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According to the site Tech-stack, AI algorithms can forecast energy needs, helps improve the reliability of solar energy supply and balance the grid load. (Adobe Stock)

IL residents can benefit from merging of solar and AI

By Kari Lydersen for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network-Pu…

In 2022, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ranked Chicago eighth on an annual ENERGY STAR Top Cities list. On average, ENERGY STAR buildings use 35% less energy and cut carbon dioxide emissions by 35% compared to typical buildings. (Adobe Stock)

Innovative construction projects address short-term, long-term IL energy needs

By Audrey Henderson for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Terri Dee for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Network…

Illinois is the nation's fifth-largest electricity producer, and typically sends about one-fifth of the power it generates to other states over interstate transmission lines. Illinois generates more electricity from nuclear energy than any other state.(Adobe Stock)

New study says IL needs new less expensive energy options

A new study warns that Illinois will face future energy shortages and a higher risk of blackouts, unless investments are made soon in cleaner energy…

According to the Chicago Metropolitan Planning Agency, Chicago and Cook County produce the most total emissions. (Adobe Stock)

IL environmentalists hope federal grant lowers emissions

The fight against the effects of climate change in Illinois has more help. Under the Biden Administration's pollution reduction plan, the U.S…

Multiple carbon capture projects have been proposed in recent years in Illinois. (Wolfgang Weiser/Adobe Stock)

Illinois creates guardrails for growing carbon capture industry

Illinois Gov. J. B. Pritzker has signed a bill to regulate new carbon capture, storage and pipeline projects. The technology involves capturing …

Planners said one of the biggest challenges in preparing for electric vehicles is changing planning and zoning codes to accommodate EV charging stations. (Adobe Stock)

Regional program helps Chicago-area communities become 'EV Ready'

By Kari Lydersen for Energy News Network.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Netw…

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has finalized clean air standards affecting heavy-duty trucks starting with the 2027 model year. (Adobe Stock)

Communities close to big box warehouses face health fallouts

A recent study by the Environmental Defense Fund showed communities near mega warehouses are exposed to more polluted air. More than 2 million …

Enbridge owns and operates Line 5, a controversial oil pipeline that crosses tribal lands and runs under a portion of the Great Lakes. (Adobe Stock)

Midwest Tribes to take Line 5 concerns to United Nations forum

Next week, Native American leaders from the Midwest will go before a United Nations panel with their concerns over a controversial oil pipeline they …

With a grant award from the Illinois Power Association, the Green Energy Justice Cooperative plans to build community-level solar power projects to cut costs and give low-income and BIPOC neighborhoods a financial stake in the program. (Wikimedia Commons)

IL co-op to develop solar projects for low-income, BIPOC communities

By Lydia Larsen for Inside Climate News.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journalism Netwo…

The Illinois Department of Agriculture says the state's farmland covers 27 million acres, or about 75% of Illinois' total land area. (Adobe Stock)

IL farm group wants improved safety measures for pipelines

A pipeline project to transport carbon dioxide captured from ethanol and fertilizer production to a permanent storage site in Illinois is raising conc…

According to the website 'Illinois.gov,' the state has around 29,000 school buses operating as part of public school districts. (Adobe Stock)

Yellow school bus: From energy consumer to energy asset

What started as a school project for students in one Illinois district has led to the successful changeover to more energy efficient school buses…

Between August 2022 and July 2023, more than $270 billion in capital investment was announced for utility-scale clean=energy projects and manufacturing facilities in the United States, according to American Clean Power. (Adobe Stock)

IRA investments crucial for clean energy, national security

Military veterans and lawmakers say investing in the clean-energy economy with Inflation Reduction Act funds is the way forward to combat climate chan…

The solar power market in Illinois is valued at $3.7 billion and growing, with a total capital investment in wind, solar, and energy storage projects exceeding $17 billion. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Illinois leads Midwest in building 'clean power' capacity

A new report ranks Illinois first among 11 Midwestern states for the amount of clean power capacity under construction, and second for new clean …

The solar power sector added more than 12,000 workers in 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Report Shows Clean-Energy Job Gains in Illinois

A new look at clean-energy jobs in the U.S. shows growth in Illinois and the prospect of greater gains in the future. The Department of Energy …

Illinois is the third-largest consumer of coal in the country, using more than 39 million tons a year to generate electricity. (Wikimedia Commons)

Proposed EPA Rule Limits Toxic Emissions from Coal Plants

The Environmental Protection Agency is tightening rules to limit emissions of mercury and other harmful pollutants from coal-fired power plants…

A new study shows that, by upgrading appliances and adding insulation, the energy costs for homes like these in Chicago's Logan Run neighborhood decrease by more than $1,000 a year. (Adobe Stock)

Study: Chicago Homes' Energy Upgrades Cut Power Bills – and Pollution

A new study finds projected energy upgrades on a sampling of homes across the Chicago area produced significant savings in energy costs, as well as …

Storage batteries hidden behind this Bronzeville mural will be part of a microgrid system that will render the entire Chicago neighborhood energy-independent. (ComEd)

Chicago's Bronzeville Neighborhood Gets Its Own Power Microgrid

By Francesca Mathewes for Reasons to be Cheerful.Broadcast version by Mark Richardson for Illinois News Connection reporting for the Solutions Journal…

About 6% of all cars sold in the United States in 2022 were battery-electric powered, but officials say the number of EVs is expected to grow to 25% by 2030. (ake1150/Adobe Stock)

Report: EVs Could Impact Future Highway-Maintenance Funding

Most experts agree that putting more electric vehicles on the road is a positive step toward fighting climate change, but a new report warns that …

Analysts predict Illinois families could pay between 44% to 59% more for natural gas to heat their homes this winter. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Winter Forecast: Illinois Families Prep for High Winter Gas Bills

Forecasters are predicting another season of cold, wet weather for Illinois and the upper Midwest this winter, which could bring some high energy …

The Environmental Protection Agency reports the transportation sector is the largest single contributor to America's annual greenhouse-gas emissions, comprising 27% of the total. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Diesel Engines Major Air Polluters in Illinois

Pollution from diesel engines can cause a variety of health issues, and a new report reveals some Illinois communities face higher risks from diesel …

The Spire STL pipeline connects into the larger Rockies Express Pipeline, which stretches 1,700 miles across eight states. (Adobe Stock)

SCOTUS Declines to Hear Appeal on IL Gas Pipeline

A 65-mile gas pipeline in western Illinois is in limbo after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to consider reinstating federal authorization for the …

Illinois's Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last September, is a nearly 1,000-page plan to transition Illinois to clean energy by 2050. (Adobe Stock)

Report: IL Clean-Energy Plan to Spur Job Creation

By Laura Aka for Working Nation.Broadcast version by Emily Scott for Keystone State News Connection reporting for the Working Nation-Public News Servi…

The U.S. Senate already passed a bipartisan physical infrastructure bill, but some U.S. House lawmakers say it needs to go hand-in-hand with the larger budget reconciliation bill. (sdecoret/Adobe Stock)

Calls from Sustainable Businesses to Take Bold Action on Climate Change

CHICAGO -- More than 300 companies from Illinois and across the U.S. have signed a letter, urging Congress to curb climate change by modernizing the …

This June was the fourth-hottest June ever recorded in Chicago, according to the National Weather Service. (Alliance/Adobe Stock)

Utility Watchdog: Tips to Keep Electric Bills Down

CHICAGO -- As Illinois residents get ready for more high temperatures this August, utility watchdogs are urging people to practice energy efficiency …

A new report from Advanced Energy Economy finds that Illinois clean-energy jobs are expected to grow 7% in 2021. (I Viewfinder/Adobe Stock)

Report: Transportation Electrification Would Benefit IL Economy, Job Market

CHICAGO -- A new report showed the economy of Illinois could see major benefits from the Biden administration's proposed $274 billion investment to el…

Groups say the Illinois Clean Energy Jobs Act would expand access to solar power. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock)

IL Lawmakers to Vote on Clean-Energy Jobs Act in Special Session

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Lawmakers are returning to Springfield for a special session this week for a vote on the Clean Energy Jobs Act, aimed at …

The Illinois Clean Energy Jobs Act would aim to electrify 1.2 million vehicles by 2030.(millenius/Adobe Stock)

Groups Say IL Clean-Energy Jobs Act Complements Biden Climate Agenda

CHICAGO -- After last week's global climate summit, environmental groups in Illinois are pushing for legislation to continue moving the needle and …

The 17 states spanning the central U.S. account for about 80% of the nation's current and planned wind energy capacity. (AdobeStock)

Map: Illinois Prime for Wind Development Done Right

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- There's encouraging news about Illinois' potential for wind energy development in a new analysis. The 17 states spanning the …

The oil and gas industry emits more than 3 million metric tons of methane pollution annually. (AdobeStock)

IL Tries to Force EPA's Hand on Methane Standards

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Illinois is joining more than a dozen other states in trying to force the Environmental Protection Agency's hand on methane …

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker joined 23 other governors in July calling on the Trump administration to preserve states' authority to set their own clean-car standards. (David Wilson/Flickr)

Air Quality at Risk Over Trump's Tailpipe Emission Change, Opponents Say

DEKALB, Ill. – The Environmental Protection Agency says it will revoke California's authority to set higher standards for tailpipe emissions …

Illinois added more than 2,500 energy-efficiency jobs in 2018. (AdobeStock)

Illinois Ranks 5th Nationally for Energy-Efficiency Jobs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Energy-efficiency jobs are booming in Illinois, and the pace is not expected to slow down anytime soon. According to a …

A new lawsuit claims the repeal of the Clean Power Plan violates the Clean Air Act. (Adobe Stock)

Legal Challengers Call Trump Clean-Power Rule a "Fail"

CHICAGO – Illinois is among nearly two dozen states fighting a new Trump administration rule, saying it won't be effective at cleaning up …

Activists gathered in Chicago to speak out against a bill they say intends to silence protestors of oil and gas infrastructure. (The People's Lobby)

Opponents Speak Out Against Illinois "Anti-Protest" Bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A bill that would increase penalties for damage to critical infrastructure is making its way through the Illinois …

Illinois is among 17 states asking the U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington, D.C. to rule on the current legal challenges to the Clean Power Plan. (Pixabay)

Will ACE Put the Brakes on IL Clean Energy Development?

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinoisans can now comment on the Trump administration's proposal to replace the Clean Power Plan, an Obama-era rule …

Environmentalists worry air pollution could grow worse if protections are reduced. They're also convinced that science needs to play a role in making policy changes. (Pixabay)

EPA Transparency Rule Could Block New Science

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The departure of Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt comes as the agency is trying to implement a …

According to one estimate, closing eight downstate coal plants would save Illinoisans a total of up to $14 billion on electricity between 2018 and 2030. (Pixabay)

Study: Solar Can Fill Gap in Dynegy Coal Plant Closures

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – If Dynegy Energy closes its eight coal-fired power plants in downstate Illinois, all will be fine - and better for the …

Mayors of Chicago, Highland Park, Elgin, Evanston and Skokie signed a letter to EPA Chief Scott Pruitt, asking him to keep the Clean Power Plan in place. (whitehouse.gov)

As "Listening Sessions" Continue, Is EPA Listening?

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Despite the listening sessions being held across the nation about whether to roll back the Clean Power Plan, environmental …

Dynegy Energy has asked for a $400 million bailout, saying that without it, thousands of local jobs will be lost. (nih.gov)

Report: Power Supply Sufficient, No Bailout Needed

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new state report says Illinois has plenty of power, and environmental advocates say that means there's few reasons to …

Advocates say low-income residents in Illinois are most impacted by pollution from power plants. (sierraclub.org)

Advocates Call Dynegy Plan a Backdoor Bailout

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Residents, and health and environmental experts are pushing back against a state government plan to aid Dynegy Coal Plants…

$Children at a school in Enfield, the town where Illinois regulators approved a fracking permit this year. A new study links fracking to low birth-weight infants. (il.gov)$

Study: Fracking Linked to Low Birth-weight Babies

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Pregnant women living next to fracked gas wells are more likely to have a low birth-weight baby - that's the finding in a …

Illinois has more than 72,000 farms. (usda.gov)

Research: Ethanol Fueling Climate Change

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The federal mandate to add ethanol to fuel has led to a big increase in climate-disrupting pollution, according to a new …

Electric vehicles reduce utility bills, vehicle expenses, and our reliance on fuel. (nrdc.org)

Report: IL Would See $43B in Benefits from Electric Vehicles

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois has had years of financial problems and many who live in the state have felt the pinch through higher taxes and …

$Critics say fracking leaves White County vulnerable because of high levels of naturally occurring radioactivity and seismic activity. (il.gov)$

Fracking Permit Likely to be Appealed

WHITE COUNTY, Ill. -- High volume fracking has come to Illinois, and environmental groups are gearing up for a battle. Late last week, the state …

Legislation in the U.S. House could mean more radioactive material moving through Illinois. (illinois.gov)

House Vote on Nuclear Storage Bill has Illinois Implications

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Environmental groups have a warning for the nation's leaders: Haste will make more waste. A House vote could come as soon as …

The U.S. Conference of Mayors agreed this weekend to buy and support more renewable energy and pursue climate goals despite federal withdrawal from the Paris Accords. (cleanenergy.org)

Illinois Leaders Fight Trump Policies at Conference of Mayors

EVANSTON, Ill. -- Hundreds of mayors representing cities in Illinois and across the nation tackled big issues like climate change, jobs, immigration …

A new book calls for planners to think ahead about where solar and wind farms will go. (energy.gov)

Planning for Renewables Called Key

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As more Americans realize the need to transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy, there's a need to plan those changes …

New research suggests fewer Americans would die from pollution-related diseases if the country swapped coal power for solar. (epa.gov)

Save 50,000 Lives with Solar? It's Possible, says Study

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- Thousands of Americans die prematurely from air pollution-related diseases associated with burning coal, and a new study from …

The U.S. Department of Energy is sponsoring a renewable-energy contest with $1 million in prize money. (lbl.gov)

Contestants Bringing Solar Power to Low-Income Neighborhoods

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Low- and moderate-income households represent 40 percent of America's population, but less than 5 percent of all solar …

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IL: Energy Policy