I want to let ELPC’s “extended family” know the sad news that our founding Board Chair
Bob Wilcox passed away on March 5th after a long illness. We deeply miss Bob Wilcox as a friend and a leader. ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner shares his thoughts on Bob’s life and career here.

I want to let ELPC’s “extended family” know the sad news that our founding Board Chair Bob Wilcox passed away on March 5th after a long illness.  Bob was in his 80s and lived in the Chicago suburbs.

Bob was a mentor, wise adviser and guide, Board Chair and friend to me in starting and building the new Environmental Law & Policy Center.  Indeed, Bob would smile as I characterize him as a “co-conspirator”.  He had a wry (and wicked) sense of humor beneath his calm and formal-looking presence.

Bob has proudly stayed on top of ELPC’s progress as our Chair Emeritus and has long provided valued advice and ideas.  Bob was a “sage” in so many ways.

Throughout his distinguished career, Bob was a true civic leader.  He was a highly regarded attorney and businessperson, and he served in numerous public and governmental capacities including Chair of the Chicago Mayor’s Task Force on Energy (1986-89) and Director of Insurance for the State of Illinois (1974-76).  Bob also served as the Co-Founder of Protestants for the Common Good, President of the Board of the Chicago Educational Television Association (WTTW/Channel 11), Chair of the Board of WFMT fine arts radio station, President and Director of the Community Renewal Society; and President and Director of the Chicago Council on Foreign Relations.

We deeply miss Bob Wilcox as a friend and a leader.  Many in the Chicago civic community will miss his dedication and effectiveness.  Bob helped to make the world a better place, and all of us will miss his presence and all that he has done and would have continued to do.

All of our best wishes and hopes to Bob’s wife Susanne and to his sons David, Bob, Steve and Brian and daughter Kathy, and their respective families, in these challenging and difficult times.

We mourn Bob’s passing as we celebrate his life’s work of civic, environmental and clean energy leadership and accomplishments.  ELPC is a special part of his legacy, which we greatly appreciate.

You can learn more about Bob’s many civic contributions from the obituaries in the Chicago Tribune and Wilmette Talk.

Please join ELPC on March 17th at 11:00 a.m. for a webinar briefing featuring ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner and Deputy Director Kevin Brubaker to hear the latest news on national high-speed rail policy and funding.

Please register for the briefing by clicking here.

Position:
Citizen Action/Illinois is hiring a full-time Environmental Organizer to lead our work on the Illinois Campaign to Clean up Diesel Pollution until October 31, 2010, with the possibility of a one year extension. The position will report to the Co-Directors.

Responsibilities:
• Leading the Illinois Campaign to Clean Diesel Pollution.
• Promoting legislative and administrative policy efforts to increase use of technologies that reduce harmful diesel emissions.
• Generating calls and letters from grassroots and grass-tops leaders to targeted officials.
• Organizing town hall meetings, press events, and direct actions
• Developing and maintaining coalition and member database.
• Helping to staff Annual Dinner, Convention and other organizational events.

Qualifications:
• Minimum of six months experience in organizing, issue advocacy, and/or political campaigns.
• The position requires Bachelor’s degree. Degree in environmental studies or related field is a plus.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, understand a wide array of legislative and political issues, and adapt to fast moving campaigns.
• Well-organized and self-motivated; able to design a work plan, prioritize and meet goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including preparing and delivering presentations. Comfort in interacting with the public, decision makers and media.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and Internet use. Experience in online databases and email marketing is a plus.

Salary: Commensurate with experience.
To be considered for this position, please send a cover letter and resume to the attention of Lynda DeLaforgue by email, fax or mail by close of business on March 25. No phone inquiries please.
EMAIL: info@citizenaction-il.org
FAX: 312-379-0313
MAIL: Citizen Action/Illinois
27 E. Monroe St., Ste. 1100
Chicago, IL 60603

Citizen Action/Illinois is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

For more information, see www.citizenaction-il.org

RESPONSIBILITIES: The Environmental Business Specialist (EBS) will serve a valuable role within ELPC. This person needs to be an individual who can present ideas in a compelling manner and who possesses a strong entrepreneurial and marketing capacity. In addition to providing important analytical capability the EBS should be comfortable representing ELPC with business groups and other critical constituencies. The EBS is a person who blends strong intellectual and financial analytical skills with an outward and engaging personality.

The EBS will work with ELPC’s senior program team, principally on: (1) ELPC initiatives to promote positive clean renewable energy and energy efficiency development solutions to meet energy needs in the regional power market, and help to solve global warming pollution problems; (2) ELPC’s eco-business partnerships and initiatives to develop and expand the markets for environmentally preferable products and services; and (3) Other ELPC environmental litigation and policy issues in the Midwest and on related federal issues. The Environmental Business Specialist will work around the Midwest and ideally be based in the Chicago office.

The EBS will be challenged to meet the following goals and strategic objectives:
• Collaborate in shaping strategies, providing analysis and carrying out ELPC’s Energy Project, Global Warming Solutions Initiative and Environmental Markets Project.  Help forge innovative partnerships between the business community and environmental advocates.
• Support senior ELPC policy and program team members on clean energy policy advocacy and other eco-business initiatives – potentially serve as expert witness in state and federal public hearings.
• Market development and policy advocacy initiatives to develop more clean energy and environmentally preferable products and services in the Midwest.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES: The Environmental Business Specialist should ideally possess the following professional experience and personal attributes:

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:
• M.B.A or Economics background with at least five years of professional experience in strategic planning, project management, marketing or financial analysis in the business sector or economic development field.
• Business experience in strategic planning, economic development or marketing and public interest entrepreneurial skills – substantive knowledge in energy or transportation sectors preferred.
• An inspired and demonstrated commitment to public interest advocacy and the ability to work productively as a member of a team of skilled professionals is required.
• Intellectual agility and demonstrated ability to think strategically.
• A demonstrated interest in environmentally sustainable economic development.
• Possess a pleasure and a genuine interest in a collegial and team based work environment.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES:
• A deep commitment to the mission and values of ELPC.
• Smart self-starter with track record of initiative and success.
• A solid business sense coupled with budgeting expertise and a propensity towards strategic thinking and planning.
• Articulate, with proven ability to write effectively and speak persuasively.
• An ability to listen to others and learn from their best ideas – a sense of inquisitiveness and intellectual curiosity.
• Personable, trustworthy, diplomatic, and perceived as such by colleagues and reports.
• Ability to organize and present thoughts coherently and confidently in front of groups of all sizes.
• Possessing a keen sense of humor.

COMPENSATION: The Enviromental Law & Policy Center offers a competitive salary with other large peer public interest environmental organizations and superb benefits including medical/dental/disability insurance, paid holidays, and a retirement plan.

Interested candidates should send their resume to:
Daniel Sherman, President
Explore Company
Email: resumes@explorecompany.com

The Environmental Law & Policy Center is an equal opportunity employer and is continually seeking to diversify its staff.

Officials with Iowa’s Office of Energy Independence credited “Iowa’s spirited and proactive response to energy efficiency” for the unexpected interest.

Read more in the Des Moines Register

Description: The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is seeking a Senior Associate in its Boulder, CO office. The responsibilities for this position include:

• Assist with the development and analysis of gas and electric utility demand-side management (DSM) programs for the region
• Work on utility energy efficiency policy including participation in state public utility commission proceedings and in the legislative arena
• Advise utilities and utility commission staff on energy efficiency matters
• Conduct outreach to raise awareness and build support for utility energy efficiency initiatives in the southwest region.

The Senior Associate will carry out these activities in conjunction with other SWEEP staff and our state representatives.

Qualifications: Applicants should have experience working on utility DSM programs for a utility, a consulting firm, non-profit organization, or a state utility commission. Masters degree plus at least five years of experience or Bachelors degree plus at least eight years of experience. Strong analytical and communications skills, ability to work independently, and a personal commitment to a cleaner environment and more sustainable future. Experience working in non-profit organizations is a plus.

Compensation: Salary commensurate with experience, plus excellent benefits, as well as the opportunity to work in a relaxed environment close to the mountains in Boulder, CO.

Start Date: The position will be filled as soon as an acceptable candidate is found.

To apply, send brief cover letter and resume (no phone calls, please) to:
Utility Program Opening
SWEEP
2260 Baseline Rd. Suite 212
Boulder, CO 80302

Applications can also be submitted via email to info@swenergy.org
SWEEP is a public interest organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency in Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. For more information, visit www.swenergy.org.

SWEEP is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination with regard to race, sex, color, age, religion, creed, class, sexual orientation, national origin, and disability.

South Dakota is the fifth windiest state in the nation, but neighboring states with fewer wind resources are installing more wind power and capturing more of the wind industry’s jobs and income.  One key difference is that states such as Iowa have enacted policies that encourage wind power development.

ELPC Policy Advocate Matt McLarty said the economic benefits of wind energy in South Dakota would be much greater than the savings from the proposed measures.  “They’re talking about a budget savings of $3 million for the state when there’s the potential for billions in wind investments,” McLarty said. “These three bills will do long-term damage to South Dakota and its wind investments.”

read more in the Argus Leader

A $100 million TIGER grant will go toward untangling freight rail lines in the Chicago area. This grant will make freight rail more efficient nationwide while also making passenger rail through Chicago faster and more reliable.  The Chicago Regional Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) project, is a public–private partnership involving 14 rail companies and other agencies. Its goal is to reduce freight rail traffic congestion in Chicago, the hub of the nation’s railways.

“This grant is a double play that can both alleviate freight congestion and speed up passenger rail,” said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center.

Read ELPC’s press release

The Environmental Law and Policy Center commended the U.S. Department of Transportation’s awards of TIGER grants in Midwest states that will benefit both freight and passenger rail.

A $100 million TIGER grant will go toward untangling freight rail lines in the Chicago area. This grant will make freight rail more efficient nationwide while also making passenger rail through Chicago faster and more reliable.  The Chicago Regional Environmental and Transportation Efficiency (CREATE) project, is a public–private partnership involving 14 rail companies and other agencies. Its goal is to reduce freight rail traffic congestion in Chicago, the hub of the nation’s railways.

“This grant is a double play that can both alleviate freight congestion and speed up passenger rail,” said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center.

In January, the federal government awarded $2.62 billion in federal grants to upgrade service on the rail lines in the Midwest network. “The Midwest High-Speed Rail Network can be a modern, fast, comfortable and convenient transportation option for the region, and CREATE helps to reduce freight congestion,” said Learner.

There are additional “double plays” for the region For example, Normal, Illinois is receiving a $22 million TIGER grant for its new intermodal station, and St. Paul, Minnesota is receiving $35 million for its redevelopment of the Union Depot as an intermodal station.  Both projects are designed to connect high-speed rail passengers with local transit and to anchor downtown redevelopment.  “The Administration is doubling down on its savvy bet that high-speed rail will succeed in the Midwest,” explained Learner.  “These projects are great examples of how high-speed rail can provide an anchor for urban redevelopment and livable communities.”

A complete list of TIGER grant awards can be found at http://www.dot.gov/documents/finaltigergrantinfo.pdf