ICYMI: Tribune Op-Ed argues that graduated income tax would help the environment

In times of crisis, we count on government to protect us. This year, amid a respiratory health pandemic and urgent calls for racial justice, we have seen the importance of government agencies charged with combating threats to our health and lifting up communities that have been harmed most by pollution, economic inequality and racism. We’ve…

Why Sierra Club and All of Us Must Confront Racism

In the past week, our country and state have been gripped by protests fighting for justice, against structural racism, and against police violence that has killed countless human beings, including George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery. Now more than ever, we need our government to protect us all from threats like COVID-19 and climate…

During this crisis, support your neighbors across the state

The latest jobs report paints a startling picture of the U.S. economy, with millions of Americans unemployed. The last few months have been difficult for many Americans, and I hope that you and your loved ones are safe and healthy. If you are fortunate enough to be in good health and financially stable during this…

Earth Day at 50, And A World In Crisis: What We Must Do Now

This week marks the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, but missing are the large rallies, marches, cleanup days, educational fairs, and other gatherings that have annually celebrated the role we can each play in protecting the planet.  These moments to show our support for our common home are of course cancelled by COVID19, as are…

“Now We Can All Move Forward Together” as Tollway Drops Rt 53 Project

Today the Illinois State Toll Highway Authority formally moved to halt work on the controversial Route 53 extension by notifying the Federal Highway Administration that it is rescinding the authorization of the current Environmental Impact Statement. The move comes after decades of controversy over the high cost and environmental damage the project would have brought…

The Dawn of a Bold New Era in Illinois?

Illinois May Be Emerging As One of America’s Environmental Leadership States. The seemingly sudden passage of several mega-measures by the Illinois General Assembly in the final days of the spring legislative session undoubtedly surprised many Illinoisans who learned that, over the first weekend of summer, the legislature legalized recreational cannabis use, expanded gaming, launched a long…

House Passes Ban on Toxic Receipts

SPRINGFIELD– The Illinois House today approved legislation banning store, bank, and other receipts containing bisphenol-A (BPA). BPA exposure has been associated with an increased risk of conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease as well as effects on the development of reproductive tissues, the immune system, and other tissues. Recent studies have found that BPA…

Illinois Governor Candidates Commit to Bold Actions At Sierra Club Forum

Sierra Club held its first ever Illinois Gubernatorial Candidate Forum Saturday, October 14th at the University of Illinois at Chicago, and a crowd of over 500 witnessed a spirited exchange between candidates who are rivals for the Democratic nomination, but in broad agreement that Illinois should do much more to lead on the environment. “It…

Harvey, Labor Day, and the Fight for $15

As most Americans enjoy a Labor Day weekend of barbecues, beaches, and the last days of summer, millions in Texas and Louisiana are dealing with a stunning human tragedy from a rain event without precedent. Harvey’s devastation has been tragic, unprecedented, shocking, and yet, to be expected. For decades now, scientists have been warning that…

VICTORY! Illinois has a budget, and it includes Solar For All Funds

The unprecedented lack of a state budget caused serious harm across Illinois, and especially in disadvantaged communities.  We’re thrilled that the State of Illinois has a budget at long last, and we can begin to repair that harm and provide real opportunities for people who need it most in the clean energy economy through the…