skip to main content
skip to newscasts

Friday, April 4, 2025

Public News Service Logo
facebook instagram linkedin reddit youtube twitter
view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

'Fair likelihood' Trump administration violated court order, judge says; ME federal workers rally against Trump order to end labor protections; VA military members face outsized impacts as consumer watchdog agency dismantled; OH environmental group fears federal cuts will hurt job opportunities.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The administration stands behind its tariffs, despite declines in markets. Advocates nationwide push back against federal rollbacks affecting military families, and the environment and big budget plans advance in Congress.

view newscast page
play newscast audioPlay

The proposed dismantling of the Depart. of Education has rural schools scared, postal carriers say USPS changes will hurt rural communities most, fiber networks to improve internet may be supplanted by Musk's satellites, and it's time to PLAY BALL!

IL environmentalists hope federal grant lowers emissions

play audio
Play

Wednesday, August 14, 2024   

The fight against the effects of climate change in Illinois has more help.

Under the Biden Administration's pollution reduction plan, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will distribute $430 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will also accelerate clean energy and promote workforce training.

Angela Xu, municipal engagement manager for the Illinois Environmental Council, said the grant is another step forward in Illinois' clean energy progress.

"We have really seen significant progress on our climate and equity goals due to the passage of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act -- or CEJA -- in 2021," Xu pointed out. "We're seeing a lot of possible federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. It helps us double down on the great progress that we're seeing and secure a more equitable, affordable, and healthy future for all Illinoisans."

Xu said the grant supports projects like building and industry, decarbonization, freight, electrification, climate-smart agriculture and renewable energy. A total of $4 billion in federal funds was distributed to 25 state, local, and tribal entities. A comprehensive climate action plan must be submitted by all grant recipients to the federal government in 2026.

According to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, roughly two-thirds of the northeastern Illinois region's emissions come from buildings, in the form of electricity or natural gas for heating and cooking. The funding supports the switch to electric appliances, heating and cooling, building equipment and more.

Xu noted other areas also stand to benefit from the grant.

"The funding enhances the workforce development programs already established by CEJA," Xu explained. "The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the federal Inflation Reduction Act are working together to bring historic climate investments home to our communities, with particular attention to low-income and disadvantaged communities across the state who need clean air affordable, energy and clean energy jobs the most"

Roughly $172 million will be allocated to decarbonize Illinois' buildings, which currently comprise nearly 70% of Chicago's carbon footprint. Another $115 million is budgeted for electrifying Illinois' transportation sector to boost infrastructure and ramp up acquiring electric freight vehicles, and more than $3 million is designated for a freight hub data collection and analysis program.

Disclosure: Build US contributes to our fund for reporting on Environment, Environmental Justice, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


get more stories like this via email
more stories
In addition to gut health benefits, many researchers say reducing meat consumption and increasing plant-based foods can help lower greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and reduce the environmental footprint of food production. (NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe Stock)

Health and Wellness

play sound

By Dawn Attride for Sentient.Broadcast version by Chrystal Blair for Michigan News Connection reporting for the Sentient-Public News Service Collabora…


Social Issues

play sound

As Mississippi grapples with one of the nation's highest incarceration rates, a new national campaign highlights the economic and social toll of …

Social Issues

play sound

Nearly 22,000 Florida college students could lose critical tuition help under a state House budget proposal. The plan would cut $3,500 annual grants …


Organizations such as Minnesota's Urban Bird Collective are trying to foster a more welcoming bird-watching community, which includes encouraging more women to become birders. (Adobe Stock)

Environment

play sound

Minnesota bird enthusiasts should keep their binoculars handy. April is a good month to spot various species migrating back to the region. Experts …

play sound

As President Donald Trump dismantles the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, advocates of the agency warn that veterans and military service …

The FBI says fraud and scam losses nationwide reported by those age 60 and older topped $3.4 billion in 2023, including $128 million in Arizona. (Adobe Stock)

Social Issues

play sound

Arizona lawmakers are considering a bill to prevent cryptocurrency scams and regulate what are known as "crypto kiosks." Brendon Blake, AARP …

Social Issues

play sound

UPDATE: A statement about the arrest from the University of Cincinnati has been added. (8:10 a.m. MDT, Apr. 3, 2025) A recent arrest on the …

Environment

play sound

A huge offshore wind project is forging ahead off Humboldt Bay in Northern California - and Saturday, elected officials will tour the deepwater port …

 

Phone: 303.448.9105 Toll Free: 888.891.9416 Fax: 208.247.1830 Your trusted member- and audience-supported news source since 1996 Copyright © 2021