November 2019 E News
ELPC Takes Legal Action Against Serial Polluter ArcelorMittal ([link removed])

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Along the shores of Lake Michigan sits a menace, nestled between the town of Ogden Dunes and the new Indiana Dunes National Park. ELPC has found that the ArcelorMittal steel mill in Burns Harbor, IN violated its Clean Water Act permit over one hundred times in the past four years, discharging water pollution into the East Arm of the Little Calumet River, which flows directly into Lake Michigan. A cyanide and ammonia spill just this summer killed 3,000 fish and closed beaches all along the shore, but ArcelorMittal didn’t report the incident for days. The U.S. EPA and the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) have not taken any formal enforcement action. So, this month, ELPC and the Hoosier Environmental Council served a 60-day notice of intent to sue. ArcelorMittal needs to be held accountable, and IDEM and EPA need to do a better job protecting Lake Michigan, Indiana Dunes National Park, and the people who enjoy them. Read more: Michigan City News Dispatch
([link removed]) , Post-Tribune ([link removed]) , Chicago Tribune ([link removed]) , Chicago Sun-Times Editorial ([link removed]) , Indy Star ([link removed]) , Indiana Public Radio ([link removed]) , MLive ([link removed])
, Howard’s op-ed in Indy Star ([link removed])

Illinois Power Agency Adopts ELPC Recommendations for More Diverse Community Solar ([link removed])

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Illinois has made great strides this year in the shift to renewable energy, but the statewide solar boom has not benefitted all communities equally. ELPC and Vote Solar researchers performed a geospatial analysis to prove that the state’s Community Solar Program left urban communities behind. The team recommended ([link removed]) that a portion of future capacity be reserved for urban projects and provided other suggestions to ensure development reaches our densest geographies. The Illinois Power Agency agreed, adopting large portions of the recommendations into the state’s long-term renewable energy plans ([link removed]) (see p. 117). This was an important step to ensure the
Illinois Community Solar program benefits urban communities across the state. According to ELPC’s Senior Policy Advocate MeLena Hessel, the recommendations were “intended to bring the program into compliance with statutory requirements for geographic diversity within the community solar program.”

ELPC and Allies Agree to Partial Settlement in Alliant Rate Case ([link removed])
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Alliant Energy agreed to a settlement ([link removed]) with environmental and consumer groups that would reduce its proposed rate increase by 40% and participate in a comprehensive planning process for its power plants. This analysis will require Alliant to assess the economic feasibility of its coal plants compared to cleaner energy options like solar and wind. Expert analysis ([link removed]) has already found the retirement of the coal plants could save consumers more than $600 million. Alliant Energy also agreed to an improved collaborative stakeholder engagement process with environmental and consumer groups on future grid investments and renewable energy projects.

Toxic Algae Season is Over, CAFOS Continue to Pollute Lake Erie ([link removed])

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This summer, toxic algal blooms covered almost 700 square miles of Lake Erie ([link removed]) with green scum and microcystin toxins. A key to solving these toxic algal blooms: curbing runoff from large concentrated animal feeding operations, known as CAFOs. Governor DeWine must keep Ohio’s commitment to reduce phosphorus pollution in Lake Erie by 40% by 2025 by acting to reduce manure runoff pollution from CAFOs, which cause the outbreaks of toxic algae blooms. Lake Erie provides drinking water for approximately 11 million people, and protecting the lake from toxic algal blooms will benefit the economy ([link removed]) and protect public health. Read ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner’s recent op-ed in the Cleveland Plain Dealer
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ELPC NEWS CENTER
Chicago Tribune Editorial: Gov. J.B. Pritzker Shouldn’t Squander $205 Million on the Flight of Fancy Known as the Peotone Airport ([link removed])
Shepherd Express: Wisconsin Falls Behind on Solar and Wind Energy ([link removed])
Wisconsin News: Cardinal-Hickory Creek: Feds Favor OK for Power Line to Cross Mississippi River ([link removed])
Energy News Network: Selling Electricity Doesn’t Make EV Charging Stations a Utility, Iowa Rules ([link removed])
MLive: Climate Change is Already Harming Great Lakes Region, Debbie Stabenow Warns ([link removed]•%09https:/www.mlive.com/public-interest/2019/10/climate-change-is-already-harming-great-lakes-region-debbie-stabenow-warns.html)
Illinois Public Media: Illinoisans want lawmakers to make climate change a priority ([link removed])

UPCOMING EVENTS
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Giving Tuesday is less than one month away. Our fight to protect the Midwest environment is more vital than ever and we need everyone ALL IN. Our goal this year is to raise $15,000 by Giving Tuesday ([link removed]) . All donations made now through Giving Tuesday will be matched dollar for dollar thanks to a generous donor.

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Solar and Energy Storage Midwest ([link removed]) is back in the Windy City November 14-15. New this year - Solar and Energy Storage Midwest is featuring energy storage, wind, and installer-specific content. Join solar industry leaders and professionals from the region and gain insight on the latest trends and challenges impacting the Midwest.
NEW STAFF
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Rebecca Sanchez Lazer is ELPC’s Receptionist/Administrative Assistant. Ms. Lazer was the Vice President of Health and Wellness for the Associated Student Government at Northwestern University and interned at Rainbows for All Children. B.A., Political Science and Psychology, Northwestern University, 2019.

WE'RE HIRING
Development Major Gifts Officer ([link removed])
Public Interest M.B.A. Sustainable Business Fellow ([link removed])
ELPC Science & Policy Intern ([link removed])

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