Save the Date! ELPC 2012 Benefit Will Be Nov. 14th
This year's ELPC Benefit will be Nov. 14th in downtown Chicago. Read details here!
ELPC Ranked in Top 10 Highest-Rated Charities in U.S.
Based on ELPC’s Charity Navigator score on financial strength and management, ELPC is being recognized in the media as among “The 10 Highest-Rated Charities in America: 2011.” ELPC is the only environmental group and the only advocacy group on this list. Moreover, ELPC is the only listed group, which is located between the coasts. Read more on MSN Money and Main Street.
ELPC’s Chicago Eco-Office Receives LEED Platinum Certification
ELPC's new green office features natural daylighting, state-of-the-art HVAC controls, low-flow plumbing fixtures, ENERGY STAR appliances, and recycled and locally sourced materials. Learn about our new office.
Yesterday, in an overwhelmingly bi-partisan vote, the Michigan House of Representatives voted 101-8 to approve a $39 million state appropriation that will unlock $161 million in federal funding to enhance passenger train service between Detroit and Chicago. The Michigan Senate passed the bill last week.
Federal grants to improve the Detroit-Chicago line now total more than $400 million, almost half of which was money rejected by Florida. These funds will improve service between Kalamazoo and Dearborn; upgrade stations in Dearborn, Troy-Birmingham, and Battle Creek; and reduce congestion between passenger and freight trains — ultimately leading to a consistent 4-hour trip between Chicago and Detroit.
On September 12, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn vetoed SB 1652, a bill that would have gutted the Illinois Commerce Commission’s authority to oversee electric rates and smart grid investments. ELPC joined Governor Quinn, Attorney General Lisa Madigan and other advocates in opposing this legislation. ELPC is advocating for more balanced legislation that protects consumers and ensures that investments in smart grid technology and energy efficiency benefit consumers and the environment.
Gov. Dennis Daugaard was among 24 governors — including those from Midwest/Great Plains states Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, and North Dakota — last month to sign a letter urging President Obama to ensure that tax credits for wind energy deployment are renewed next year.
South Dakota Wind Energy Association Executive Director Steve Wegman told the South Dakota Argus Leader that wind energy has poured more than $2 billion into the state since 2002.
ELPC’s Sioux Falls-based Policy Advocate Matt McLarty said, “If we want developers to invest billions of dollars in wind farms and create thousands of new jobs here, the federal government must create a stable, predictable tax climate that encourages long-term investment.”
ELPC appeared in today’s Chicago Tribune lead editorial, which asks Illinois Governor Pat Quinn to veto a bill that would allow “solid fuel pellets” — basically, ground-up garbage — to be burned at coal-fired power plants and other facilities. Current Illinois law prohibits the burning of most municipal solid waste, but the proposed law would re-define these pellets as fuel instead of waste.
As ELPC told the Tribune, approving this bill would be taking a gamble on the health of the people of Illinois. It could also thwart the stringent standards on waste incinerators and put Illinois on a path toward burning other municipal waste. We think this issue deserves more study before Illinois legalizes this potentially harmful incineration.
This ELPC report finds that Wisconsin is home to more than 250 wind and solar supply chain businesses that are tied to more than 12,000 Wisconsin jobs. Old-line manufacturing companies are re-tooling to supply growing markets for clean energy equipment.
July 2011
Illinois
Wind
Solar
Geothermal
This ELPC report finds that over 300 Illinois companies are working in the wind, solar or geothermal energy industries and employing over 18,000 people in the state. From old-line steel fabricators to high-tech start-ups, renewable energy is powering job growth and launching Illinois to the forefront of the green economy.
April 2011
Michigan
Wind
Solar
This ELPC report finds there are 121 Michigan businesses working in solar energy and 120 companies involved in wind power. From old-line manufacturing companies retooling for this growing market to high tech R&D, renewable energy is driving business growth in Michigan. Solar and Wind power provide over 10,000 jobs in Michigan. The state ranks fourth in the nation for number of jobs in the solar industry and first in the nation for clean energy patents.
This ELPC report finds that 106 Ohio companies are doing business with the wind power industry and 63 Ohio companies are part of the solar energy supply chain. Ohio’s strong manufacturing base and skilled workforce, together with supportive policies and smart investments have helped make Ohio a center for clean energy manufacturing. From major companies like First Solar and Cardinal Fastener to over 100 small manufacturers, developers and service firms; clean energy means business for Ohio.
This ELPC report finds that Iowa’s wind power supply chain comprises 80 Iowa companies with a total of over 2,300 employees in manufacturing alone. The state ranks second nationally in total wind energy generation. With local manufacturers building everything from huge turbine blades to small electrical components, and service firms providing maintenance, legal, marketing and other support to the industry, wind power means business for Iowa.
The report states that a commitment to business development combined with tax incentives, a skilled workforce and a central location have helped make Iowa a leader in the wind industry.
This ELPC report finds that more than 100 Illinois companies with a total of over 15,000 employees. These companies range from old-line manufacturers who are retooling to build wind turbine components for the new clean energy economy to corporate headquarters for major wind power developers, to software, financial and support services.
ELPC released a new study of the clean energy supply chain in Illinois. The study finds that over 300 Illinois companies are working in the wind, solar or geothermal energy industries and employing over 18,000 people in the state. From old-line steel fabricators to high-tech start-ups, renewable energy is powering job growth and launching Illinois to the forefront of the green economy. Download the Report.
Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed two bills over the weekend that will provide a financial boost for electric cars in the state. ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner says Illinois has an edge over some other states in the emerging electric cars market because the state’s energy mix at night, when most electric cars are charged, is comprised of relatively carbon-free wind and nuclear power. An E&E News article is available to those with a subscription.
Illinois legislators served up what can only be described as ComEd’s dream come true. What company wouldn’t love to have a law guaranteeing it double-digit returns?
ELPC Senior Attorney Rob Kelter
speaks at a press conference in Peoria, Ill.
Read coverage from the Champaign News Gazette
or view this video clip from
local NBC affiliate WEEK:
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and the Environmental Law and Policy Center (ELPC) are marking the first day of summer by urging Illinois residents to take advantage of $170 million in new rebates and discounts on energy-efficient appliances that can help ease the pain of high summer electric bills. New energy efficiency programs in Illinois began this June, just in time to lower your high summer energy bills and help protect the environment.
“Energy efficiency means making your home more comfortable while lowering your bills,” said Rob Kelter, Senior Attorney for the Environmental Law & Policy Center. “When we save energy, we cut down on air pollution by burning less coal and natural gas.”
“We’ve known for a long time that making your home more energy efficient is not only good for the planet, but it’s great for your pocketbook,” said CUB Energy Attorney and Outreach Advocate Celia Christiansen. “These energy-saving programs can put an extra $100 or more in your pocket. It’s a win-win on savings and the environment and that’s why CUB and ELPC are teaming up to promote the programs.”
ELPC and CUB outlined four easy ways energy-efficiency programs can save Ameren customers $100 or more this year.
Replace Your Light Bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light (CFL) Bulbs. Don’t wait until your old bulbs burn out to start saving money. There are at least 15 light bulbs in most homes. Each CFL bulb can save about $7 a year, or $40 over the life of the bulb. Now customers can find CFLs for deep discounts, 35-66 percent, online or at stores. So it’s easy for everyone to make the switch and start saving money.
Get an AC Makeover. Replacing your old central air conditioning unit can save you up to $200 a year—utility programs provide rebates up to $600 for efficient central air conditioners and $35 for window air conditioners.
Recycle That Extra Fridge. Refrigerators use more energy than any other appliance except air conditioners. If you have an extra fridge or freezer running in your home, it’s costing you around $100 per year. Instead of spending $100 to run an extra fridge, Illinois utility companies will pay you $25-50 to pick up and recycle your old fridge.
Buy a Programmable Thermostat. ENERGY STAR qualified programmable thermostats are more accurate than non-digital thermostats and can help you maintain consistent comfort levels and save the average home $100 per year on electricity costs. Utility programs offer rebates on programmable thermostats
These programs are part of Illinois’ new efficiency standards, designed to reduce energy consumption in Illinois 25 percent by 2025. For details on these and other incentives, go to www.CitizensUtilityBoard.org, click on “Live Wire”
ELPC, CUB and other consumer advocates were instrumental in creating and designing these programs, which are projected to save Illinois consumers more than $200 million each year in lower energy bills. The incentives range from a $10 rebate on a smart power strip to a $300 rebate on a heat pump water heater.
On September 12, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn vetoed SB 1652, a bill that would have gutted the Illinois Commerce Commission’s authority to oversee electric rates and smart grid investments. ELPC joined Governor Quinn, Attorney General Lisa Madigan and other advocates in opposing this legislation. ELPC is advocating for more balanced legislation that protects consumers and ensures that investments in smart grid technology and energy efficiency benefit consumers and the environment.
