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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 …

The Environmental Protection Agency said wetlands' sponge-like ability to absorb water slows the momentum of floodwaters or a coastal storm surge. (Adobe Stock)

Action to save remaining Illinois wetlands gains steam

The Supreme Court's decision in 2023 to roll back the Clean Water Act has meant less federal oversight in protecting the country's wetlands. …

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency 2020-2022 report indicates 85% of the state's streams are

IL environmental network creates plan for cleaner waterways

Illinois rivers, lakes and groundwater have become unsafe for humans and wildlife. One organization has started the New Year with a "Clean Water …

A great egret forages for fish in a shallow pond in Marion County, Ill. (Adobe Stock)

IL wetlands at risk in backlash from spring SCOTUS ruling

States like Illinois are dealing with the fallout of a Supreme Court decision made earlier this year. In May, the U.S. Supreme Court effectively …

In 2020, Illinois ranked seventh among states for its use of coal to produce energy. According to Earthjustice, the state has about 76 coal ash disposal sites. (Adobe Stock)

Agreement Outlines Coal Ash Cleanup for Middle Fork Vermilion River

People who spend summers fishing and canoeing on the Middle Fork Vermilion River should be pleased to know its water quality should be improving in th…

A wetland and marsh area at Chain O' Lakes State Park. Illinois' Interagency Wetland Policy Act of 1989 set a goal of no net loss of wetlands due to projects funded by the state. (GoodFreePhotos.com)

SCOTUS Lands Gut Punch to EPA Wetland Protections

A U.S. Supreme Court decision is shaking up the environmental community in Illinois and across the country. The high court ruled 5-4 on Thursday …

Climate driven-drought has left only driftwood and sand in the channel where the Mississippi and Missouri rivers converge. (Rob Shepard-Danita Delmont/Adobe Stock)

Illinois Groups Urge New Approach to Managing Mississippi River

Drought has devastated the Mississippi River, turning parts of the 2,350-mile channel into dry streambeds and shallow pools. As barge traffic in …

Concerning levels of PFAS have been discovered in the environment, water and wildlife of the Great Lakes region. (Adobe Stock)

EPA Advances Efforts on Dangerous 'Forever Chemicals'

The federal government is taking new steps to protect people in Illinois and other states from "forever chemicals." PFOA and PFOS are two types of pe…

The Illinois Department of Corrections oversees more than 40 facilities, ranging from traditional prisons to work camps and transition centers. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Call for Water Infrastructure Testing in IL Prisons

After reports of water contamination in Illinois prisons, groups are calling on the state to conduct a top-down review of the water and sewer systems …

The Bulldog Mine's permit was only valid for three years. Failure to break ground on the project in that time frame resulted in the permit being rescinded. (Adobe Stock)

IL Environmental Groups Celebrate Defeat of Bulldog Mine

Environmental groups are celebrating the scrapping of plans for the proposed Bulldog Mine in eastern Illinois. Indiana-based Sunrise Coal was issued …

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most U.S. citizens have at least some PFAS in their bloodstreams. (Adobe Stock)

New IL Law Seeks to Limit PFAS-Based Air Pollution

Illinois has enacted a new law to prohibit the incineration of some PFAS-based substances. The man-made chemical compounds are most commonly …

Many of Illinois' soil and water conservation priorities are laid out in the Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy, which was released in 2015. (Adobe Stock)

IL Advocates Push for Greater Awareness of Soil Health

Illinois environmental advocates are pushing lawmakers in Springfield to recognize the importance of soil health. The General Assembly is …

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, more than 15,000 water bodies across the country have nutrient-related environmental problems. (Adobe Stock)

IL Bill Could Impact Waters as Distant as Gulf of Mexico

Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill proponents say could benefit water quality not only locally, but in places as far-flung as the Gulf of …

According to the Izaak Walton League of America, 80% of streams across the United States are not adequately monitored for pollution. (kurgu128/Adobe Stock)

"Citizen Science" Leads Group to Conservation Achievements

One hundred years ago today, the Izaak Walton League of America was founded in Chicago, with a mission of local stewardship of wild places, citizen …

Activists last week sent Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau some clean Great Lakes water as a symbolic reminder of their shared responsibility to safeguard the Great Lakes. (AndriiKoval/Adobe Stock)

Chicagoans Call for Canada to Support Closing Line 5

CHICAGO -- Groups concerned about water quality and the environment are asking Canadian as well as U.S. officials to back efforts to close the Line 5 …

Illinois is responsible for 20% of the nitrates that have caused a dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, and thousands of rural water wells across the state have high levels of nitrates. (bmargaret/Adobe Stock)

Report: More Data Needed on Nitrates in Rural IL Wells

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A new report finds that thousands of drinking-water wells in Illinois are contaminated with high levels of nitrates. Clean-water …

Illinois has a goal of reducing the nitrogen and phosphorus going into its waterways by 45% by 2025. But conservation groups say the state is far behind in reaching that goal, and needs more funding for these efforts. (Adobe Stock)

Protecting Mississippi River Key Focus of IL Fund

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A bipartisan effort to extend a conservation fund in Illinois continues ahead of next week's budget deadline. Supporters in the …

Landowners in southern Illinois continue to struggle with flooding after a 2016 breech in the Len Small Levee. (IDNR)

Easements Offer New Life for Flood-Soaked Illinois Land

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- A new partnership could help breathe new life into Illinois lands that have been plagued by multi-year floods. At the southern …

Conservation groups say Ohio River water-quality standards are especially important for downstream communities such as Cairo, Illinois. (Ken Lund/Flickr)

Gov. Pritzker Urged to Protect Ohio River Quality

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Conservation groups are asking Gov. J.B. Pritzker to speak out this week against a proposal that could weaken clean-water …

The city of Chicago is spending more than $1 billion to upgrade sewer systems to prevent overflows during heavy rain events. (Roman Boed/Flickr)

Report: Climate Change to Cause Floods, Economic Losses in Great Lakes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Bigger, more frequent storms. More floods. Many millions in financial losses. Massive environmental shifts. Climate change …

Last year, U.S House Speaker Paul Ryan, President Donald Trump, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker, Foxconn CEO Terry Gou and Christopher Murdock all attended Foxconn's groundbreaking ceremony in Wisconsin. (Shealah Craighead/Public Domain)

Environmental Impact Study of Foxconn Site Advances

GURNEE, Ill. – Despite Foxconn's failed promise to bring a bounty of blue collar factory jobs back to the Midwest, its development center will …

The Illinois Senate passed a resolution asking Wisconsin legislators to consider

Flood-Weary Illinoisians Concerned Over Impact of WI Foxconn Development

GURNEE, Ill. — Lake County residents are pushing to make sure the Foxconn development in Wisconsin's Racine County won't result in additional …

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 …

There are millions of microbes in tap water, but most are harmless. (cdc.gov)

Vacation Time? Bacteria May Invade Your Home

URBANA, Ill. – Vacation season has kicked off for many on Spring Break, and summer is just around the corner – but scientists say when …

More than 844 million people worldwide lack access to clean drinking water. (CDC.gov)

New Steps for Clean Water on Tap

CHICAGO – The 25th United Nations World Water Day is being recognized this week, and advocates are hoping the message that comes with it will …

The Dynegy Energy power plant above the Middle Fork of the Vermillion River operated from the 1950s to 2011. (prairierivers.org)

Environmental Groups Sue to Protect Scenic River

OAKWOOD, Ill. — Illinois is home to only one National Scenic River: the Middle Fork of the Vermillion River. And environmental groups say it's …

Shoppers can help reduce plastic waste in the Great Lakes by skipping plastic. (noaa.gov)

Plastic Pollution Threatens Ecosystem in Great Lakes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Advocates are hoping 2018 is a year of better water quality in the Great Lakes and oceans. Carolyn Box, the Science …

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

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 …

Asian carp can wreak havoc on native species, and one state is hoping a hefty prize can prompt people to find ways to keep them out of the Great Lakes. (dnr.gov)

Creative Minds Needed for Asian Carp Solutions

CHICAGO - As Asian carp make their way ever closer to the Great Lakes, prize money is being offered for a solution. In the new "Invasive Carp …

Attention is being drawn to a precious commodity to many across the globe: water. (bloodwater.org)

Conservation Urged for World Water Day

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Wednesday is World Water Day, and Illinoisans are being asked to step up conservation to help people in this country and …

A new report gives Illinois a 'D' grade for efforts to reduce lead in drinking water, although recent actions have been taken. (dmsschools.org)

Getting the Lead Out of Illinois Schools’ Drinking Water

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In the wake of the water crisis in Flint, Mich., a new report says lead in schools' drinking water is a pervasive problem &#…

A study shows every year 11 million pounds of plastic pollution go into Lake Michigan. (noaa.gov)

Study: 22 Million Pounds of Plastic in Great Lakes

CHICAGO – Environmental groups are hoping a New Year's resolution for 2017 will be to keep the Great Lakes cleaner. A report by Rochester …

The 1,200-mile Dakota Access pipeline route begins in North Dakota and ends up in Illinois. (epa.gov)

Group Urges Illinoisans to Support Standing Rock Protesters

DUPAGE COUNTY, Ill. – Protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline continued over the holiday weekend, and hundreds have been arrested, but …

Advocates are urging people to let the country's leaders know how much they value clean water. (globalchange.gov)

'Opt Outside' This Black Friday

CHICAGO – There's a lot of uncertainty since the results of the presidential election became known, but instead of worrying about what might …

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 …

Conservationists want the presidential candidates to pledge their support for clean up funds for Great Lakes areas, including Lake Michigan's shoreline. (iStockphoto)

Conservationists Want Presidential Hopefuls to Prioritize Great Lakes

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – As Illinois voters prepare to head to the polls in the state primary Tuesday, a coalition of business and conservation …

Illinois bird-lovers can take part in four free Eagle Day events in the state this weekend. (iStockphoto)

Conservationists Celebrate Success of Eagles in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - The population of eagles in Illinois has hit record numbers in recent years, and conservationists are celebrating the bird's …

The FDA's new food safety rules do a lot right by organic farmers, but a sustainable ag expert says more clarity is needed. Credit: Jackske/Morguefile.com

Expert: New Food Safety Rules Mixed Bag for Sustainable Ag

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - It took five years of debate, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration finally has approved new food-safety rules. Late last …

A new report highlights how U.S. presidents have legal authority to keep 450 billion tons of climate pollution in the ground. Credit: MGDBoston/Morguefile

Presidential Power Could Mitigate Climate Pollution

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - A new report from the Center for Biological Diversity highlights how President Barack Obama, or any other sitting president…

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…

A rare dragonlfy is being released into the wild in Illinois. Credit: Mike Ostrowski/Wikimedia

"Irreplaceable" Dragonfly Spreads its Wings in Illinois

LOCKPORT, Ill. – Ecologists are working to boost the population of a rare dragonfly in Illinois. The Hine's emerald dragonfly is federally …

Farming is taking too much aquifer water, according to new research. Photo courtesy of USDA.gov

Overdrawn: The Consequences of Draining Aquifers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Aquifers provide a natural source of groundwater, and a new study from the University of Illinois examines the possible …

PHOTO: Disgust and contamination concerns keep people flushing the toilet after each use, according to a new survey from Indiana University-Bloomington. But the researchers say flushing the toilet less often could significantly reduce household water usage. Photo credit: alvimann/Morguefile.

Study: Changes in Flushing Attitudes Could Reduce Water Use

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - When it comes to water conservation, experts say every drop in the bucket counts including those drops in the commode. …

PHOTO: Streams and watersheds in Illinois and around the nation should have greater protections in place now that the EPA has released its new Clean Water Rule. Photo credit: Vivek Prabhakar/Morguefile.

EPA Rule Clarifies Clean Water Protections in IL

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has released a new Clean …

PHOTO: Memorial Day Weekend marks the official start of the boating season in Illinois, and law enforcement officers are asking boaters to think of safety before getting out on the water. Photo credit wad247/morguefile.

IL Boaters Urged to Maintain Safety Mindset

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Before leaving the dock for Memorial Day Weekend fun, authorities are using National Safe Boating Week to encourage Illinois …

PHOTO: Conservation and environmental groups are highlighting what they say is the destructive work of the Republican-led Congress' first 100 days under the leadership of Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. Photo credit: Laszlo Ilyes/Flickr.

Moms, Conservationists say Senate Failing at Protecting Illinoisans' Health

CHICAGO - The Republican-led Senate has earned a failing grade from conservation and environmental groups for their first 100 days. Gretchen …

PHOTO: Some Illinois agricultural supporters say the FDA needs to do more to protect small farmers as it revises the Food Safety Modernization Act. Photo credit: TRiggin/morguefile.

IL Farmers Say Revised Food-Safety Rules Still Fall Short

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Some agricultural groups in Illinois say the U.S. Food and Drug Administration needs to go back to the drawing board as it works …

PHOTO: Saturday marks the 42nd anniversary of the Clean Water Act, and the EPA is currently accepting public comments on a proposal the agency says would strengthen protection of streams and wetlands. Photo credit: Rich Mullins/morguefile.

A Wish for Restored Protections as Clean Water Act Turns 42

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - This Saturday marks the 42nd anniversary of the Clean Water Act. Before the legislation was put in place, only one-third of the …

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