GOOD NEWS

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from our Green Sanctuary team partner, Sierra Club Illinois Chapter

Illinois finally passed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) (SB 2408) after years of negotiations, lobbying, organizing, and campaigning. The bill passed the House 83-33-0 and the Senate 37-17-3. It was a hard fought battle, but the Illinois citizens deserve it! CEJA includes:

  • 100% clean energy by 2050
  • 40% renewable energy by 2030; 50% renewable energy by 2040
  • 0% carbon free by 2045
  • just transition assistance for workers and communities impacted by coal communities
  • energy efficiency programs to lower bills and emissions
  • new ethics requirements on Illinois utilities; no automatic rate hikes
  • equity programs with training and access to employment in renewable energy and energy efficiency
  • contractor incubator programs for BIPOC communities
  • 1 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030
  • short term support for 2 uneconomic nuclear plants

Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (HB 3739)—HB 3739 was a major step in the right direction. Illinois and Michigan are the only 2 states in the country to mandate full-service line replacement. Funding is not clear. Illinois is relying on federal dollars for total funding. Nevertheless, the bill is a win for all Illinois citizens. The major components of the bill:

  • Bans partial lead service lines
  • Requires that Water Systems submit a service line inventory to the state of Illinois
  • Establishes the Lead Service Line Replacement Fund for disadvantaged communities
  • Establishes the Lead Service Line Replacement Advisory Board
  • Establishes low income water assistance and policy program
  • Includes equity components for job contracts
  • Prioritizes disadvantaged areas and high-risk areas for inspection

Did you know?

The fashion industry is one of the world’s most wasteful industries. We produce many more clothes than we need, and we often discard them after just a couple of wears. The worst part is, the majority of our clothing goes to landfills, even though we could easily reuse or recycle them. How much waste does the fashion industry actually produce? An average consumer throws away 70 pounds of clothing per year. Globally we produce 13 million tons of textile waste each year 95% of which could be reused or recycled.

Textile Recycling Event: Oct 9, 9am—Noon

This inaugural event will responsibly sort, recycle, and repurpose textiles. Acceptable items include clothing, shoes, socks, bedding, accessories, & more. Sponsored by Palatine Township & Palatine Lions Club, it will be held in the Township parking lot. Help your clothing benefit our local communities. For details, go to: https://palatinetownship-il.gov/event/textile-recycling-event/