Celebrating ELPC 30 Years - 2023 Gala

Northwoods, WI

Blog

Check out the latest updates and in-depth stories from our staff and colleagues in the Midwest.

Explore the full collection below, or feel free to filter for particular states or issues.

Viewing posts by Howard A. Learner. View all posts
Victory

A Victory Celebration for Environmental Justice

Chicago’s lakefront is for people and parks, not for toxic waste dumps.

9/22/25

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

Swimming in the Chicago River: Advocacy Helped Make This Happen

As Chicago plans for a historic open swim in the river, ELPC reflects on the work it took to clean up the river

9/8/25

Howard A. Learner

Opinion: Howard Learner: Why Illinois’ wetlands matter

Wetlands are natural sponges, mitigating flooding

9/2/25

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

Climate Change is Seriously Jeopardizing the Great Lakes

New ELPC report by leading Midwest scientists shows how climate change is causing more real-world threats to our region’s economy and environment.

7/24/25

Howard A. Learner

Update

ELPC Strengthens Board of Directors & Science Advisory Council

ELPC continues to build out a strong team of support

7/3/25

Howard A. Learner

ELPC Events

ELPC 2025 Gala – A Night to Remember

ELPC's 2025 Gala was a huge success. So many friends and colleagues celebrating all we've done together to protect the Midwest's environment.

6/9/25

Howard A. Learner

VIDEO

2025 Spring Update: Meeting the Moment

ELPC's CEO & Executive Director Howard Learner issues our 2025 Spring Update

5/19/25

Howard A. Learner

Op-Ed

Opinion: This Earth Day, Illinois must step up to protect our core environmental values

In a new Chicago Tribune Op-Ed, Howard Learner says local governments must step up to advance environmental progress while the federal government backpedals. 

4/22/25

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

ELPC Tells Congress: Stand Strong for Great Lakes Protection

ELPC submitted testimony to Congress in support of the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, an effective, bipartisan program that protects where we live, work, and play

4/3/25

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

Remembering Brady Williamson, ELPC Board Member and Litigation Approval Committee Chair

Remembers Brady Williamson, ELPC Board Member and Litigation Approval Committee Chair

3/12/25

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

Advancing Our Core Environmental Values in these Challenging Times

ELPC advocates, litigates and innovates to protect the Midwest’s environment from the Great Plains to the Great Lakes. ELPC works effectively to protect healthier clean air for people to breathe, safe clean drinking water for people to drink, and the rights of people to live in communities without toxic threats.

3/4/25

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

Five Ways ELPC Will Protect the Midwest Under the Trump Administration

Without wasting time, the Trump Administration is rolling back core environmental protections.

1/28/25

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

Howard Learner Remembers Dan Levin, ELPC Board Vice Chair

"We all deeply miss Dan Levin, who made a positive difference in the world in many ways."

1/23/25

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

Fix It First for Bikeways as well as Roadways

Here's a suggested New Year’s resolution for the Chicago Department of Transportation: Fix the Bikeways

1/8/25

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

Important Message As We Head Into 2025

I’ve been thinking a lot about what we’re up against in the coming year. We are facing unprecedented challenges with the new administration. But there are also some interesting opportunities in the Midwest. Take 1 minute to watch this video to understand what I mean.

12/18/24

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

The U.S. Supreme Court & NEPA

This week, the US Supreme Court heard oral argument in Seven County Infrastructure Coalition v. Eagle County, a case that has wide-reaching impacts on how the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is implemented. Watch my take on what happened.

12/12/24

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

Senate Passes Great Lakes Restoration Initiative; House Vote Urgent

The U.S. Senate reauthorized funds for the program that protects the Great Lakes. Now it’s the House’s turn.

12/10/24

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

Good Great Lakes Ecological News: The Iconic Lake Trout Recovers

The lake trout rehabilitation efforts succeeded, and this iconic Great Lakes fish species has fully recovered in Lake Superior.

12/9/24

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

Putting ELPC’s Money Toward Our Post-Election Environmental Protection Commitment

ELPC will keep fighting for clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and to protect communities against toxic threats. To succeed, we'll need more talented, effective ELPC staff to work with our coalition partners and clients. And we will!

12/3/24

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

The Fight Continues

Tuesday’s election results are a loss for the environment. We’ve seen a Trump Administration’s playbook before, and ELPC is prepared.

11/7/24

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

Rolling Up Our Sleeves to Get Things Done

The Presidential election is upon us. We don’t know what’s going to happen, but we do know this: ELPC is ready. 

10/28/24

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

Supreme Court’s Loper Decision Is a Lemon

The Supreme Court's Loper decision puts Americans at risk of losing vital environmental and public health protections

7/1/24

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

ELPC 2024 Summer Update

Watch our summer update video to learn about ELPC's efforts in protecting the Midwest environment so far this year.

6/24/24

Howard A. Learner

Howard's Blog

Groups Tell Mayor Johnson: Stop Toxic Dredged Waste Dump

Fighting to Reduce Pollution in an Environmental Justice Community & Protect the Lake Michigan Shoreline

6/12/24

Howard A. Learner

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