Congress is back in session this month and is expected to move forward the PERMIT Act, a dangerous bill that would undermine the Clean Water Act and make it easier to pollute the Great Lakes and waterways across the country. ELPC is raising the alarm in the Midwest, encouraging constituents to contact their lawmakers to vote against it.
Last week, ELPC and partners in Iowa delivered a letter signed by 14 organizations representing farmers, conservationists, watershed managers, and environmental advocates to all four members of Iowa’s House delegation: Rep. Ashley Hinson, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, Rep. Zach Nunn, and Rep. Randy Feenstra. The message is urgent and clear: Iowa’s waters—and waters across the nation—cannot afford the damage the PERMIT Act would cause.
EPA is proposing to undo the “Endangerment Finding,” the scientific basis for key greenhouse gas regulations from motor vehicles and other sources. At a recent hearing, three ELPC staffers challenged the unlawful and misguided attempt to overturn this long-standing, science-backed finding.
In response to rising electricity prices and the impacts of new data centers, Ohio Representative Roy Klopfenstein (R-Haviland) introduced a bill to create voluntary demand response programs that would lower energy costs for families and small businesses. These opt-in programs would help reduce electricity use at peak times, saving customers money and reducing stress on the electric grid.
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) renewed its “emergency” order keeping the J.H. Campbell coal plant running until late November. The unneeded plant in West Olive, Michigan was originally scheduled to retire in May until the Trump administration issued a 90-day delay that has cost over $50 million so far. This renewal of means Midwest ratepayers will continue to foot the bill well into November.
ELPC’s Executive Director Howard Learner published an opinion editorial in the Chicago Tribune about the importance of Illinois wetlands, which are vital for flood control, wildlife habitat, and recreation. Millions of acres of wetlands are vulnerable to destruction as the federal government is stepping back, so Illinois needs to step up to protect them with new legislation.
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Take action on the Roadless Rule: Tell the Forest Service to protect 45 million acres of forests by September 19th.
Events
ONE Earth: Young Filmmakers Contest
ELPC is proud to present the Environmental Activism Award to short film "Speed Bumps Ahead" at this year's One Earth Young Filmmakers Contest.
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.
