safely in the Great Lakes. Bacteria contamination at Lake Michigan beaches is preventable pollution, not something we should accept as normal. More from @chicagotribune.com: https://bit.ly/474CU4x

DOE has issued a second “emergency” order to keep Michigan’s J.H. Campbell coal plant running even though it is not needed for reliability. Families should not be forced to pay millions more for an uneconomic coal plant. Read more: www.utilitydive.com/news/doe-con...

Callie Sharp, attorney at @elpcenter.bsky.social, notes that just recently EPA stated how strong & robust the science describing climate change is. She notes that that each member of the EPA's "climate work group" [that produced this proposal] are longstanding climate deniers. "This is biased."

Methane pollution is one of the biggest climate threats. The Trump EPA unlawfully delayed safeguards against oil and gas emissions. We’re in court to get them back in place. https://elpc.org/news/court-should-throw-out-trump-epa-rule-that-delays-protections-against-oil-and-gas-methane-pollution/

USDA says it will limit funding for solar projects on farmland, stripping farmers of choice and opportunity. That means less energy independence, fewer rural jobs, and fewer options for farmers to manage their land and livelihoods. https://bit.ly/47B9iMb

Illinois is losing wetlands, our best defense against flooding. After the Supreme Court’s Sackett v. EPA decision, state action is urgent. www.chicagotribune.com/2025/08/18/o...

Outdated pollution rules for Michigan’s farms have allowed preventable harm to continue. In two years, 583 more waters have been deemed impaired from E. coli, phosphorus, or other nutrients. EGLE is considering stronger protections, and MI waters can't wait. michiganadvance.com/2025/08/11/e...

Electricity prices are spiking, and the biggest driver is data center growth, not clean energy. State clean energy policies are adding supply and improving reliability. The real solutions are smarter planning, demand response, and fair cost sharing. Read more: www.dispatch.com/story/opinio...

Last chance to speak up: EPA is moving to repeal critical pollution limits on toxic emissions from coal- and gas-fired power plants. This rollback would mean more mercury, more arsenic, and more health risks. 🚨The comment deadline is TODAY! Take action now. secure.everyaction.com/L8WBT7xQmk2j...

Had a great time welcoming @allaboardohio.org to Chicago with @railpassengers.org @hsrail.bsky.social @elpcenter.bsky.social We got to explore passenger rail & transit stations old & new, plus bike/walk infra & water taxi!

EPA wants to repeal climate pollution limits for fossil fuel power plants, claiming they don’t “contribute significantly.” That is false. We just filed formal comments pushing back. These plants are a top source of U.S. emissions, and the Midwest bears the cost. Read more: elpc.org/blog/epa-gre...

🎒TODAY ONLY: Make a gift and enter to win a $500+ Patagonia adventure bundle! And all donations MATCHED as part of ELPC’s $30,000 Summer Match Donate and enter to win: secure.elpc.org/forms/elpc-p...

Toxic algae blooms in the Great Lakes are getting worse. Runoff and rising temps are fueling outbreaks that threaten people and ecosystems. Learn what’s behind the rise and how to stay safe this summer. elpc.org/blog/toxic-a...

EPA just proposed repealing the Endangerment Finding, the foundation for regulating climate pollution. This move isn’t about science or law. It’s about politics. The Midwest is already paying the price for climate inaction. Read more @chicagotribune.com: www.chicagotribune.com/2025/07/29/e...

The Roadless Rule protects some of the Midwest’s most iconic forestlands. Repealing it would open them to new logging roads and hurt wildlife, clean water, and outdoor recreation. “This rollback... is just harmful all the way around,” said ELPC’s Andy Olsen. insideclimatenews.org/news/2207202...

EPA wants to repeal climate pollution limits on coal and gas plants. Some of the dirtiest are here in the Midwest. Tell EPA by August 7: Keep strong pollution protections. Our climate and health depend on it. 📝 bit.ly/4o6rAuJ

People in power are rejecting the science and evidence of #climatechange before our very eyes, while actively making things worse every day. Today’s headlines are such a contrast ⬇️ It’s on all of us to keep amplifying the truth & fighting for better. A 🧵 for the Midwest

The Great Lakes are warming. Fast. 2024 saw record-low ice cover. Toxic algal blooms are spreading, even in Lake Superior. Fish populations are being threatened. A new report from ELPC and Midwest experts details how climate change is reshaping the Great Lakes. 🔗 elpc.org/resources/th...