Environmental Law & Policy Center

As data centers fuel a surge in energy demand, utilities like Consumers Energy are planning how to accommodate them. ELPC testified with @Ecology_Center, @UCSUSA & @VoteSolar: Tech giants shouldn’t just take from the grid—they must bring clean energy. elpc.org/blog/testimony…

Good news: A federal judge denied the Farm Bureau and other agriculture groups the right to join @EPA in a lawsuit over Lake Erie cleanup. This clears the way for environmental groups to keep fighting toxic algae blooms and hold agencies accountable. toledoblade.com/local/environm…

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…

Before you dive in this weekend, check for water quality alerts. E. coli contamination is an increasing threat across Midwest lakes. Read more on how to stay safe and why clean water protections matter more than ever. elpc.org/blog/going-to-…

On Independence Day weekend, families should be enjoying the lake, not worrying about water contamination. But E. coli levels have closed beaches across northern Illinois, from Lake Michigan to inland lakes. We need stronger protections for clean water. cbsnews.com/chicago/news/s…

The oil company behind #Line5 paid $1.5M and swapped land to pave over a site sacred to Odawa tribes, without consultation. It’s clear Enbridge won’t respect Indigenous sites in the Line 5 tunnel project. @GovWhitmer must ensure they are protected. jsonline.com/story/news/inv…

“This deeply misguided policy puts polluters first and leaves communities behind.” —@HowardELPC The Senate’s “megabill” retreats from longstanding clean air and water protections, threatens public health, and stalls renewable energy progress. elpc.org/news/senate-me…

@USACEHQ used fast-track permitting to limit public input on the #Line5 tunnel project. We’re calling for a complete environmental review that includes climate impacts. Not a shortcut for fossil fuel expansion. elpc.org/news/green-gro…

“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…

From the Trap Hills to the Kirtland’s warbler, Michigan’s nature needs defenders. We're taking action to protect Wilderness in the Upper Peninsula and rare wildlife across the state. elpc.org/blog/protectin…

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…

We joined 60+ groups nationwide urging the Senate to reject harmful rollbacks in the reconciliation bill—from EV tax credits to clean trucks and ports. Stripping climate investments while protecting polluters is a step backward. #ChargingUSForward sierraclub.org/dozens-organiz…

The Trump Administration wants to repeal the Roadless Rule, opening Midwest national forests to logging. That means losing protections for places like the Chequamegon-Nicolet and Shawnee National Forests. We must protect these public lands. elpc.org/news/trump-adm…

Absolutely right, @SenatorSlotkin. Michigan and Midwest families shouldn’t bear the cost of keeping an unnecessary coal plant online. The DOE’s order undermines years of planning and drives up pollution and energy bills.

Chicago transit is at a crossroads: safer, cleaner, faster service or 40% service cuts leaving riders stranded. We still have time to #FixItFundIt. Join @ILCleanJobs & @ChicagoLabor downtown this Thursday, June 26 to call on lawmakers to finish the job. act.ilenviro.org/a/rally-to-sav…

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…

Midwest ratepayers may be stuck with the cost of running the J.H. Campbell coal plant past its planned retirement. Higher bills for more pollution is moving in the wrong direction. Midwesterners deserve clean, affordable energy. utilitydive.com/news/campbell-…

Summer means sun, sand, and swimming. But before you head to the beach, check the water. Bacterial contamination is closing beaches across the Midwest and putting health and summer fun at risk. Smarter water systems can help. 🔗elpc.org/blog/going-to-…

The J.H. Campbell coal plant was set to retire—but the DOE intervened, overriding state regulators and keeping it open without justification. It’ll cost ratepayers nearly $100M and spike pollution. ELPC and our allies are fighting back. elpc.org/news/ten-group…

Rolling back emissions limits for coal plants will worsen air quality across the Midwest. ELPC’s Brian Lynk told @cbschicago the pollution avoided by the existing Biden admin rule is equivalent to the impact of 300 million vehicles on the road. cbsnews.com/chicago/news/e…