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February Newsletter - Read up on environmental campaigns, participatory budgeting, and more

Updated: Mar 27

Hello EEC friends, community members, and environmental stewards! 

 

Help us support local policy initiatives, engage with Chicago Park District's first ever citywide participatory budgeting initiative, and more.

 

In our last meeting, we saw presentations about a green infrastructure policy proposal in Edgewater and the Peoples Gas rate hike. We also discussed the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act and Chicago's citywide participatory budgeting.

 

We look forward to seeing you soon!



Meeting Highlights



Peoples Gas Rate Hike


Sign Illinois PIRG's petition to ask the Illinois Commerce Commission to regulate Peoples Gas' recently proposed $202 million dollar rate hike to fund investment in fossil fuel infrastructure.

 

If unregulated, the new rate will significantly raise monthly energy bills for Chicagoans and slow the transition to renewable energy while failing to keep us safer. You can read more here or submit a testimonial to share your story about why you are against this rate hike.


Community Connections



This bill will strengthen the IL EPA's ability to regulate plastic pellets being spilled from facilities through stormwater runoff, one step closer to establishing a zero-discharge policy for pellets statewide. 

 

Plastic pollution is a big problem in our state. Every year, over 20 million pounds of plastic enter the Great Lakes. But Lake Michigan isn't the only place plastic pollution is impacting our environment; at least 7 manufacturing facilities in Illinois are actively producing plastic pellets. Plastic waste, including plastic pellets, has been found along other waterways like our rivers and lakes. Once these plastics are in our waterways, they leach toxins and threaten wildlife and human health. To address this problem, we must raise public awareness and pass legislation to reduce plastic pollution in Illinois. Join the campaign by filling out this form.


Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign


This year we have an immediate, powerful opportunity to advance the shift away from fossil fuels this year by supporting the Illinois Fossil Fuel Divestment Act, a bill pending in the 2026 General Assembly.  

 

Burning fossil fuels is the number one cause of global heating and climate chaos – risky for our planet and increasingly risky for pension investment portfolios. The Act would require five Illinois’ state-funded public pension funds to: (1) immediately stop new investments in the top 200 oil, coal, and natural gas companies; and (2) divest from the remaining public fossil fuel holdings over a period of five years. You can read more about the Act here and about the financial case for divestment here.


Green Teacher Gathering Proposals


The Green Teacher Gathering seeks to bolster the environmental and sustainability education movement in the Chicagoland area. Their mission is to expand participants' knowledge through engaging workshops and networking opportunities.The theme for this year’s Gathering is Guided by Nature: Reconnect, Restore, Revolutionize, advancing nature-centered teaching for a sustainable future.

 

They invite proposals for interactive workshops that engage participants through hands-on activities and knowledge sharing. Outdoor space is available to host your workshop. Speakers will receive a $90 stipend. Proposals must be submitted via our online portal and are due at 11:59pm CST on Monday, March 2, 2026. Preview the Call for Proposals Form here.


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