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Environmental Law & Policy Center @ELPCenter

We advocate, innovate and litigate to protect the Midwest's environment from the Great Lakes to the Great Plains.

Joined June 2009
  • Tweets 11,581
  • Following 3,704
  • Followers 6,451
1,387 Photos and videos
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-cons…

Testimony: Consumers Energy Needs a Smarter Plan for Data Centers | ELPC

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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/enviro…

Ag, industry out and environmental groups are in major Lake Erie case

The Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and 10 other agricultural groups lead a long list of those removed by a judge from a major Lake Erie case being heard in ...

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Environmental Law & Policy Center retweeted
Howard Learner@HowardELPC
7 Jul 2025
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/2025…

Everything in Trump’s Big Tax and Spending Law, and How Much It Will Cost or Save

The legislation includes tax cuts as well as big cuts to Medicaid, food benefits and other programs, and it’s expected to add more than $3 trillion to the national debt.

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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/som…

Some Lake Michigan, inland beaches in Northern Illinois closed due to E. coli

The Illinois Department of Public Health regularly tests the water to determine when beaches are safe to reopen.

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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-the-b…

Going to the Beach this Summer? Look Before You Dive In! | ELPC

Bacterial contamination can close beaches across Great Lakes. Some pollution sources are getting worse, but digital monitoring tools are getting better.

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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/inve…

Unearthed bones, land swap, expedited review: Enbridge Line 5 tunnel review leaves tribes behind

Records, court filings and emails reveal how federal review of Enbridge's Great Lakes tunnel project leaves tribal officials feeling cast aside.

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“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-megabil…

Senate Megabill Endangers Environment, Economy, Jobs, and Public Health | ELPC

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Environmental Law & Policy Center retweeted
Howard Learner@HowardELPC
27 Jun 2025
“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/envi…

IDEM seeks public input on eliminating 'overly burdensome' environmental regulations

Governor’s order says state environmental rules and regulations should not be more stringent than federal requirements.

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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/protecting-nat…

Protecting Nature in Michigan | ELPC

Michigan is home to many special places and diverse wildlife. ELPC is working to ensure both are protected. This month ELPC is working to protect the Trap Hills from logging in the Western UP, a key...

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Environmental Law & Policy Center retweeted
Howard Learner@HowardELPC
25 Jun 2025
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=CCCCXyzq…
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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-organi…

Dozens of Organizations Urge Senate to Vote No on Bad Budget Bill that Would Raise Costs for...

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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-administ…

Trump Administration Roadless Rule Repeal Will Broaden Attacks on National Forests | Environmental...

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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.
Sen. Elissa Slotkin
@SenatorSlotkin
8 Jun 2025
DC may not care who pays to keep this plant open unnecessarily, but Michiganders do. All because this Admin. decided to override a state plan. It may cost millions to keep it running, and eventually, those costs will be passed on to consumers. mlive.com/environment/2025/0…
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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-…
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Environmental Law & Policy Center retweeted
Howard Learner@HowardELPC
24 Jun 2025
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/2025-0…
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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/campbel…

Who should pay to keep Michigan coal plant running past its retirement date?

Groups told federal regulators that making MISO customers pay for a power plant that does not benefit them would violate the Federal Power Act’s cost causation requirement.

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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-b…

Going to the Beach this Summer? Look Before You Dive In! | ELPC

Bacterial contamination can close beaches across Great Lakes. Some pollution sources are getting worse, but digital monitoring tools are getting better.

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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-groups-pus…

Ten Groups Push Back Against Trump’s Illegal Campbell Plant Extension | ELPC

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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/epa…

Experts say EPA plan to roll back limits on power plant emissions will harm Chicago air quality

"As soon as the rule was released, the EPA employees started talking about how terrible this was going to be for the state of Illinois," said Nicole Cantello, president of AFGE Local 704, the union...

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The Trump administration granted illegal exemptions to 68 coal plants, letting them avoid cutting toxic pollution. Polluters benefit while Midwest communities pay the price in health and environmental harm. We’re fighting back in court. elpc.org/news/trump-gave-ok-…

Trump Gave OK for 68 Coal Plants to Ignore Clean Air Act Standards via Email | ELPC

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