This Month Across the Midwest: January 2025 Newsletter

1) Illinois Takes Major Step in Clean Energy Transition, Approves Milestone Grid Plans: [[link removed]]

The Illinois Commerce Commission issued final grid plans for Ameren & ComEd, taking a significant step toward a more modern, clean, equitable, and affordable energy grid in Illinois. The order adopts key recommendations from ELPC and our coalition allies, which aimed to ensure that the grid plans align with the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA).
It will prioritize grid upgrades to enable greater usage of local and distributed energy resources like rooftop solar and battery storage. These improvements will lead to lower consumer costs, greater reliability, and progress toward Illinois’ climate goals. ELPC Managing Attorney Brad Klein said, “We appreciate the ICC’s leadership and the utilities’ partnerships in crafting plans that will benefit all customers, not just shareholders.”

2) Another Round of Electric School Buses Awarded Across the Midwest: [[link removed]]
250 electric school buses for districts in the Midwest. More Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin students will soon have a healthier ride to school

3) Hear from the Farmers: Iowans Fight Back for Clean Water & Wetlands: [[link removed]]
ELPC will represent the Iowa Farmers Union in a case to defend the longstanding “Swampbuster” provision of the Farm Bill (which protects wetlands). Our new blog features direct quotes from the members fighting for the land, clean drinking water, and livelihoods.

4) Victory! Protecting Clean Water in the Black Hills: [[link removed]]
ELPC joined residents, advocates, and tribal groups to support the U.S. Forest Service's decision to withdraw land around South Dakota's Pactola Reservoir from mining development. Finalized on December 26, 2024, this decision will protect land and water in the Black Hills National Forest, serving as the drinking water source for Rapid City, SD, and Ellsworth Airforce Base.

5) Important Message for 2025: [[link removed] [[link removed]]
We're facing unprecedented challenges with the new administration and some interesting opportunities in the Midwest. Find out more by watching our video featuring Howard Learner, ELPC's CEO & Executive Director.

ELPC is not sitting on the sidelines. We’re stepping up. We hope you will, too.

Donate to Fight Back: [[link removed]]

Thank you for your support. We're all in this together!

6) We're Hiring! [[link removed]]
ELPC is stepping up our offense to achieve environmental progress in Midwest states and preparing for vigorous defense against rollbacks at the federal level. We’ll need more talented, effective ELPC staff to work with our coalition partners and clients to succeed.

Check out our job opportunities at elpc.org/careers.

7) WEBINAR: Protecting the Great Lakes in the Trump Era
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 @ 11:30 AM CT
REGISTER NOW: [[link removed]]

8) WEBINAR: Saving Public Transit in Chicagoland
Monday, January 27, 2025 @ 1:00 PM CT
REGISTER NOW: [[link removed]]


ELPC
35 E Wacker Dr 1600
Chicago, IL 60601
United States
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