Celebrating ELPC 30 Years - 2023 Gala

ELPC Action Center

Your voice matters. This is your opportunity to speak up for the Midwest, from the Great Lakes to the Great Plains. Show you’re all in to protect our environment and build healthy, resilient communities.

Protect Clean Water in Northwest Indiana

Cleveland-Cliffs operates two steel mills in East Chicago, Indiana, together forming a vast industrial complex that spans 2,600 acres along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The mills discharge about 193 million gallons of wastewater everyday, which is regulated by water permits under the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). These permits are up for renewal, and must be made stronger to protect clean water and the local communities. We have until November 16 to submit public comments.

Tell the Indiana Department of Environmental Management that Cleveland Cliffs’ East Chicago Steel Mills need stronger water quality permits.

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Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a place like no other. Its most pristine places—including the Ehlco area, the Trap Hills, Norwich Plains, and the Sturgeon River Gorge—deserve our nation’s highest level of protection. You can help conserve forest land for the net generation. Wilderness designation is a win for the environment, local communities, and jobs across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Send a message to your members of Congress to champion designating these four areas in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as federal Wilderness areas.

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Protect Trains in the Midwest

A US House appropriations sub-committee proposed drastic cuts to passenger rail and public transit, including 64% from Amtrak’s budget and 80% from general funds for passenger rail & transit. They would hurt existing service and planned expansions, cutting off Midwest cities and towns from rail access.

Tell Congress to fully fund passenger rail and public transportation programs at the 2024 IIJA authorized levels.

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Protect the Great Lakes

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative is a model federal program that is vitally important in restoring and protecting our treasured ecosystem. The 5 Great Lakes face increased challenges from harmful algae blooms and the impacts of climate change are creating stress on shoreline infrastructure and ecosystems.

Tell Congress to fully fund GLRI at the authorized $425 million for FY 2024 and consider additional funding as well.

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