Media Center

Illinois Can Meet All Its Power Needs by Replacing Retiring Fossil Fuels with Energy Storage

August 1, 2024 Press ReleaseIllinois

In 2022, Illinois’ grid operator PJM put forth a report raising concerns that the state’s landmark climate law, CEJA, threatened reliability of the power grid by accelerating the retirement of fossil fuel resources. A new study released today shows Illinois…

An Urgency to Clean Up Illinois’ Dirty Air

July 13, 2023 Press ReleaseChicago

As the acrid smell of Canadian wildfire smoke has barely left the nostrils of people in Chicago and Illinois, local leaders and advocates joined forces today to call on Governor Pritzker to enact clean truck rules to reduce harmful pollution.

NRDC Partners with Art at a Time Like This at EXPO CHICAGO to Highlight the Power of Women & Artists as Climate Advocates

March 21, 2023 Press ReleaseChicago

For the 10th anniversary of EXPO CHICAGO, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) has partnered with Art at a Time Like This (ATLT) to create HOW ON EARTH, a climate-focused exhibit from acclaimed artists Janet Biggs, Lily Kwong, Helina Metaferia and…

Illinois Dakota Access Pipeline Expansion Approved in Misguided Decision

September 15, 2022 Press ReleaseIllinois

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved the Dakota Access Pipeline and Energy Transfer Crude Oil Pipeline expansion in the Prairie State today.

Illinois Poised to Improve Public Health & Economy by Adopting Clean Truck Policies

July 11, 2022 Press ReleaseIllinois

New Report Analyzes Impacts of Cleaner Trucks on Environment, Health, Industry and the Economy

Chicago, City With the Most Lead Drinking Water Pipes in America, to Host Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s Water Infrastructure Hearing

April 21, 2022 Press ReleaseChicago

CHICAGO – Illinois Senator Tammy Duckworth will hear testimony today from City of Chicago and State of Illinois officials responsible for removing lead service lines that deliver water to homes across the state. Illinois will receive more than $100 million…

NRDC Partners with Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative at EXPO CHICAGO to Highlight the Urgency and Intersectionality of the Climate Crisis

March 30, 2022 Press ReleaseChicago

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) and Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative will showcase the work of over 30 artists in an outdoor mural installation with live screen-printing at EXPO CHICAGO from April 7-10. This partnership will harness the power of art to…

Lightfoot Administration Announces Denial of General Iron Permit

February 18, 2022 Press ReleaseChicago

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today that it has denied RMG/General Iron’s operating permit bringing an end to a years-long struggle between Southeast Side residents and the massive metal shredding operation that sought to relocate from Lincoln…

NRDC Analysis: Economic Opportunity in Illinois from Build Back Better Agenda

February 9, 2022 Press ReleaseIllinois

A new NRDC analysis shows that the Build Back Better agenda, as it currently stands, has the potential to significantly accelerate clean energy investment, economic activity, and job growth in Illinois.

Governor Pritzker Highlights Illinois' Climate Leadership in State of the State Address

February 2, 2022 Press ReleaseIllinois

Governor JB Pritzker delivered his State of the State and budget address today. The speech highlighted Illinois’ climate leadership, including the 100% carbon-free energy by 2045 requirement in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), and the successful passage of…

Court Vacates Decision to Approve Dakota Access Pipeline Expansion

January 13, 2022 Press ReleaseIllinois

The Illinois 4th District Appellate Court issued its decision in the appeal of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) decision approving the Dakota Access Pipeline and Energy Transfer Crude Oil Pipeline expansion. Save Our Illinois Land (SOIL), the Sierra Club, NRDC…

Illinois Set to be First Midwest State to Require 100 Percent Carbon-Free Energy by 2045

September 13, 2021 Press ReleaseIllinois

Most Comprehensive Clean Energy Legislation in State’s History, includes Equitable Statewide Jobs and Economic Investment Plan

Broad Consensus Around Bill to Shut Down Fossil Fuels and Expand Clean Energy to Illinois by 2045

September 9, 2021 Press ReleaseIllinois

Illinois’ House of Representatives to Vote on SB 2408 as Environmental, Labor, Consumer Advocate and Grassroots Groups back the Bill

Illinois Senate Passes Comprehensive Energy Reform Bill, Advocates Pushing for Key Amendments from State House

September 1, 2021 Press ReleaseIllinois

Illinois Moves Forward Most Equitable Energy Bill in the Nation, Sets to Close all Fossil Fuel Energy Plants by 2045

Delivering Zero Emissions Communities Program Announces Winning Cities

August 23, 2021 Press ReleaseChicago, San Diego, San Jose (California)

SAN FRANCISCO — Chicago, San Diego, and San José have won spots in the newly-launched Delivering Zero Emissions Communities program. Through this one-year accelerator program, the cities will join with community partners to take bold, concrete, and immediate action toward…

In Long-Awaited Victory, EPA Bans Pesticide Toxic to Kids and Farmworkers

August 18, 2021 Press ReleaseIllinois

WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency announced today it will ban chlorpyrifos — a pesticide linked to worker poisonings and learning disabilities in children—on food grown in the U.S. or imported here.

Fossil Fuel Industry Stalls Illinois’ Most Comprehensive and Equitable Clean Energy Legislation

June 17, 2021 Press ReleaseIllinois

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Fossil fuel interests stalled the most comprehensive clean energy package in Illinois’ history. Negotiations continue as legislators push to save Governor Pritzker’s comprehensive energy bill, which would transition the state to 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045.

City of Chicago Halts Controversial Metal Shredder Permit in response to Community Pressure and EPA Letter

May 8, 2021 Press ReleaseChicago

The Lightfoot administration announced late yesterday that it would stop the permitting process for General Iron, a controversial massive metal shredding operation, pending an environmental justice analysis conducted in partnership with the U.S. EPA. This follows a letter from U.S…

City of Chicago Calls for More Information on Controversial Metal Shredding Operation Move

March 15, 2021 Press ReleaseChicago

In response to a permit application for the controversial move of a notorious metal shredding operation to the Southeast Side, the Chicago Department of Public Health sent a deficiency letter today to Reserve Management Group (RMG) seeking further information and…

Illinois Has a Lead Pipe Problem It Must Solve As Biden EPA Suspends Trump Lead in Drinking Water Regulations

March 11, 2021 Press ReleaseChicago

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today suspended the Trump-era Lead and Copper Rule to seek additional public input, particularly from communities with lead-contaminated drinking water. Illinois has more lead service lines than any other state in the nation, with…