Howard Learner

Data centers can’t be an excuse to delay the transition away from coal and fossil fuels. Can power them with #RenewableEnergy Midwest states should hold data center tech companies to their renewable energy commitments. bloomberg.com/news/articles/…

Let’s be clear: the Tax Bill is a disaster for the environment and federal deficit. @nytimes article shows how it cuts clean energy investments and adds to the deficit. This is a big step backwards costing jobs and cleaner air for the Midwest and nation. nytimes.com/interactive/20…

Check this out on how solar, battery storage and wind energy provide grid stability and price affordability.

“We can have economic development and clean air and water. It is a false trade-off.” @ELPCenter’s Rob Michaels highlights what is at stake as Indiana leaders move to roll back environmental protections. These executive orders are short-sighted. indystar.com/story/news/env…

The federal court rejection of a constitutional challenge to the Swampbuster protections could help wetland protections nationwide. @ELPCenter attorneys engaged in court to protect clean water, wildlife and ecosystems. @GreatLakesNow explains the issue. youtube.com/watch?v=CCCCXy…

The Roadless Rule protects wild public lands in the Midwest, from the Chequamegon-Nicolet in Wisconsin to the Shawnee in Illinois. The Trump Administration’s plan to repeal is not grounded in good policy or common sense. Let's protect our public lands. elpc.org/news/trump-adm…

EPA’s proposed rollback of power plant pollution rules could add emissions equal to 300 million cars. @ELPCenter’s Brian Lynk breaks down the public health and economic costs in this Illinois NPR interview. Worth a listen. publicnewsservice.org/2025-06-23/env…

The Inflation Reduction Act is starting to deliver on its climate promises. Efforts to repeal it would set us back just as extreme heat, floods, and smoke are intensifying across the Midwest. Smart clean energy investments are working. nytimes.com/2025/06/20/cli…

Summer should be about swimming, not beach closures. Last year, too many Midwest beaches were closed due to contamination from ag runoff pollution & outdated stormwater systems. ELPC advocates for pollution reduction policies & better water infrastructure. elpc.org/blog/going-to-…

The DOE’s 202(c) order to keep the J.H. Campbell coal plant running is unlawful, unnecessary, and expensive. Midwest families and businesses shouldn’t be forced to pay more for an uneconomic coal plant. @ELPCenter is challenging it. elpc.org/news/ten-group…

Utilities are acknowledging that Congress' proposed repeal of clean energy tax credits will drive up power bills. Iowa families should not have to pay more because lawmakers are undermining the transition to cleaner, more affordable energy. @ELPCenter desmoinesregister.com/story/money/ag…

The U.S. is spending nearly $1 trillion a year due to climate-induced disasters. Rolling back EPA coal plant pollution reduction standards and keeping uneconomic old coal plant open goes in the wrong direction & drives up costs from extreme weather events. bloomberg.com/news/articles/…

The Trump administration’s unlawful exemptions gave 68 coal plants, including many in the Midwest, a free pass to pollute. That’s both bad policy and illegal. Proud that @ELPCenter is standing up in court for healthy clean air and following the rule of law.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the #ELPCGala. It was a great evening. @ELPCenter appreciates our featured speakers @SenatorDurbin, @WGNNews Tom Skilling @InvenergyLLC's Michael Polsky and our colleagues. We're all in this together! Read my remarks: elpc.org/blog/elpc-2025…

Higher cancer risks near steel facilities in Northwest Indiana are a clear reminder of why we need strong enforcement of the Clean Air Act. These safeguards exist to protect the health of families. cbsnews.com/amp/chicago/ne…

JH Campbell plant in MI was retiring but Trump DOE said keep running. My view: This "is moving us backward by imposing what may be significant costs on ratepayers to run a coal plant which is no longer economic and regulators have found is not necessary.” washingtonpost.com/business/2025/…

Excited to welcome Senior Attorney Brian Lynk to @ELPCenter. After 25 years at DOJ’s Environment & Natural Resources Division, Brian brings strong federal litigation experience to ELPC team pushing back against efforts to weaken environmental protections. subscriber.politicopro.com/article/eenews…

Victory in Iowa! A federal court has upheld vital Swampbuster protections, rejecting a legal attack by anti-environmental interests. This ruling protects wetlands, habitat and sustainable agriculture. Proud of @ELPCenter team and partners who intervened. elpc.org/news/victory-j…

The Trump administration granted Vistra’s Baldwin coal plant a "get out of jail free card" exemption from Clean Air Act pollution limits. Baldwin is among the region's most polluting plants, and people will face health impacts of more toxic air pollution. chicagotribune.com/2025/05/25/ill…

There is no Midwest energy emergency this summer according to @MISO_energy & @MichiganPSC. But the Trump DOE is forcing the utility to keep running the JH Campbell coal plant in Michigan past its retirement date. Who will pay how much of a rate increase? canarymedia.com/articles/polit…