Public News Service

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 …

The United States saw 626 trespass-related fatalities and almost 550 trespass injuries in 2022, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. (Adobe Stock)

Safety expert warns drivers, pedestrians of dangers at IL railroad crossings

Illinois ranks third in the nation for collisions at railroad crossings, and safety experts urged pedestrians and motorists to follow some basic …

The state of Illinois offers a $4,000 rebate on electric vehicles, in addition to federal incentives. (Adobe Stock)

Expert: Illinois Electric Vehicle Sales Accelerating, Not Slowing Down

Experts say consumer interest and sales of electric vehicles in Illinois and across the country are not slowing down. Illinois is among the top 10 …

Electric vehicles, which can carry a battery pack with up to 50,000 volts of electricity, can be a danger, both to passengers and first responders, in accidents. (Adobe Stock)

First Responders Learn to Deal with Electric-Vehicle Accidents

As the number of electric vehicles on Illinois roads grows, so does the danger of injury for emergency medical technicians and firefighters …

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 …

In 2022, the top 10 states, plus the District of Columbia, certified 1,202 LEED projects and nearly 343 million gross square feet, a 72% increase in just one year. (Tada Images/Adobe Stock)

Illinois Places 2nd for Green Building Program

The 2022 ranking of "green" buildings shows Illinois in 2nd place, demonstrating a commitment to LEED certification, according to the U.S. Green …

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 …

According to the Institute for Housing Studies at DePaul University, there are nearly 32,000 abandoned lots in Chicago, some of which are finding new life as community gardens. (Adobe Stock)

Public Leadership Program Aims to Bring Sustainable Food System to Illinois

From farm to table, a public leadership program is working to bring more sustainable food systems to the greater Chicago area. The HEAL Food …

The new grants are via the 2019 Rebuild Illinois capital program, which also calls for $25 billion to repair roads and bridges. (Adobe Stock)

IL Allocating $220 Million to Support Transit, Ports Projects

The state of Illinois is allocating nearly a quarter-billion dollars to support new downstate transit and ports projects. Roughly half will go …

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 …

Trees reduce the energy consumption for cooling homes in the United States by 7%, according to estimates from the U.S. Forest Service. (Donovan Cole/Trees Forever)

IL Nonprofits Aim to Make Access to City Trees More Equitable

By Breanna Draxler for Yes! Media. Broadcast version by Lily Bohlke for Illinois News Connection reporting for the YES! Media-Public News Service …

The USMCA deal would protects manufacturing jobs by offering companies incentives for engineering and production in the United States. (Ford Motor Co.)

Auto Leader: Illinois Workers Need "New NAFTA" Deal

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Congressional leaders still are trying to hammer out a new trade agreement with Canada and Mexico, and there's a lot on the …

Truck platooning is the linking of two or more trucks in convoy as a method of increasing the capacity of roads. (Pixabay)

Concerns Loom Over Freight Truck Cruise-Control Technology

CHICAGO – Advocates for new cruise-control technology for freight-hauling trucks say it could save money on fuel and consumer costs, but …

The Environmental Defense Fund is encouraging the Illinois Department of Children and Families to require child-care facilities to identify whether they have a lead service line. (Pixabay)

Advocates Seek Change on Proposed Lead Water-Testing Rules in Child Care Facilities

CHICAGO – Even in small doses, lead is a harmful element to consume. The effects can be drastic for children still developing, which is why …

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 …

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

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 …

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 …

Volunteers packed thousands of sandbags this summer when thousands of homes were flooding in the northern part of the state. (V. Carter)

Report: Climate Change Bringing Severe Impacts to Midwest

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Parts of the country along the coasts have been battered this year by Mother Nature, and a new report from the Midwest …

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 …

Many roads and bridges in Illinois and across the nation aren't as safe as they could be, but will money be allocated to fix them? (idot.gov)

Infrastructure Report Card: Lots of Work Needed

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – While Illinois lawmakers continue to grapple with how to balance an overdue budget, they're being urged to keep the safety …

A new report is calling for cities to invest in trees as a way to cut pollution and help keep temperatures cooler. (V. Carter)

Report: Plant More Trees for Healthier World

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new report that looks at the impact that trees have on people’s health finds we need more trees. The Planting …

Massive sand erosion is eating away at the wildlife habitat areas of Illinois' State Beach Park. A new regional plan aims to reverse that trend. (Illinois Department of Natural Resources)

New Plan Aims to Save Lake Michigan Beaches, Habitats

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The Lake Michigan shoreline along northern Illinois has a sand erosion problem that's hindering commercial shipping and …

Local groups, such as IIRON, have been working to create more equitable economic conditions for all Chicagoans. (Kristi Sanford/IIRON)

Report: Decades After Civil Rights, Chicago Still Segregated

CHICAGO – More than 50 years has passed since the Civil Rights Act became law, but a new report shows Chicago still has a serious residential …

A Chicago-area bike safety group is urging nighttime riders to buy good-quality bike lights to stay safe and legal. Credit: Pixabay

Safety Advocates: Bike Lights Extra Important After Daylight Saving Time

CHICAGO - Now that daylight-saving time has ended, bike-safety advocates are urging Chicago-area cyclists to be more careful. With daytime hours …

Chicago volunteers help with an air monitor to measure diesel emissions. Credit: ELPC

Measuring Chicago's Diesel Pollution Problem

CHICAGO – Trying to get a handle on how much diesel pollution is being pumped into the air by Chicago's cars, trains and trucks is serious work…

Some 67 million gallons of gas will be burned by American vehicles this Labor Day Weekend. Credit: clarita/morguefile.com.

Holiday Road Trip: What Price for "Clean" Travel?

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Highways will be bustling with Labor Day Weekend travel. The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts the highest volume …

Young Republicans want their party to address issues related to the environment and energy reform in tonight's GOP debate. Credit: J. Durham/Morguefile

GOP Debate: Pay Attention to the Environment, Say Young Republicans

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Tonight, Republican candidates for president will square off in the campaign season's first debate in Cleveland, Ohio…

PHOTO: A report on urban flooding from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources finds many storm drain systems were simply not designed to accomodate the downpours the state has experienced in recent years. Photo credit: Photojock/Morguefile.

Urban Flooding: A Big, Expensive Problem in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Urban flooding is prevalent throughout Illinois, and a new report demonstrates how state agencies are examining ways to …

PHOTO: If there is a hopeful component to how humanity responds to climate change, one prominent climatologist says it will come in the form of a shift in how people make and consume energy. Photo credit: Scott Liddell/Morguefile.

A Shift in Energy Use: The Hopeful Side of Climate Change?

CHICAGO - A renowned climatologist and public science educator says, in a sense, climate change is an opportunity. Richard Alley, geosciences …

PHOTO: Illinois has one of the nation's highest percentages of bridges in need of major repair or upgrading, according to a new report that breaks down the numbers state by state. Photo credit: Robert Guico/Wikipedia.

Illinois Ranks Ninth Nationally in Percentage of Bridges on the Brink

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A new report finds Illinois has one of the highest percentages in the nation of bridges in need of major repairs or upgrades…

PHOTO: A smoggy day in Chicago is the result of ground-level ozone, or smog that can make breathing more difficult for many people. Photo credit: sfquixote/Flickr.

Illinoisans Can Weigh In on Stricter Smog Limits

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Ground-level ozone, or smog, not only makes cities hazy on sunny days, it also causes breathing difficulties for many …

PHOTO: Supporters of new limits on carbon pollution say significant health benefits will be the result. Detractors say the new rules on power plants will slow the economy. Both sides weigh in at EPA hearings this week. Photo credit: Click / Morguefile.com.

Carbon Rules Could Bring Economic and Health Benefits

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The Environmental Protection agency (EPA) is taking public comments on new rules to cut carbon pollution from power plants by …

PHOTO: New research finds drivers of 2014 model vehicles are saving about 20 percent more on gasoline than those who drive a 2008 model. Photo credit: John Sense/morguefile.

Newer Cars Saving IL Drivers Money at the Gas Pump

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinoisans who traveled the roads over the holiday weekend likely felt the pinch at the gas pump, but some spent a lot …

PHOTO: Several Illinois cities are receiving high rankings in a new national report comparing sprawl vs. connectivity. Photo credit: D. Harder.

Several Illinois Cities Receive Kudos for Being 'Compact and Connected'

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With the nickname Prairie State one may think community connectivity is hard to come by in Illinois. But new data finds …

PHOTO: Community members, business leaders and policy experts are examining ways to make Chicago�s transportation infrastructure more sustainable for people, bicycles, buses and cars. Photo credit: morguefile.com

Could a "Car-Lite" Chicago Be a Model of the Future?

CHICAGO - With a growing number of residents not owning automobiles, and the increase in bicycle and transit use, business and policy experts are …

PHOTO: Illinoisans are encouraged to help keep roadways safe during the holiday season by always designating a sober driver.

Holiday Travel Season Can Mean Danger on Illinois Roads

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - This week begins one of the most dangerous times of the year on Illinois roadways. According to the National Highway Traffic …

Around 500 Midwestern companies are building rail cars or components for high-speed rail Courtesy of: ELPC

High Speed Rail Gives Midwest Manufacturers a Multi-Million-Dollar Boost

CHICAGO - In the next few years, taking a trip to St. Louis may be a lot quicker, thanks to high-speed rail. The federal government is investing …

Illinois Gets Charged-Up for Electric Cars

CHICAGO - It was only about 15 years ago that the first hybrid vehicle rolled into Illinois, and now just about everyone knows someone who drives one…

Preparation is Key to Safe Winter Travel Illinois

CHICAGO - It's been a pretty mild winter in Illinois so far, but reviving Lincolnland-style winter driving skills will soon be necessary. Pam Moen…

Report: Traffic Cameras – Safety or Profit?

CHICAGO - At least 84 jurisdictions in Illinois have contracted for red-light and speed cameras in their communities, and state lawmakers this week …

AMA Meeting: More Docs Willing to Take on Climate Change

CHICAGO - America's doctors are more ready to take on one of the toughest ailments facing the entire planet. Physicians at a major annual meeting of …

Chicago Set to Fail Obama Administration’s Clean Air Rules

CHICAGO - Environmental advocacy groups say Chicago stands to become the only large city in the United States that will fail to meet new limits for ai…

New Study Predicts Deadly Heat Waves in Chicago and Midwest

Chicago, IL - It's been a relatively cool summer in Chicago and many other Midwestern cities, but a new study says the area is at risk of sweltering …

Eco-Friendly Townhomes Highlight Affordable Housing Month

Highland Park, IL – The "eco-friendly" home of the future can be found right here in Illinois. Today, a ribbon-cutting ceremony introduces …

Renewables, Natural Gas: Top Picks in "Pickens Plan" Push at DNC

Denver, CO - Oil giant T. Boone Pickens and Sierra Club President Carl Pope spoke to a group of bloggers and independent media gathered in the "Big …

Report: Economic Stimulus Runs Out of Gas in IL This Week

Chicago, IL – Those economic stimulus checks sent out recently will run out of gas for average Illinois families by the end of this week…

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IL: Urban Planning and Transportation