No More Business as Usual for Illinois’ Gas Utilities

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)

News & Updates

GREAT LAKES

Dangerous Great Lakes Oil Tunnel Receives Commission Approval

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.

ENERGY

Ohio Energy Bribery Scandal Indictment

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.”

Michigan Rate Case Yields Mixed Results

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.

CLEAN AIR

EPA Methane Plan is a Good Step for Climate Action

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.

CLEAN TRANSPORTATION

New Federal Funds to Improve Midwest Passenger Rail

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 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.

ELPC IS A GOOD INVESTMENT

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!

Donate Now & Double Your Impact

EVENTS

Save the Date: ELPC's 2024 Annual Gala

Friday, May 31, 2024
Navy Pier, Chicago

NEWS ROUNDUP

Chicago Tribune Editorial: Wind Farms in Lake Michigan Make No Economic Sense. Springfield Ought to Sink That Idea
Northwest Indiana Times: Petition Against Gary Waste-to-Jet-Fuel Plant Moves Forward
WBBM News Radio: Residents, Environmental Advocates Reject Plan for Toxic Waste Dump on Southeast Side
Toledo Blade: Rising Democratic Star Gretchen Whitmer Traces her Environmental Roots Back to a Republican
USA Today: Can We Count on Renewable Energy? Four Ways Wind, Solar and Water can Power the US
Wisconsin Badger Herald LTE: US Forest Service Must Reevaluate Logging Project in Northern Wisconsin

We're all in to protect the Midwest's environment.

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.

DONATE

This email was sent to [email protected]
why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences
Environmental Law and Policy Center · 35 E Upper Wacker Dr · Ste 1600 · Chicago, Illinois 60601 · USA