Environmental Law & Policy Center
@elpcenter.bsky.social
We advocate, innovate, and litigate to protect the Midwest’s environment.
After years of advocacy, the toxic waste dump adjacent to Calumet Park is becoming new lakefront parkland—a major win for environmental justice and the Southeast Side.
November 12, 2025 at 10:49 PM
After years of advocacy, the toxic waste dump adjacent to Calumet Park is becoming new lakefront parkland—a major win for environmental justice and the Southeast Side.
Illinois’ new transit law set the stage for real progress. Now it’s time to deliver.
Howard Learner’s Chicago Tribune op-ed outlines how to modernize, coordinate, and strengthen Chicagoland’s transit system for riders today and tomorrow.
https://act.elpc.org/47Q00uz
Howard Learner’s Chicago Tribune op-ed outlines how to modernize, coordinate, and strengthen Chicagoland’s transit system for riders today and tomorrow.
https://act.elpc.org/47Q00uz
Howard A. Learner: Now, let’s focus on making Chicago’s regional transit system work better
Now that Illinois has passed a transit bill, the focus must shift to how to make our transit system work better and more efficiently.
act.elpc.org
November 10, 2025 at 3:36 PM
Illinois’ new transit law set the stage for real progress. Now it’s time to deliver.
Howard Learner’s Chicago Tribune op-ed outlines how to modernize, coordinate, and strengthen Chicagoland’s transit system for riders today and tomorrow.
https://act.elpc.org/47Q00uz
Howard Learner’s Chicago Tribune op-ed outlines how to modernize, coordinate, and strengthen Chicagoland’s transit system for riders today and tomorrow.
https://act.elpc.org/47Q00uz
Reposted by Environmental Law & Policy Center
Join @elizabethwydra.bsky.social and @elpcenter.bsky.social tomorrow at 12:00 ET for a webinar on environmental issues at #SCOTUS! elpc.org/events/elpc-...
ELPC Thinks: The U.S. Supreme Court & the Environment | ELPC
Join us on November 5, 2025 - 11am CT
elpc.org
November 4, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Join @elizabethwydra.bsky.social and @elpcenter.bsky.social tomorrow at 12:00 ET for a webinar on environmental issues at #SCOTUS! elpc.org/events/elpc-...
Michigan’s new CAFO rules are a hard-won step toward cleaner water and stronger protections for nearby communities. Now comes the work of making sure they’re enforced.
https://act.elpc.org/3LlaKte
https://act.elpc.org/3LlaKte
After long legal battle, Michigan toughens poop patrol at factory farms - Bridge Michigan
State regulators first announced stricter pollution regulations for industrial-scale livestock farms back in 2020. But years of legal challenges from farming interests kept them from enforcing them un...
act.elpc.org
November 4, 2025 at 8:07 PM
Michigan’s new CAFO rules are a hard-won step toward cleaner water and stronger protections for nearby communities. Now comes the work of making sure they’re enforced.
https://act.elpc.org/3LlaKte
https://act.elpc.org/3LlaKte
Transit is essential — and Illinois just proved it. The NITA Act delivers $1.5B in new funding and reforms that prevent a transit crisis and build a stronger future for riders and the environment.
https://act.elpc.org/43D7Whe
https://act.elpc.org/43D7Whe
Illinois Passes Transit Funding & Reform Bill | ELPC
Statement by Deputy Director Kevin Brubaker
elpc.org
October 31, 2025 at 4:05 PM
Transit is essential — and Illinois just proved it. The NITA Act delivers $1.5B in new funding and reforms that prevent a transit crisis and build a stronger future for riders and the environment.
https://act.elpc.org/43D7Whe
https://act.elpc.org/43D7Whe
Michigan’s data center boom could reshape the state’s energy future.
Utilities want long-term deals with tech giants, but advocates warn of higher costs and climate setbacks if safeguards aren’t in place.
https://act.elpc.org/47zUE6v
Utilities want long-term deals with tech giants, but advocates warn of higher costs and climate setbacks if safeguards aren’t in place.
https://act.elpc.org/47zUE6v
As data center boom hits Michigan, utilities hedge against a bust - Bridge Michigan
As utilities field dozens of inquiries from companies looking to build energy-hungry data centers in Michigan, they’re grappling with a thorny question: Who’ll cover the electricity bill if the boom g...
act.elpc.org
October 28, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Michigan’s data center boom could reshape the state’s energy future.
Utilities want long-term deals with tech giants, but advocates warn of higher costs and climate setbacks if safeguards aren’t in place.
https://act.elpc.org/47zUE6v
Utilities want long-term deals with tech giants, but advocates warn of higher costs and climate setbacks if safeguards aren’t in place.
https://act.elpc.org/47zUE6v
No one voted for polluted water. EPA’s proposal to delay toxic wastewater limits for coal plants would mean more arsenic, mercury & lead in our rivers, lakes, and drinking water.
https://act.elpc.org/3L3C2nS
https://act.elpc.org/3L3C2nS
No One Voted for Polluted Water: Don’t Delay Power Plant Effluent Limits | ELPC
EPA’s proposal would give a green light to power plants to keep dumping toxic pollutants into our waterways.
act.elpc.org
October 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
No one voted for polluted water. EPA’s proposal to delay toxic wastewater limits for coal plants would mean more arsenic, mercury & lead in our rivers, lakes, and drinking water.
https://act.elpc.org/3L3C2nS
https://act.elpc.org/3L3C2nS
Nitrate pollution is still contaminating Iowa’s rivers — but EPA removed these waters from the “impaired” list.
ELPC and partners are calling on EPA to restore protections and hold polluters accountable. Clean water and public health depend on it.
https://act.elpc.org/3KYOm8S
ELPC and partners are calling on EPA to restore protections and hold polluters accountable. Clean water and public health depend on it.
https://act.elpc.org/3KYOm8S
Environmental groups urge EPA to restore nitrate impairment designation on Iowa river segments • Iowa Capital Dispatch
Environmental groups penned a letter to the EPA urging the federal agency to maintain that seven river segments are impaired.
act.elpc.org
October 21, 2025 at 4:44 PM
Nitrate pollution is still contaminating Iowa’s rivers — but EPA removed these waters from the “impaired” list.
ELPC and partners are calling on EPA to restore protections and hold polluters accountable. Clean water and public health depend on it.
https://act.elpc.org/3KYOm8S
ELPC and partners are calling on EPA to restore protections and hold polluters accountable. Clean water and public health depend on it.
https://act.elpc.org/3KYOm8S
Yesterday’s #ClimateDayAtTheCapitol highlighted a clear message for Illinois lawmakers: fix and fund public transit to keep our communities connected, reduce pollution, and move toward a clean energy future. #TransitIsEssential #ClimateAction
Climate Lobby Day today!
I’m in Springfield, Illinois for #ClimateDayAtTheCapitol to urge state lawmakers to accelerate #cleanenergy progress, fix and fund #publictransit, and phase out polystyrene foam.
@ilenviro.bsky.social @elpcenter.bsky.social #transitisessential #climateaction
I’m in Springfield, Illinois for #ClimateDayAtTheCapitol to urge state lawmakers to accelerate #cleanenergy progress, fix and fund #publictransit, and phase out polystyrene foam.
@ilenviro.bsky.social @elpcenter.bsky.social #transitisessential #climateaction
October 16, 2025 at 1:10 PM
Yesterday’s #ClimateDayAtTheCapitol highlighted a clear message for Illinois lawmakers: fix and fund public transit to keep our communities connected, reduce pollution, and move toward a clean energy future. #TransitIsEssential #ClimateAction
Over 774,000 Midwesterners now work in clean energy. Jobs in the sector grew nearly 2% in 2024, outpacing overall regional economic growth.
Read more in the new #CleanJobsMidwest report: www.CleanJobsMidwest.com
Read more in the new #CleanJobsMidwest report: www.CleanJobsMidwest.com
Clean Jobs Midwest
Clean energy jobs are powering the midwest.
www.CleanJobsMidwest.com
October 15, 2025 at 5:57 PM
Over 774,000 Midwesterners now work in clean energy. Jobs in the sector grew nearly 2% in 2024, outpacing overall regional economic growth.
Read more in the new #CleanJobsMidwest report: www.CleanJobsMidwest.com
Read more in the new #CleanJobsMidwest report: www.CleanJobsMidwest.com
Reposted by Environmental Law & Policy Center
Hey Springfield! Let’s talk #transit
#transitisessential #climateaction @abundanthousingil.bsky.social @accessliving.bsky.social @elpcenter.bsky.social
#transitisessential #climateaction @abundanthousingil.bsky.social @accessliving.bsky.social @elpcenter.bsky.social
October 14, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Hey Springfield! Let’s talk #transit
#transitisessential #climateaction @abundanthousingil.bsky.social @accessliving.bsky.social @elpcenter.bsky.social
#transitisessential #climateaction @abundanthousingil.bsky.social @accessliving.bsky.social @elpcenter.bsky.social
Illinois transit is in crisis. Without funding and reform, CTA, Metra, and Pace face major cuts next year. Nearly half of "L" trains and 60% of bus routes could disappear. Cuts would strand riders and worsen pollution.
Tell lawmakers to fix and fund transit: https://act.elpc.org/iltransit
Tell lawmakers to fix and fund transit: https://act.elpc.org/iltransit
October 14, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Illinois transit is in crisis. Without funding and reform, CTA, Metra, and Pace face major cuts next year. Nearly half of "L" trains and 60% of bus routes could disappear. Cuts would strand riders and worsen pollution.
Tell lawmakers to fix and fund transit: https://act.elpc.org/iltransit
Tell lawmakers to fix and fund transit: https://act.elpc.org/iltransit
EPA quietly reversed course on Iowa’s nitrate pollution problem, rolling back protections despite years of evidence showing serious contamination. ELPC is challenging this decision and calling for transparency and accountability to protect clean water.
🔗 https://act.elpc.org/3JbZv5z
🔗 https://act.elpc.org/3JbZv5z
Environmental Groups Challenge EPA De-Listing of Nitrate Impairments in Iowa | Environmental Law & Policy Center
Des Moines – The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC), Iowa Environmental Council (IEC), and Food & Water Watch sent a letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) challenging the agency's action to rescind its partial disapproval of Iowa's 2...
elpc.org
October 13, 2025 at 6:22 PM
EPA quietly reversed course on Iowa’s nitrate pollution problem, rolling back protections despite years of evidence showing serious contamination. ELPC is challenging this decision and calling for transparency and accountability to protect clean water.
🔗 https://act.elpc.org/3JbZv5z
🔗 https://act.elpc.org/3JbZv5z
The Midwest’s data center boom is testing our clean energy goals. Can we meet growing electricity demand while cutting pollution and costs?
Watch ELPC experts break it down: http://act.elpc.org/3KKxJ0v
Watch ELPC experts break it down: http://act.elpc.org/3KKxJ0v
ELPC Thinks: Clean Energy and the Data Center Dilemma
Enjoy the videos and music you love, upload original content, and share it all with friends, family, and the world on YouTube.
act.elpc.org
October 10, 2025 at 5:36 PM
The Midwest’s data center boom is testing our clean energy goals. Can we meet growing electricity demand while cutting pollution and costs?
Watch ELPC experts break it down: http://act.elpc.org/3KKxJ0v
Watch ELPC experts break it down: http://act.elpc.org/3KKxJ0v
Summer may be over, but water quality challenges across the Great Lakes continue.
ELPC’s new analysis shows that while some states improved in 2025, many beaches still faced frequent closures and advisories — especially in Ohio.
https://act.elpc.org/48nhPTG
ELPC’s new analysis shows that while some states improved in 2025, many beaches still faced frequent closures and advisories — especially in Ohio.
https://act.elpc.org/48nhPTG
Great Lakes Beach Closures in Summer 2024 and 2025: A Regional Comparison
ELPC looked back over this year’s data to examine patterns in beach access and pollution along the Great Lakes shorelines.
act.elpc.org
October 8, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Summer may be over, but water quality challenges across the Great Lakes continue.
ELPC’s new analysis shows that while some states improved in 2025, many beaches still faced frequent closures and advisories — especially in Ohio.
https://act.elpc.org/48nhPTG
ELPC’s new analysis shows that while some states improved in 2025, many beaches still faced frequent closures and advisories — especially in Ohio.
https://act.elpc.org/48nhPTG
Data centers are booming in the Midwest—driving up electricity demand and raising big questions about our clean energy goals.
Join ELPC experts Brad Klein & Saad Siddique for an ELPC Thinks conversation Clean Energy & the Data Center Dilemma.
📅 Oct 9 | 1pm CT / 2pm ET
👉 https://bit.ly/4gTk6Z1
Join ELPC experts Brad Klein & Saad Siddique for an ELPC Thinks conversation Clean Energy & the Data Center Dilemma.
📅 Oct 9 | 1pm CT / 2pm ET
👉 https://bit.ly/4gTk6Z1
ELPC Thinks: Clean Energy & the Data Center Dilemma | ELPC
Data centers have arrived in the Midwest. Will the AI boom derail – or drive – our clean energy goals? Join this webinar to find out.
elpc.org
October 1, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Data centers are booming in the Midwest—driving up electricity demand and raising big questions about our clean energy goals.
Join ELPC experts Brad Klein & Saad Siddique for an ELPC Thinks conversation Clean Energy & the Data Center Dilemma.
📅 Oct 9 | 1pm CT / 2pm ET
👉 https://bit.ly/4gTk6Z1
Join ELPC experts Brad Klein & Saad Siddique for an ELPC Thinks conversation Clean Energy & the Data Center Dilemma.
📅 Oct 9 | 1pm CT / 2pm ET
👉 https://bit.ly/4gTk6Z1
Coal ash is leaking toxic metals into groundwater across the Midwest. EPA must act now. Cleanup cannot wait.
🔗 https://bit.ly/4mz3C9q
🔗 https://bit.ly/4mz3C9q
Coal Ash Cleanup Cannot Wait | ELPC
bit.ly
September 26, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Coal ash is leaking toxic metals into groundwater across the Midwest. EPA must act now. Cleanup cannot wait.
🔗 https://bit.ly/4mz3C9q
🔗 https://bit.ly/4mz3C9q
EPA’s 2009 Endangerment Finding was based on sound science and upheld by the courts. Climate evidence has only grown stronger.
EPA now proposes to undo it using a biased report from climate skeptics and a flawed reading of the law.
We filed comments pushing back.
🔗 https://bit.ly/4gGY4bG
EPA now proposes to undo it using a biased report from climate skeptics and a flawed reading of the law.
We filed comments pushing back.
🔗 https://bit.ly/4gGY4bG
ELPC Stands Up for Science, Fights to Protect the Endangerment Finding | ELPC
elpc.org
September 23, 2025 at 10:06 PM
EPA’s 2009 Endangerment Finding was based on sound science and upheld by the courts. Climate evidence has only grown stronger.
EPA now proposes to undo it using a biased report from climate skeptics and a flawed reading of the law.
We filed comments pushing back.
🔗 https://bit.ly/4gGY4bG
EPA now proposes to undo it using a biased report from climate skeptics and a flawed reading of the law.
We filed comments pushing back.
🔗 https://bit.ly/4gGY4bG
For almost a century, the Chicago River was too polluted to swim.
This weekend, hundreds of swimmers dove in for the first public Chicago River Swim in 98 years. ELPC, partners, and the Midwest environmental community made this milestone for clean water possible.
https://bit.ly/3Kg7dMb
This weekend, hundreds of swimmers dove in for the first public Chicago River Swim in 98 years. ELPC, partners, and the Midwest environmental community made this milestone for clean water possible.
https://bit.ly/3Kg7dMb
Swimming in the Chicago River: Advocacy Helped Make This Happen | ELPC
As Chicago plans for a historic open swim in the river, ELPC reflects on the work it took to clean up the river.
elpc.org
September 22, 2025 at 3:30 PM
For almost a century, the Chicago River was too polluted to swim.
This weekend, hundreds of swimmers dove in for the first public Chicago River Swim in 98 years. ELPC, partners, and the Midwest environmental community made this milestone for clean water possible.
https://bit.ly/3Kg7dMb
This weekend, hundreds of swimmers dove in for the first public Chicago River Swim in 98 years. ELPC, partners, and the Midwest environmental community made this milestone for clean water possible.
https://bit.ly/3Kg7dMb
From hazardous air to mercury in Lake Michigan, Northwest Indiana communities face major pollution threats. ELPC is fighting back.
https://elpc.org/blog/four-ways-were-fighting-air-and-water-pollution-in-northwest-indiana/
https://elpc.org/blog/four-ways-were-fighting-air-and-water-pollution-in-northwest-indiana/
Four Ways We’re Fighting Air and Water Pollution in Northwest Indiana | ELPC
We work to hold polluters accountable, reduce air and water pollution, and protect healthy communities; and we have been busy!
elpc.org
September 17, 2025 at 7:47 PM
From hazardous air to mercury in Lake Michigan, Northwest Indiana communities face major pollution threats. ELPC is fighting back.
https://elpc.org/blog/four-ways-were-fighting-air-and-water-pollution-in-northwest-indiana/
https://elpc.org/blog/four-ways-were-fighting-air-and-water-pollution-in-northwest-indiana/
Reposted by Environmental Law & Policy Center
Did you know the House is poised to pass a bill putting our drinking water and wildlife at risk of even more pesticides and toxic discharges?
🚨 Tell your representative to vote NO on the PERMIT Act! 🚨
🚨 Tell your representative to vote NO on the PERMIT Act! 🚨
September 16, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Did you know the House is poised to pass a bill putting our drinking water and wildlife at risk of even more pesticides and toxic discharges?
🚨 Tell your representative to vote NO on the PERMIT Act! 🚨
🚨 Tell your representative to vote NO on the PERMIT Act! 🚨
512,000 acres of Midwest forests are at risk if the Trump Admin repeals the Roadless Rule. Repeal would invite logging, mining, and road-building into some of our last wild places.
📝 Submit your comment by Sept. 19: https://bit.ly/3KnAkx0
📝 Submit your comment by Sept. 19: https://bit.ly/3KnAkx0
Keep the Roadless Rule: Protect Our National Forests
Tell the U.S. Forest Service to protect our last wild forests.
secure.everyaction.com
September 16, 2025 at 5:40 PM
512,000 acres of Midwest forests are at risk if the Trump Admin repeals the Roadless Rule. Repeal would invite logging, mining, and road-building into some of our last wild places.
📝 Submit your comment by Sept. 19: https://bit.ly/3KnAkx0
📝 Submit your comment by Sept. 19: https://bit.ly/3KnAkx0
The PERMIT Act is the Permission to Pollute Act. It weakens the Clean Water Act, allowing more farm runoff, industrial waste, and toxic chemicals into rivers and lakes.
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09092025/clean-water-act-amendments-iowa-impact/
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09092025/clean-water-act-amendments-iowa-impact/
House Bill Amending the Clean Water Act Could Mean Dirtier Water Nationwide—And Especially in Iowa - Inside Climate News
Residents fear the legislation would worsen the state’s already poor water quality, while reducing red tape and cutting costs for industries.
insideclimatenews.org
September 11, 2025 at 7:49 PM
The PERMIT Act is the Permission to Pollute Act. It weakens the Clean Water Act, allowing more farm runoff, industrial waste, and toxic chemicals into rivers and lakes.
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09092025/clean-water-act-amendments-iowa-impact/
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/09092025/clean-water-act-amendments-iowa-impact/
Event: Protecting the Midwest's Wild Forests
📅 Sun, Sept 14 | 6 PM CT
Join us and @sierraclub.org for a webinar with former Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck on the Trump Admin’s push to repeal the Roadless Rule and open 45M acres of forest to industry.
RSVP: act.sierraclub.org/events/detai...
📅 Sun, Sept 14 | 6 PM CT
Join us and @sierraclub.org for a webinar with former Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck on the Trump Admin’s push to repeal the Roadless Rule and open 45M acres of forest to industry.
RSVP: act.sierraclub.org/events/detai...
Protecting the Midwest's Wild Forests
Join us to learn about roadless areas in the Midwest, why they are so important, and what you can do to help protect them.
act.sierraclub.org
September 11, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Event: Protecting the Midwest's Wild Forests
📅 Sun, Sept 14 | 6 PM CT
Join us and @sierraclub.org for a webinar with former Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck on the Trump Admin’s push to repeal the Roadless Rule and open 45M acres of forest to industry.
RSVP: act.sierraclub.org/events/detai...
📅 Sun, Sept 14 | 6 PM CT
Join us and @sierraclub.org for a webinar with former Forest Service Chief Mike Dombeck on the Trump Admin’s push to repeal the Roadless Rule and open 45M acres of forest to industry.
RSVP: act.sierraclub.org/events/detai...
DOE issued a second “emergency” order keeping Michigan’s J.H. Campbell coal plant alive—despite no grid shortage. ELPC & allies are challenging this unlawful move to protect climate and ratepayers.
🔗 https://elpc.org/news/challenge-to-the-latest-illegal-extension-of-j-h-campbell-coal-plant/
🔗 https://elpc.org/news/challenge-to-the-latest-illegal-extension-of-j-h-campbell-coal-plant/
Challenge to the Latest Illegal Extension of J.H. Campbell Coal Plant | Environmental Law & Policy Center
elpc.org
September 10, 2025 at 4:05 PM
DOE issued a second “emergency” order keeping Michigan’s J.H. Campbell coal plant alive—despite no grid shortage. ELPC & allies are challenging this unlawful move to protect climate and ratepayers.
🔗 https://elpc.org/news/challenge-to-the-latest-illegal-extension-of-j-h-campbell-coal-plant/
🔗 https://elpc.org/news/challenge-to-the-latest-illegal-extension-of-j-h-campbell-coal-plant/