Posts from July 2020 and earlier can be found on our blog archive.
"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.
Sugar Camp Energy Pipeline Rupture Spills 20,000 Gallons of Dirty, Likely Toxic Mine Water near Macedonia
July 21, 2022
According to reports released by the IMEA, a pipeline ruptured and spilled 20,000 gallons of mine wastewater near Macedonia, Illinois.
"In a Twist, Old Coal Plants Help Deliver Renewable Power. Here's How." via New York Times
July 15, 2022
“A silver lining of having had all of these dirty power plants is that now, we have fairly robust transmission lines in those places,” said Jack Darin, director of the Illinois chapter of the Sierra Club. “That’s a huge asset.”
"Solar, storage projects set to bring jobs, tax revenue to Illinois coal communities" via Energy News Network
July 12, 2022
Solar panels and energy storage will be paired on the sites of six retired coal plants in downstate Illinois under a provision of last fall’s sweeping state energy law.
"Illinois Parts Ways With Supreme Court on Climate Change" via WTTW
June 30, 2022
"While SCOTUS takes us backwards on climate, reproductive justice and civil liberties, Illinois can and must continue to lead,” said Jack Darin.
SCOTUS Decision on West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency Underscores the Urgency of Implementing Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
June 30, 2022
The Supreme Court ruled to limit the US Environmental Protection Agency’s ability to regulate greenhouse gasses in the power sector.
Amidst Historic Attacks on Civil Liberties and Unprecedented Challenges in the Illinois Primaries, Election Night Delivers Mixed Results
June 29, 2022
Many of the environmental champions endorsed by the Sierra Club Illinois Chapter PAC won their primary elections, officially setting the stage for important races up and down the ballot in the General Election this November.