ELPC Rate Case Wins Helps IL Transition to Renewables
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This Month Across the Midwest
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** ► DECEMBER 2023 NEWSLETTER
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** No More Business as Usual for Illinois’ Gas Utilities ([link removed])
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The Illinois Commerce Commission recently decided rate cases for all three gas utilities in Illinois – Peoples Gas, Nicor Gas, and Ameren Gas. Unlike too many previous cases where the commission took a cautious approach and gave the utilities what they asked for, this time they put a stop to business as usual.
With these new decisions, the state can take bold steps to transition from natural gas to renewable energy. ELPC Senior Attorney Rob Kelter, said of the People’s Gas case: “This order is virtually unprecedented in terms of changing the system that for far too long has benefited utilities at the expense of consumers. Today reflects the commitment from the Commission and Governor Pritzker to reduce carbon emissions and move toward electrification and renewable energy.”
Read More on the Chicago Tribune (Subscription Required) ([link removed])
** News & Updates
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** GREAT LAKES
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** Dangerous Great Lakes Oil Tunnel Receives Commission Approval ([link removed])
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The Michigan Public Service Commission granted a permit to replace Line 5 oil pipelines in the Straits of Mackinac with an untested underground tunnel. In April 2021, ELPC attorneys representing the Michigan Climate Action Network achieved a significant win, requiring climate change considerations. Our experts found that the oil tunnel worsens the climate crisis. Now, ELPC and partners focus on appeals and obtaining additional permits to safeguard the Great Lakes.
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** ENERGY
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** Ohio Energy Bribery Scandal Indictment ([link removed])
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A grand jury indicted Sam Randazzo, former chairman of the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, for bribery and corruption. ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner said: "It just makes the public cynical when it comes to the missing integrity in the utility regulatory process. Enough is enough when it comes to PUCO’s misguided tolerance for utility rate setting tainted by FirstEnergy’s and Randazzo’s corruption.”
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** Michigan Rate Case Yields Mixed Results ([link removed])
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Last week, the Michigan Public Service Commission issued its final order on DTE Energy's 2023 rate case. Key highlights for energy equity: enhanced environmental justice analysis, improved data on customer interruptions, increased availability of GIS data, and climate resilience in future grid plans. Although the approved rate increase was only slightly over half the requested amount, ELPC and allies were disappointed given the already high cost of living for consumers.
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** CLEAN AIR
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** EPA Methane Plan is a Good Step for Climate Action ([link removed])
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ELPC supports the EPA's final standards to cut methane emissions from oil and gas sectors. This crucial step in the climate fight targets a dangerous pollutant with over 80x the warming potential of CO2 in the first 20 years. It will also lower co-emitted toxic benzene and volatile organic compounds.
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** CLEAN TRANSPORTATION
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** New Federal Funds to Improve Midwest Passenger Rail ([link removed])
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The Federal Railroad Administration announced new funding to improve regional train service under the bipartisan infrastructure law. Upgrades worth $93 million are planned for Chicago's Union Station, enhancing both service and the passenger experience. Ohio ([link removed]) will receive $500,000 from the FRA for service and development plans on a corridor connecting Toledo with Detroit and Cleveland, with three more Ohio routes chosen for detailed study.
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** ELPC IS A GOOD INVESTMENT
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When considering your 2023 giving plan, ELPC stands out as a wise investment. We are excited to announce a new $50,000 match through December 31st. Support ELPC by making a donation today!
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** EVENTS
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** Save the Date: ELPC's 2024 Annual Gala ([link removed])
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Friday, May 31, 2024
Navy Pier, Chicago
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** NEWS ROUNDUP
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* Chicago Tribune Editorial: Wind Farms in Lake Michigan Make No Economic Sense. Springfield Ought to Sink That Idea ([link removed])
* Northwest Indiana Times: Petition Against Gary Waste-to-Jet-Fuel Plant Moves Forward ([link removed])
* WBBM News Radio: Residents, Environmental Advocates Reject Plan for Toxic Waste Dump on Southeast Side ([link removed])
* Toledo Blade: Rising Democratic Star Gretchen Whitmer Traces her Environmental Roots Back to a Republican ([link removed])
* USA Today: Can We Count on Renewable Energy? Four Ways Wind, Solar and Water can Power the US ([link removed])
* Wisconsin Badger Herald LTE: US Forest Service Must Reevaluate Logging Project in Northern Wisconsin ([link removed])
** We're all in to protect the Midwest's environment.
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Founded in 1993, the Environmental Law & Policy Center is the Midwest's leading environmental legal advocacy organization. We advocate, innovate, and litigate to protect the Midwest's environment from the Great Lakes to the Great Plains.
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Environmental Law and Policy Center . 35 E Upper Wacker Dr . Ste 1600 . Chicago, Illinois 60601 . USA
