• September Events

  • 9/3 - Paths to Regional and Intercity Rail Expansion: A Closer Look at NITA

  • 9/4 - Learn about the Proposed O’Hare Flyer

  • 9/10 - 350 Climate Solutions Series: The Other Greenhouse Gas - Reducing Methane to Help End the Climate Crisis

  • 9/12 - Fall Nature Fest

  • 9/20- 350 Chicago at Buffalo Grove Green Fair

  • 9/27- 350 Chicago at the Northcenter Sustainability Market

• Action Center

  • Become a Monthly Sustainer!

  • Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

  • Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

• Climate News

  • UNEP Report: The Time to Turn Back Is Now

  • Trump to Lower Vehicle Emission Standards

  • Trump Seeks to Sell Parcel of Yosemite National Park Land for Private Development

• Main Article

  • Ideas for How to Make a Dent on Climate

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Events

Paths to Regional and Intercity Rail Expansion: A Closer Look at NITA

• Thursday, September 3rd (6:00pm - 7:00pm)

• Sierra Club Illinois Chapter, 70 E Lake St Ste 1500, Chicago, IL 60601 and Zoom

• REGISTER HERE (For free!)

Last Halloween, the Illinois General Assembly passed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act, creating new opportunities to transform passenger rail across Illinois. The legislation includes funding for Amtrak service between Chicago and the Quad Cities, a study to expand Metra Electric service to Kankakee, and a transition toward more frequent, all-day regional rail service.

Join the September 3rd Sierra Club Illinois chapter biweekly Chicago state lobby team meeting to learn what NITA means for the future of passenger rail and sustainable transportation in Illinois.

Learn About the Proposed O’Hare Flyer

• Friday, September 4th (noon - 1:00pm)

• Zoom Meeting

• REGISTER HERE (For free!)

The O’Hare Flyer is a proposed privately funded rail project that would connect downtown Chicago to O’Hare Airport in just 15 minutes. Using underutilized freight rail corridors, the battery-powered trains would run between Terminal 2 and a station near the Old Post Office, providing connections to Union Station and other transit options.

Join the meeting to learn more about this exciting proposal from its lead engineer and Chief Development Officer, Mark Walbrun.

350 Climate Solutions Series: The Other Greenhouse Gas - Reducing Methane to Help End the Climate Crisis

• Thursday, September 10th (6:00pm - 7:00pm)

• Zoom Webinar

• REGISTER HERE (For free!)

Methane gas is a super-pollutant green-house gas that doesn’t get the press that CO₂ does. While we have pumped far more CO₂ into our atmosphere, methane has a much larger warming impact, as much as 80 times more damaging. Methane comes from animal agriculture, leaking oil wells, and organic waste in landfills. A concerted effort to cut methane emissions is our fastest way to slow global warming.

Join 350 Chicago to hear from Stanford scientist and author Dr. Rob Jackson, Meg Baltes from Tradewater, which works to cut methane gas around the world, and Curtis Shuck, founder of Well Done, which focuses on capping orphan oil wells. Learn about the dangers and the solutions, and what you can do to contribute to the efforts.

Learn more about our speakers and register HERE (for free!)

Fall Nature Fest

• Saturday, September 12th (12:00pm - 3:00pm)

• LaBagh Woods, West Foster Avenue, N Cicero Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

• RSVP here (For free!)

The biggest and best environmentally focused festival returns to LaBagh Woods this year on Saturday, September 12th!

Join us to learn more about your local environment, find ways you can get involved, and enjoy the Cook County Forest Preserves all in one place. Check out animals from the Brookfield Zoo, a performance from the Jesse White Tumblers, food trucks, music, giveaways, and much more!

Click here to RSVP and find additional information.

350 Chicago at Buffalo Grove Green Fair

• Sunday, September 20th (8:00am - 12:30pm)

• Mike Rylko Community Park, 1000 N Buffalo Grove Rd, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089

If you’re up in Buffalo Grove come by to enjoy the green fair and stop by our table to chat about what we do, or sign a postcard in support of our Fossil Fuel Divestment and Utility Accountability campaigns. Hope to see you there!

via Buffalo Grove Park District: “This free event for the whole family will provide information and activities to help residents learn about the small steps they can take at home, work, and in the community to improve our environment and make Buffalo Grove a greener and healthier place to live.”

350 Chicago at the Northcenter Sustainability Market

• Sunday, September 27th (10:00am - 4:00pm)

• Northcenter Town Square, 4100 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

350 Chicago will be at the NorthCenter Sustainability market to collect postcards in support of our Fossil Fuel Divestment and Utility Accountability campaigns. For anyone in Chicago interested in sustainability this is a great opportunity to stop by the market, say hi, and sign some postcards!

via Reduce Waste Chicago: “Put on your reusable party hat and join us at our annual Sustainability Market! Whether you’re just starting your eco-journey or you’re a seasoned veteran, this is your chance to connect with local businesses, artists and organizations all focused on making Chicago more sustainable.

Discover zero-waste products, learn about composting, explore environmental advocacy groups, and find practical solutions for living more sustainably. From the eco-curious to the eco-committed, there’s something for everyone at this community celebration of sustainable living.”

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Action Center

Become a Monthly Sustainer!

This summer brought another season of intense storms and harmful wildfire smoke to Illinois. As the federal government continues to undermine climate action, local leadership is more important than ever.

350 Chicago has built strong momentum over the past year and we need your support to keep it going.

This September, become a 350 Chicago Climate Sustainer. For as little as 11 cents a day, you can support year-round climate action and help build a fossil-free future.

Over the past year, 350 Chicago has:

• Collected and delivered 2,500 postcards supporting the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and 2,100 supporting utility transparency legislation;

• Hosted a town hall on fossil fuel divestment;

• Worked with pension board leadership on divestment strategies;

• Grown the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois coalition to 44 organizations; and

• Hosted 8 Speaker Series webinars, including programs on adopting EVs and solar in Illinois.

Your monthly gift will help power this work as we prepare for 2027, when both the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and utility transparency legislation are expected to return to the Illinois legislature.

Monthly donations provide reliable support for our campaigns, community outreach, events, webinars, websites, and the organizing efforts of our 60+ volunteers.

The time is now. Become a Climate Sustainer today and help us build the long-term power needed to fight the climate crisis.

Donate and become a 350 Chicago Climate Sustainer

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky financial liabilities as well. On behalf of the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois coalition, we are asking Illinois legislators to sign the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and protect our pensions! Lean more and sign: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that we believe should never be passed onto ratepayers, such as their political lobbying efforts. We are asking our legislators to support the Utility Transparency Act and protect Illinois ratepayers. Learn more and sign: Utility Transparency Petition!

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Climate News

UNEP Report: The Time to Turn Back Is Now

There’s a reason the arrow in our logo points backward: we need to move global temperatures (and greenhouse gas emissions) in the other direction.

In 2015, the Paris Agreement set a goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Unfortunately, a recent report from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) found that the world is likely to exceed this threshold within the next few years.

This should serve as a wake-up call. Every fraction of a degree above 1.5°C increases the risk of devastating climate impacts and tipping points, including catastrophic events like the recent glacial avalanche in Nepal. That makes it critical to keep any overshoot above 1.5°C as small and brief as possible.

We need solutions that rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while helping communities adapt to the climate impacts already underway. The longer we wait, the harder that task becomes.

“Every five years of delay in reducing emissions adds at least a tenth of a degree to peak warming, said report co-author Joeri Rogelj, a climate scientist at Imperial College London.” - ABC News, Global warming will exceed limit, UN says

Trump to Lower Vehicle Emission Standards

President Trump recently announced he is going to significantly lower fuel efficiency standards that were set under the Biden administration. President Biden established a fleetwide average target by 2031 of 50.4 miles per gallon to auto manufacturers, and while Trump has not announced the specific new standard, estimates are that it will reflect the a proposal from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that would bring the target down to 34.5 miles per gallon.

Once again, Trump is putting special interest groups and his friends above the needs of Americans and the planet as this will lead to more polluted air, more gas guzzlers on the roads, more reliance on foreign oil, and more delays in our progress towards clean energy solutions.

NHTSA estimated its proposal would cut new ​vehicle costs by $930 each. But it would increase fuel consumption by ​around 100 ⁠billion gallons through 2050, fuel spending by $185 billion and carbon dioxide emissions by about 5%. - Reuters, US to announce sharply lower vehicle fuel economy requirements

Sources:

• Reuters, US to announce sharply lower vehicle fuel economy requirements

• Jalopnik, The Trump Administration Is About To Gut Biden-Era Fuel Economy Standards

Trump Seeks to Sell Parcel of Yosemite National Park Land for Private Development

Trump’s National Park Service is considering selling off a portion of Yosemite National Park to a private developer. While this proposed land exchange may be small, it sets a dangerous precedent that national park land will no longer have the federal protections it once had before Trump. Considering his threat from day one to “drill baby, drill,” including by drilling on protected federal land, any transaction like this deserves the highest scrutiny from the public.

Sources:

• CNN, Trump administration faces pushback after looking to privatize land on Yosemite National Park

• The Guardian, Trump’s plan to sell off a part of Yosemite is what oligarchy looks like

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Ideas for How to Make a Dent on Climate

by Joshua Horwitz

There are a lot of reasons to feel like trying to tackle a problem like climate change is too big for any one person to manage. If you feel that way, you aren’t alone: humans simply aren’t wired to respond to long-term threats with immediacy. So sometimes it can help to break down a big problem into smaller, more personable, and manageable chunks. Here are a few ideas if you’re looking for somewhere to start:

Buy an Electric Vehicle

Trump’s war on fuel economy standards might cause more gas guzzlers on the road, but there’s no reason that his decision has to affect your car. New EV options are expanding beyond Teslas, with Toyota, Hyundai, Kia, Ford, and other automakers making some really excellent EVs. EV charging is expanding rapidly across the US with networks like IONNA or even Walmart providing more options than ever. New 800-volt architecture on models like the Hyndai Ioniq 5 can charge from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes.

If you’re interested in switching to EVs, we’ll have a lot more information and discussion on EV ownership in upcoming newsletters.

Use a Move or Renovation to Get more Efficient

Moving to a new home or need to replace an aging furnace? Consider some efficient options like heat pumps or upgrading windows in older homes which can drastically increase energy efficiency.

Making the switch from gas to induction stovetops can both reduce your gas usage and make for cleaner air in your home, especially for families with young children or people with sensitive respiratory conditions. Induction stovetops have come a long way from the old, outdated electric models that heated glass: induction stoves use magnetic power to heat pans directly, and can boil a pot of water in 2-5 minutes.

Sign a Petition

There are ways to reach out to elected officials that can make a meaningful dent even if they don’t take much time to do. This is because most people don’t take time to reach out to elected officials, so everyone who takes the time to do so is having a disproportionate impact.

We have two petitions you can sign now in Illinois, in our ‘Action Center’ above- our Climate Safe Pensions Petition and our Utility Transparency Petition. You can also come to our events and sign a postcard that we will hand-deliver to Illinois legislators. Or consider other great organizations like the Illinois Environmental Council, Earthjustice, the Sierra Club, who often have ways you can help quickly.

Donate or Volunteer

Depending on your time and capabilities, it can help out a lot to donate money to an organization, or give your time and volunteer. Right now we’re putting out a call for monthly donors through our Climate Sustainers program, or you can become a volunteer!

Remember Climate at the Ballot Box

The fact is that policies at a state and national level have a huge impact towards, or away from, progress towards climate change goals. Single decisions by one administration can create long-lasting impacts for the better or worse. Don’t fall into the trap of dismissing all politics or all politicians as the same: that won’t help solve climate action. Specifics matter, politics matter, and policies can drive real impacts. Make your voice heard, and make it count, when the time comes.

In This Issue

• Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program is OPEN

• August Events

  • CEJA Workforce Program Events

    • 8/12 - CEJA Statewide NOFO Preview Kickoff Call (Virtual)

    • 8/24 - 8/27 - CEJA Northern Region NOFO Workshops

    • 8/20, 8/26 - CEJA Central Region NOFO Workshops

    • 8/20, 8/27 - CEJA Southern Region NOFO Workshops

  • 8/22 - 350 Chicago at the Environmental Resource Fair

• Action Center

  • Thank you to Monthly Subscribers!

  • China’s Clean, Green, and Smart Revolution

  • Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

  • Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

• Climate News

  • From Heat Waves to Hazardous Skies

  • Project Cosmos Intends to Build World’s Largest Database of Climate Research

• Main Article

  • 350 Chicago at Chicago Climate Week: An Intense, Great Start

Illinois Electric Vehicle Rebate Program is OPEN

The Illinois EPA is providing rebates for owners who have purchased new or used electric vehicles! The rebates range from $1,500 to $4,000 and they apply to those buying new or used cars within the last 180 days, but doesn’t apply to those leasing or renting. The program runs through the end of the year, so if you are buying an EV later this year you can likely apply for the credit.

If you have purchased a new or used EV within the last 6 months, or plan to purchase one this year, this program likely applies to you!

This is a fantastic program and partially makes up for the shortfall left when the Trump administration removed the EV tax credit in 2025, a tax credit originally offered under Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Despite the hostility of the Trump administration towards progress in the EV space, there is room for states, cities, and individuals to keep moving towards a cleaner future. More information and applications can be found here:

• EV Rebate Program Webpage: Eligibility & Application

• Illinois EPA News Release

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Events

CEJA Workforce Program Events

Per the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO):

“The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) will soon announce the next round of funding opportunities for CEJA Workforce Programs. To help prospective applicants prepare, DCEO will host a series of virtual and in-person CEJA Workforce Program NOFO Preview Sessions throughout August. These sessions are intended for potential applicants, community-based organizations, workforce development partners, employers, education and training providers, and other stakeholders interested in participating in Illinois’ clean energy workforce ecosystem.”

For more information about these events see the DCEO site HERE.

UPCOMING DCEO EVENTS

CEJA Statewide NOFO Preview Kickoff Call (Virtual)

• August 12, 11 AM via WebEx

Register Here: 2026 CEJA Statewide NOFO Preview Kickoff Call

CEJA Northern Region NOFO Workshops

• Monday, August 24, 2026 Malcom X College – Chicago, IL 1 PM – 4 PM

• Tuesday, August 25, 2026 – Northern Illinois Recovery Community Organization (NIRCO)
  202 S. Genesee St.
  Waukegan, IL 60085 1 PM – 4 PM

• Thursday, August 27, 2026 – Aurora Public Library (Santori Room 125/126) – Aurora, IL 1 PM – 4 PM

Register Here: 2026 CEJA Northern Region NOFO Workshop

CEJA Central Region NOFO Workshops

• Thursday, August 20, 2026 – ISU Alumni Center, Normal, IL – 1 PM – 4 PM

• Wednesday, August 26, 2026 – Rock Valley College, Rockford IL – 1 PM – 4 PM

Register Here: 2026 CEJA Central Region NOFO Workshop

CEJA Southern Region NOFO Workshop

• Thursday, August 20, 2026 – Civic Center, Carbondale, IL - 1 PM – 4 PM

• Thursday, August 27, 2026 – Gateway Center, Collinsville, IL 1 PM – 4 PM

Register Here: 2026 CEJA Southern Region NOFO Workshop

350 Chicago at the Environmental Resource Fair

• Saturday, August 22, 12:00 - 2:00pm

• Rahlfs Woods, Streamwood, IL

350 Chicago will be at the Environmental Resource Fair in Streamwood, IL to collect signatures in support of our Divestment and Utility Accountability campaigns. If you’re in the area come out and sign a postcard or learn more about what we do!

via Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison: “Want to learn how to make your community greener, cleaner, and more sustainable? Join us for an in-person Environmental Resource Fair! A wide variety of vendors and organizations will be on site at Rahlfs Woods to help you and your family learn about solar panels, monarchs and pollinators, how to save money on energy bills, and more. 350 Chicago will be collecting signatures in support of our fossil fuel divestment and utility transparency campaigns. We’re proud to partner with Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison on this free community event.”

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Action Center

Thank you to Monthly Subscribers!

350 Chicago would like to thank our monthly Climate Sustainers and our Substack newsletter subscribers for their generous monthly gifts and yearly subscriptions. Your contributions make our work on the Illinois Fossil Fuel Divestment and Utility Lobbying Reform Campaigns, our Speaker Series, and our work to fight the climate crisis all possible. We deeply appreciate your partnership with us, helping us better educate the public and policy makers in Illinois about the need to fight the climate emergency.

Thank you again. We will continue with the work you all make possible from you gifts. If you want to help support us, sign up for our monthly or annual subscriber plans here: Become a Subscriber!

China’s Clean, Green, and Smart Revolution

While the Trump administration is doing everything in its power to halt US progress towards electric vehicles and clean energy, Illinois is pushing forward with its EV rebate program (See if you qualify here!) But while American policy is dragging its feet while it comes to EVs, China is pressing full steam ahead. We highlighted China’s progress towards EVs and green energy in one of our panels in the 350 Chicago Speaker Series, and you can view it here:

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky financial liabilities as well. On behalf of the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois coalition, we are asking Illinois legislators to sign the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and protect our pensions! Lean more and sign: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that we believe should never be passed onto ratepayers, such as their political lobbying efforts. We are asking our legislators to support the Utility Transparency Act and protect Illinois ratepayers. Learn more and sign: Utility Transparency Petition!

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Climate News

From Heat Waves to Hazardous Skies

Last month, we wrote about the record-breaking heat wave that swept across the country over the July 4th weekend. Just a few weeks later, the Chicagoland area experienced one of the worst air quality events in the city’s history, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring above 500.

These back-to-back climate disasters are not a coincidence. Research published in Science Advances has found a clear connection between heat waves and increasingly severe wildfires. While low-intensity wildfires are a natural and important part of many ecosystems, a rapidly warming climate is fueling larger, more destructive fires that devastate forests instead of renewing them.

The smoke from these fires doesn’t stay where they burn. It can travel hundreds or even thousands of miles, creating dangerous air quality far from the flames and posing serious health risks, especially for children, older adults, and people with respiratory conditions.

Extreme wildfires and hazardous smoke are becoming more common as our planet warms. But this future is not inevitable. By accelerating the transition to clean energy, protecting our forests, and advancing strong climate policies, we can reduce the pollution driving these disasters and build healthier, more resilient communities for everyone.

via Inside Climate News: “As the planet warms, wildfires like those currently burning in Canada and Minnesota will continue to increase.”

Project Cosmos Intends to Build World’s Largest Database of Climate Research

via Project Cosmos: “[Project Cosmos] was launched by Carbon Brief in June 2026 following an 18-month research and development effort. The aim: to build the world’s largest database of climate change research.

Containing more than 1.8 million unique publications linked by 40 million citation relationships, the Cosmos database represents the most complete and expansive mapping of human knowledge on climate change ever assembled.

The articles and visuals below will guide you through how the Cosmos database was built, as well as all the subsequent analysis, including the Cosmos 500 rankings of most cited authors, publications and institutions.”

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350 Chicago at Chicago Climate Week: An Intense, Great Start

by Abby Schwartz and Larry Coble

The first ever Chicago Climate Week was an intense, successful collaboration between climate-focused organizations across the city. It was a time for different organizations to share their own progress with each other and work together. It was also a fantastic opportunity for the general public of Chicago to see all the ways different organizations approach climate action, and it gave people a myriad of ways to get involved.

At the Chicago Innovation Summit and the Wild Mile Block Party, 350 Chicago set up tables for attendees to sign postcards supporting our fossil fuel divestment and utility accountability campaigns. We ended up collecting hundreds of postcards, which we will hand deliver to Springfield in order to show state legislators just how much their constituents care about making sure public funds are not supporting dirty energy or utility lobbying efforts.

On Monday of Climate Week, we hosted a webinar about solar in Illinois as part of our Climate Solutions Series. Our speakers went in depth about how solar works and the barriers and incentives for solar in Illinois. If you missed it, you can check out a recording on our Youtube Channel. We would like to thank Ola Tomaszewski of Illinois Shines, Jennifer Brown of Elevate Energy, and Jake Edie of RenewComm for being great speakers.

On Wednesday, we hosted a town hall about the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act with our partners from Third Act. The presentation described the reasons for fossil fuel divestment, including the potential losses for pensioners and taxpayers and the need to insure our pension investments support a sustainable future.

It was so nice to see dozens of our allies new and old all in one room. We had a highly engaged audience and a great discussion following the presentation. Some attendees even committed on the spot to meet with their local representative and senators to advocate for the Illinois Fossil Fuel Divestment Act. Special shout out to Michelle Couturier and Julie Ellefson of Third Act Illinois for doing a lot of heavy lifting to make the event a success. We are now planning to take this presentation on the road in order to gather support among pension holders and other key stakeholders. A special thank you to LaMarr Davis at the Chicago Teachers Union for all his logistics assistance with the venue prior to and during the CSPI Coalitions event. You can learn more about The Fossil Fuel Divestment Act here.

But there were dozens of events across Chicago from a variety of organizations. Climate Aware therapist Marilee Feldman gave a great presentation on Climate Anxiety. If you missed that you can check out a similar talk she gave as part of our speaker series.

The Marketplace of The Future might take the cake for the most straightforwardly fun event of the week. There were snacks, live music, and demonstrations of new sustainable technologies. Many of 350 Chicago’s friends hosted activities. There was a loom for scrap fabric from Nowhere Collective, a selection of films from The One Earth Film Festival, and an environmental themed art auction from Eco.Logic.

Thank you to Chicago Climate Connect (especially Mackenzie Siren) and the climate week volunteers for making all this happen. Throughout the week, we met some awesome people and organizations that we look forward to working with in the future. We are definitely doing this again next year!

• Chicago Climate Week Begins- July 18 - July 25!

• July Events

  • 7/15 - 350 Chicago at the Chicago Innovation Summit

  • 7/19 - 350 Chicago at the Wild Mile Block Party

  • 7/20 - 350 Chicago Presents: Adopting Solar Power in Illinois

  • 7/22 - Protect Our Pensions, Protect Our Planet: Fossil Fuel Divestment in Illinois

  • 7/26 - 350 Chicago at the Trashy Summer Market

• Action Center

  • Support this Newsletter: Become a Paid Subscriber!

  • Speaker Series Highlight: Bill McKibben on ‘Solar Energy & Fighting Climate Change in the Second Age of Trump’

  • Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

  • Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

• Climate News

  • 250 Years Later, America Is Feeling the Heat

• 350 News

  • 350 Chicago at Welles Park Eco-Fest!

  • Dr. Rich Foss Climate Talk Recap

• Main Article

  • 350 Chicago to Participate in First Ever ‘Climate Week’

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Chicago Climate Week Begins!

Chicago’s very first Climate Week begins on July 18th, going through July 25th. There are lots of events happening throughout the Chicago area, and 350 Chicago has multiple partnering events. See some of our events below, as well as more information about Climate Week in our main article below. The full event calendar is here.

July Events

350 Chicago at the Chicago Innovation Summit

• Wednesday, July 15th from 1:00pm - 7:00pm

  • 350 Chicago will be at a table from 5:00pm - 7:00pm

• Ignite Glass Studios, 401 North Armour Street, Chicago, IL 60642

• REGISTER HERE

350 Chicago will have a table at the Chicago Innovation Summit, where we will be collecting signatures and postcards to support our Climate Safe Pensions and Utility Transparency Act campaigns. Come out and sign a postcard or talk to us more about what we do!

Via Chicago Innovation: “On July 15, Chicago Innovation will host its annual Climate Innovation Summit, the official kickoff to Chicago Climate Week, which includes Aspen Ideas: Climate.

This year’s event includes two parts:

• PART 1 | 1pm–5pm: Panel discussions with climate leaders at Ignite Glass Studios.

• PART 2 | 5pm–7pm: The official “Chicago Climate Week Opening Reception & Preview” to kick off Chicago Climate Week, co-hosted by Chicago Climate Week and Chicago Innovation with over 400 people next door at Moonlight Studios.

This year’s theme is “Nourishing Common Ground.” Our health, the health of our environment and our children’s health depend on us crossing ideological lines to work together to invest in climate solutions.”

350 Chicago at the Wild Mile Block Party

• Sunday, July 19, 2026, 3:00pm - 8:00pm

  • 350 Chicago will be at a table the entire time

• Wild Mile, 905 W Eastman St, Chicago (next to the REI)

• RSVP HERE

350 Chicago will be at a table at the Wild Mile, collecting postcards in support of our Climate Safe Pensions and Utility Transparence campaigns. Last year's version was a blast and busy, so there will never be a dull moment. We gathered the most postcards for our campaigns during this event more than any other.

via Urban Rivers: “Ready for a party? Join us on the Wild Mile for a celebration of our urban waterways and thriving park spaces. Enjoy local beer, cocktails, food trucks, music, and an outdoorsy prize drawing! Learn from Urban Rivers volunteers how YOU can make a difference for your local waterway, and connect with local nonprofits, artists, and small businesses. The Block Party is FREE, and fun for all ages!

We’ll party rain-or-shine, and only cancel in the case of hazardous weather!”

350 Chicago Presents: Adopting Solar Power in Illinois

• Monday, July 20th from 6:00pm - 7:30pm

• Via Zoom

• REGISTER HERE via Chicago Climate week (or directly via Zoom here)

Make the switch: Save money and, yes, save lives! We now have the technical solutions needed to end the climate crisis. We just need people to implement them. Solar adoption is exploding across the world, and it now provides more global electricity than coal. Widespread solar adoption in Illinois will not only help slow global warming, but it will cut cancer rates and reduce respiratory diseases, saving lives in our communities and families.

In this webinar, our speakers will provide the latest information on solar energy, including technological advancements, financial costs, benefits and incentives and the many pathways to adoption in Illinois. Solar experts Jennifer Brown (IL Solar for All), Ola Tomaszewski (IL Shines), and Jake Edie (RenewComm) will show how solar adoption can save you money and empower all of us to slash rates of disease and slow the warming that threatens our future.

Protect Our Pensions, Protect Our Planet: Fossil Fuel Divestment in Illinois

• Wednesday, July 22nd from 6:00pm - 8:00pm

• Chicago Teachers Union Headquarters, 1901 W Carroll Ave #205, Chicago, IL 60612

• REGISTER HERE

350 Chicago and the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois Coalition (CSPI) is holding a town hall at the Chicago Teachers Union Center facility to discuss the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act. The event will include a presentation describing fossil fuel divestment, the parameters of the bill proposed to effectuate divestment, and the positive outcomes for the state of Illinois, pensioners, and taxpayers created by the passage of the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act. Join us to show support for this campaign and to learn why divestment from fossil fuel assets will be a win for state workers, a win for taxpayers, a win for Illinois and a win for the planet.

350 Chicago at the Trashy Summer Market

• Sunday, July 26th, from 10:00am - 4:00pm

• Hairpin Arts Center, 2810 N. Milwaukee Ave., 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60618

350 Chicago will be at the Trashy Market collecting postcards in support of our Climate Safe Pensions and Utility Transparence campaigns.

via Choose Chicago: “Soak up all the ☀️RE’s at the ultimate SUMMER event☀️. REuse, REpair, and REpurposing are in high style for the season of sun. Our junky jamboree features artisans who transform reclaimed materials into one-of-a-kind goods. Shop for home goods, art, garden accessories, fashion, body care, stuff you’ve never seen before… and more.” More info here.

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Action Center

Support this Newsletter: Become a Paid Subscriber!

Do you read this newsletter and wish you could do more to help Chicago’s climate movement? One way is to become a paid subscriber. It’s not required, but it’s a great way to show your support and help us take effective climate action. Subscriber funds help us maintain a constant presence in Chicago and Springfield pushing for climate-focused policies. Thank you to everyone who has already subscribed, and thanks to everyone who follows this newsletter, paid or not!

Speaker Series Highlight: Bill McKibben on Solar Energy

In honor of Chicago’s first ‘Climate Week,’ we wanted to highlight one of our most popular Speaker Series events: Bill McKibben’s talk on Solar Energy & Fighting Climate Change in the Second Age of Trump.

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky financial liabilities as well. On behalf of the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois coalition, we are asking Illinois legislators to sign the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and protect our pensions! Lean more and sign: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that we believe should never be passed onto ratepayers, such as their political lobbying efforts. We are asking our legislators to support the Utility Transparency Act and protect Illinois ratepayers. Learn more and sign: Utility Transparency Petition!

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Climate News

250 Years Later, America Is Feeling the Heat

This July 4th weekend was hot. Across the East Coast, celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary were moved indoors or postponed because of extreme heat. In Colorado, the skies were quiet as firework shows were canceled due to heightened wildfire risk. Here in Chicago, cooling centers worked overtime as dangerous temperatures blanketed the city.

Unfortunately, weekends like this are becoming increasingly common. As global temperatures rise, a 2°C increase is projected to bring an additional 15 to 30 days each year above 95°F across much of the United States. Extreme heat is already one of the deadliest weather hazards, posing the greatest risk to older adults, outdoor workers, and many low-income communities. It also strains our agriculture, energy systems, and infrastructure.

Building resilience to extreme heat is no longer a future challenge. It’s a necessity for protecting our communities, economy, and environment.

via Center for Climate and Energy Solutions: “Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, resulting in an average of 238 fatalities a year between 1995 and 2024.”

350 News

350 Chicago at Welles Park Eco-Fest!

350 Chicago was out in force at the Welles Park Eco-Fest. Throughout the day, we collected postcards in support of the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act, Utility Lobbying Reform, and - together with Oak Park Climate Action Network - the No Immunity for Big Oil campaign.

The response was incredible. In fact, the No Immunity for Big Oil postcards were so popular that we completely ran out before the event ended!

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by, signed a postcard, and added their voice to these important campaigns. Every signature helps build momentum for climate action.

Dr. Rich Foss Climate Talk Recap

350 Chicago Board Vice President and Speaker Series Coordinator Dr. Richard Foss recently gave an engaging presentation on the science, history, and economics of climate change, while exploring the actions we can take to slow global warming and build a more sustainable future.

Dr. Foss holds a PhD in English from Western Michigan University and has spent the past five years teaching a college course focused on the climate crisis. As Board Vice President of 350 Chicago, he combines his passion for education with a commitment to empowering communities to take meaningful climate action.

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350 Chicago to participate in Chicago’s first ever ‘Climate Week’

by Abby Schwartz

From July 18th-25th Chicago will host its first Climate Week. The goal of Chicago Climate Week is to amplify climate action across Chicago and the Midwest. Dozens of climate organizations will be hosting events across the Chicagoland area. You can sign up to attend events at https://www.chicagoclimateweek.org/. The majority of events are free to attend!

In addition to more traditional talks and presentations, Climate Week will include social events, tours, markets, and even rock climbing and a climate-themed horror movie night! Events will cover a wide variety of climate-related topics, from clean energy and green finance to native plants gardening and creative reuse. While some events are targeted at climate professionals, many are geared towards the general public, and quite a few are designed for kids and families. So regardless of who you are and what aspects of climate you are interested in, you should be able to find an event (or several) for you!

350 Chicago will be hosting two events during Chicago Climate Week:

On July 20th at 6:00pm, we will be hosting a webinar about solar adoption in Illinois. Our speakers will provide the latest information on solar energy, including technological advancements, financial costs, benefits and incentives, and the many pathways to adoption in Illinois. Solar experts Jennifer Brown from IL Solar for All, Ola Tomaszewski from IL Shines, and Jake Edie from RenewComm will show how solar adoption in our homes and on a wider scale can save you money and empower all of us to slash rates of disease and slow the warming that threatens our future.

On the 22nd at 6:00pm, 350 Chicago and the wider Climate Safe Pensions Illinois Coalition (CSPI) are hosting a town hall about Fossil Fuel Divestment in Illinois at the CTU Headquarters. This is a great opportunity to learn about the Fossil Fuel Divestment act and how you can get involved. There will also be opportunities to ask questions about how fossil fuel divestment works and how it would affect our state. Come out and learn why divestment from fossil fuel assets will be a win for state workers, a win for taxpayers, a win for Illinois and a win for the planet.

We will also be participating in a variety of events throughout the week to collect postcards for our fossil fuel divestment and utility accountability campaigns. These events are a great way to meet us and learn more about what we do, so stop by and say hello!

• June Events

  • 6/8: Climate Solutions Webinar Series: Electric Vehicle Adoption

  • 6/12: 2026 Eco.Art Fundraiser

• Action Center

  • Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

  • Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

• Climate News

  • Companies Anticipating $900 Billion Losses from Extreme Weather

  • Scientists warn Trump plan to axe US ocean monitoring system will leave world ‘flying blind’

  • Trump Offers Funds for First New U.S. Coal Plants in 13 Years

  • New BLM Grazing Rules Eliminate Tribal Buffalo From Public Lands

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June Events

Climate Solutions Webinar Series: Electric Vehicle Adoption

• Monday, June 8th from 6:00pm to 7:30pm

• Via Zoom

• Register for free here

This webinar, the first in our webinar series focusing on solutions to the climate crisis, will explore the benefits of electric vehicles, the latest technological advancements, range and safety concerns, affordability, and financial incentives. EVs not only help reduce green-house gases, but they also reduce toxic pollution, reducing cancer and respiratory diseases, while increasing energy efficiency and cost savings.

Register now for this June 8th webinar focusing on EV adoption in Illinois with Senior Sustainability Specialist Cheryl Scott from the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and Senior Manager Neda Deylami from the Environmental Defense Fund.

2026 Eco.Art Fundraiser

• Submissions due Monday, June 12th

• Learn more and sign up here

Calling all visual artists! check out the Eco.Art Extravaganza hosted by Eco.Logic! This event will give you a platform to showcase your art, get paid, and support a nonprofit working to provide environmental education programming!

All artwork is due by June 12th, 2026 so get those creative juices flowing or submit a piece from your current collection. All art must either have an environmental message or be made using eco-friendly materials.

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Action Center

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky financial liabilities as well. On behalf of the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois coalition, we are asking Illinois legislators to support the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and protect our pensions!

Lean more and sign: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that we believe should never be passed onto ratepayers, such as their political lobbying efforts. We are asking our legislators to support the Utility Transparency Act and protect Illinois ratepayers.

Learn more and sign: Utility Transparency Petition!

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Climate News

Companies Anticipating $900 Billion Losses from Extreme Weather

via ESG Today: “Companies expect extreme weather events such as flooding and heavy rain to drive nearly $900 billion in financial losses, through impacts ranging from lost revenue and asset impairments to supply chain disruptions, according to a new report released by environmental sustainability reporting platform CDP.” Read more here.

Scientists warn Trump plan to axe US ocean monitoring system will leave world ‘flying blind’

via The Guardian: “The Trump administration’s plan to dismantle an ocean observation system vital to understanding the climate crisis and marine ecosystems would “severely degrade” the accuracy of weather predictions and El Niño forecasts, with economic consequences for the US, European and American scientists have warned.” Read more here.

Trump Offers Funds for First New U.S. Coal Plants in 13 Years

via the New York Times: “President Trump on Thursday announced $700 million in new federal funding for the country’s struggling coal industry, including money that would help build the first two new coal-burning power plants in the United States in more than a decade.” Read more here.

New BLM Grazing Rules Eliminate Tribal Buffalo From Public Lands

via Inside Climate News: “Tribes with bison herds are seeking negotiations with U.S. Department of Interior officials to ask for an exemption from new rules they have called “DEI for cattle.”" Read more here.

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In This Issue

• May Events

  • May 23: Crest Hill Community Climate Chat

  • May 30: Welles Park EcoFest

• Action Center

  • Thank You Earth Month Donors!

  • Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

  • Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

• Climate News

  • Growing Concerns as Atlantic Currents Weaken

  • How Climate Change Makes Your Allergies Worse

  • Trump’s EPA Seeks Looser Construction Rules for Gas Plants, Data Centers and Factories

• 350 News

  • Climate Action Hero Awards 2026

  • One Earth Film Festival 2026

• Main Articles

  • Big Oil Thrives While Americans Struggle

  • Climate Art is Growing in Chicago

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May Events

Crest Hill Community Climate Chat

• Saturday, May 23, from 1:00pm to 3:00pm

• Crest Hill Library, 20670 City Center Blvd, Crest Hill, IL 60403

Join us for a small gathering focused on education and engagement. Don’t miss a special presentation from our Board Vice-President, Rich Foss, who will break down the urgency of the climate crisis and what we can do about it.

Welles Park EcoFest

• Saturday, May 30, 10:00am - 2:00pm

• Welles Park

• Reserve a Spot

via Ecofest 2026: “EcoFest is our annual, free environmental festival where we come together to take action, reduce waste and celebrate our planet. Join 47th Ward Alderman Matt Martin for a fun, laid-back day at Welles Park on Saturday, May 30 at 10am! Spend the day exploring hands-on gardening activities, connecting with local environmental groups, and picking up simple ways to reduce waste and save energy at home.”

350 Chicago will be at the EcoFest collecting postcards to support our Climate Safe Pensions Divestment campaign and our Utility Transparency Act campaign. Whether you’re brand new to our group or already involved, these events are a great way to meet like-minded people, learn something new, and take action in a hopeful, community-driven space. We’d love to see you there!

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Action Center

Thank You Earth Month Donors!

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated during our Earth Month fundraiser. Your support truly makes this work possible.

Your gift helps power our efforts to push Illinois pension funds to divest from fossil fuels, advance clean energy across the state, and hold investor-owned utilities accountable for lobbying practices that raise costs and slow the transition to a fully clean energy economy.

Want to keep the momentum going? Make every month Earth Month by becoming a climate sustainer.

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky financial liabilities as well. On behalf of the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois coalition, we are asking Illinois legislators to support the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and protect our pensions!

Lean more and sign: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that we believe should never be passed onto ratepayers, such as their political lobbying efforts. We are asking our legislators to support the Utility Transparency Act and protect Illinois ratepayers.

Learn more and sign: Utility Transparency Petition!

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Climate News

Growing Concerns as Atlantic Currents Weaken

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation, or AMOC, is a system of ocean currents that moves warm water from the gulf to the northern Atlantic.

A recent study took real data on ocean temperature, salinity and velocity and compared it to existing climate models. Unfortunately, it found that most climate models are actually behind: the AMOC is weakening far more quickly than the models predicted. If the AMOC continues to decline, it will eventually shut down completely, with catastrophic effects.

Global warming disrupts the delicate balance of the AMOC, which is why it’s crucial to mitigate this issue before it’s too late.

“The stakes are incredibly high; an AMOC collapse, which last happened roughly 12,000 years ago, would cause chaos. It would push Europe into a winter deep freeze, accelerate sea level rise along the East Coast of the US and drive prolonged droughts across a swath of Africa.” via CNN - A vital system of Atlantic Ocean currents is weakening and closer to collapse than thought, new studies find

How Climate Change Makes Your Allergies Worse

via Inside Climate News: “As pollen season gets longer and more severe, allergies can compound with other climate health hazards to cause serious harm.”

Read more here.

Trump’s EPA Seeks Looser Construction Rules for Gas Plants, Data Centers and Factories

via Inside Climate News: “Changes would allow companies to begin more construction before an air permit is issued—ramping up the pressure for permit approval.”

Read more here.

350 News

Climate Action Hero Awards 2026

350 Chicago members came together on Thursday, April 16th to celebrate local climate leadership at the Climate Action Hero Awards, an evening dedicated to honoring the people driving real change in our community.

We’re especially proud to share that our Executive Director, Larry Coble, was nominated in the Climate Champions category! Recognition like this is a powerful reminder that climate work is being seen, and organizations like 350 Chicago are on the ground making a difference.

"The Climate Museum put on a fantastic event and I was honored to be nominated with such an inspiring group of activists, educators, and industry leaders. Looking forward to next year!” - Larry Coble, Executive Director, 350 Chicago

One Earth Film Festival 2026

350 Chicago was proud to take part in this year’s One Earth Film Festival, joining a community of climate advocates and neighbors committed to a more sustainable future.

350 Chicago Executive Director Larry Coble had the opportunity to speak on a panel (pictured above) following a screening of Chasing Time and Planet Walker at Park Ridge Community Church.

Our team also engaged with attendees throughout the event, sharing updates on our Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign, the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois Coalition, and our Utility Lobbying Reform efforts. Community members stopped by to learn more, ask questions, and take action by signing postcards in support of these critical initiatives.

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Big Oil Thrives While Americans Struggle

by Zack Gilbert

Oil and gas companies posted massive profits in Q1 2026 as prices surged to their highest levels in years.

That spike is being fueled in part by promises from Donald Trump to expand oil development, roll back environmental protections, and sideline clean energy. With fewer alternatives in the market, fossil fuel companies are free to keep prices high, driving up the cost of travel, shipping, and everyday essentials.

This moment makes one thing clear: accelerating the transition to clean, homegrown energy isn’t just about the climate, it’s about affordability, stability, and putting power back in the hands of everyday people.

“Trump has fulfilled his promise to his billionaire donors, and broken those to hardworking families, who continue to fall further behind.” via Climate Power - MEMO: Big Oil Profits Soar While Americans Pay the Price

With gas prices skyrocketing -- in Illinois reaching up to $5 a gallon -- it’s clear that Trump is uninterested in helping everyday Americans, despite his campaign promises. The only beneficiaries of his dirty energy policies are his billionaire friends and donors who are lining their pockets at the expense of Americans, and our planet.

Climate Art is Growing in Chicago

by Abby Schwartz

Last month I wrote a review of two climate themed art exhibits in London. I hoped that we would start seeing more compelling climate art around Chicago. On a recent visit to the Hyde Park Art Center I found just that in the form of Alison Ruttan’s The Paradox of Inaction.

Like the exhibits I talked about last month, this exhibit focuses on the devastation of home. A large number of ceramic replicas of roofs have been laid out on the floor. They are eye-catching and straightforwardly pretty. But the longer you spend with them the more ominous they start to feel. The uniqueness of each roof prompts the thought that under each is a different family devastated by this flood.

In addition, the gallery walls have been painted to look like they are water damaged from flooding. I think this is an especially clever and visceral touch. The exhibit is free to visit and runs until July 12th. Make sure to visit the second floor balcony to view the complete exhibit and see the main sculpture from above.

In addition to this exhibit, climate related art seems to be a growing area of focus in Chicago. Nowhere collective hosts a variety of community events and art markets focused around reusing materials. Eco.logic is putting on an art contest and gallery display (submissions due June 12th, art show starting June 22nd) for art made with recycled materials and/or that conveys an environmental message. Both of these organizations combine art and activism and have hosted 350 Chicago at their events.

• Larry Coble Nominated for 2026 Climate Action Hero Award!

• April Events

  • 2026 Climate Action Hero Awards

  • One Earth Film Festival

• Action Center

  • 350 Chicago Earth Month Fundraiser

  • Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

  • Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

• Climate News

  • Iran War Exposes Oil’s Risks

• 350 News

  • Utility Transparency Act Advances to Illinois House

  • Fossil Fuel Divestment Act Moves into Committees

  • Loyola Local Action Conference

  • No Kings Rally on March 28th

• Main Article

  • Are Museums Getting Better at Talking About the Environment?

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Larry Coble Nominated for 2026 Climate Action Hero Award!

Larry Cobble has been nominated for the Climate Action Museum Hero Awards! The nomination is a celebration of the entire 350 Chicago community and the impact we’re making together. It reflects the collective power of all of 350 Chicago’s volunteers.

“350 Chicago’s volunteers made all of our accomplishments possible and I would like to honor all of them who have given their time to our organization. Without them, our work would not be possible. They are the drivers of everything 350 Chicago does to fight the climate crisis.” - Larry Coble

Events

2026 Climate Action Hero Awards

• Thursday, April 16th from 5:00pm to 8:00pm

• The Library, 190 South LaSalle Street, Chicago, IL 60603

• Get tickets to the event here

via the Climate Action Museum: Join us for the 2026 Climate Action Museum Hero Awards, an evening dedicated to recognizing and celebrating individuals, businesses, and organizations making a real impact in climate action. Connect with fellow change makers, enjoy an inspiring awards ceremony, and support the movement toward a more sustainable future.

350 Chicago’s own Executive Director Larry Coble is among the nominees, so we invite everyone to come join us in celebrating this moment, connecting with fellow change makers, and continuing the work toward a more sustainable future.

One Earth Film Festival

• One Earth Film Festival runs from April 22 to April 27

  • 350 Chicago will be at the screening of Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope on Wednesday, April 22nd (Earth Day) from 6:00pm to 9:00pm

    • Film Row Cinema 8th Floor: 1104 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605

    • Get tickets here

    • Accessibility Note: A live captioner and ASL interpreter will be present during this event

This special event brings together a growing “GenWe,” a generation defined not by age, but by a shared commitment to climate action, community, and hope.

The evening will honor the extraordinary legacy of Jane Goodall through a screening of Jane Goodall: Reasons for Hope, followed by a conversation with local climate and conservation leaders about how we carry that legacy forward right here in Illinois.

After the film, you’ll have the chance to connect with fellow advocates, organizers, and creatives working toward real climate solutions. Come join a welcoming, celebratory atmosphere with food, drinks, and meaningful conversation.

As a sponsor, 350 Chicago is proud to support spaces like this that inspire action and bring our community together. We hope to see you there!

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Action Center

350 Chicago Earth Month Fundraiser

This Earth Month, your contribution will go towards real change fighting the climate crisis in Illinois, from pushing pension funds to divest from fossil fuels, to advancing clean energy, to holding utility companies accountable for anti-climate lobbying and rising costs. Every donation helps turn advocacy into action and pressure into progress.

To make your Earth Month gift, click here and be part of the movement for a cleaner, more just Illinois.

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky financial liabilities as well. On behalf of the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois coalition, we are asking Illinois legislators to sign the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and protect our pensions! Lean more and sign: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that we believe should never be passed onto ratepayers, such as their political lobbying efforts. We are asking our legislators to support the Utility Transparency Act and protect Illinois ratepayers. Learn more and sign: Utility Transparency Petition!

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Climate News

Iran War Exposes Oil’s Risks

The price of crude oil has soared to above $100 per barrel since the U.S. and Israel started a war with Iran, the highest it’s been since the Covid-19 pandemic.

Experts expect that the war will polarize, or widen, the gap between countries that are embracing renewable energy and countries that rely on coal or natural gas. That’s because countries that have invested in renewable energy are less effected by sudden changes in oil prices. This highlights how embracing a renewable energy transition can strengthen energy independence and economic resilience.

“The lesson is not new, but the urgency is. Every government watching oil above $100 a barrel should be asking how quickly it can build the policy and financial architecture to unlock private investment in renewables. The technology is ready and cost-competitive. What has been missing is political will, and crises like this one should provide it.” via Earth.org - Iran War Drives Massive Surge in Planet-Heating Emissions Amid Calls to Accelerate Transition to Renewables

350 News

Utility Transparency Act Advances to Illinois House

The Utility Transparency Act (UTA) (House Bill 4781 / Senate Bill 3497) is advancing in the Illinois House, marking a major milestone towards the bill passing.

350 Chicago has been working hard to push this bill alongside our partners Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and the American Association Of Retired Persons Illinois (AARP IL). 350 Chicago collected and delivered over 1900 postcards to Illinois lawmakers, all signed by Illinois constituents supporting this issue. In addition, on February 25th, 350 Chicago Executive Director Larry Coble participated in a press conference along with CUB and the AARP during the introduction of the Utility Transparency Act in Springfield, IL. The press conference was reported on by the Chicago Tribune, CBS channel 2 in Chicago, and many other outlets across the state.

“During our conversations with Illinois citizens, utility bill payers expressed disbelief and anger at being charged for standard cost of business expenses that should be paid for by the shareholders of the utilities. Illinois utility bill payers were appalled to learn they are being charged for utility activities designed to raise their rates even higher.” - Larry Coble, from the 2/25/2026 press conference.

Fossil Fuel Divestment Act Moves into Committees

The Fossil Fuel Divestment Act (FFDA) (House Bill 3961 / Senate Bill 0130) has moved into the Appropriations committee for Pensions and Personnel in the state House of Representatives, and we are currently negotiating a potential Subject Matter Hearing in the Pensions and Personnel committee.

Over the past 4 months, we have met with the Illinois Treasurer Frerichs, the Teachers Retirement System, the State University Retirement System, and dozens of lawmakers to educate and discuss the provisions included in the bill. We have delivered over 3000 postcards to lawmakers from constituents in support of the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act, and we have activated hundreds of Illinois citizens to email and call their state representatives and senators to support the FFDA. Thank you to all our supporters and volunteers and watch this newsletter for updates.

Loyola Local Action Conference

350 Chicago recently joined students at Loyola University’s Local Action Conference to share our work and build support for climate solutions in Illinois. We connected with attendees at our table, gathering signatures in support of the Illinois Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and the Utility Transparency Act.

Executive Director Larry Coble also spoke about the importance of fossil fuel divestment and reforms to hold utilities accountable and lower costs for ratepayers.

Thank you to Aana Shenai, 350 Chicago Board member and current co-President of the Loyola Student Environmental Association, for recruiting 350 Chicago to participate in the event. Thank you to Abby Schwartz, 350 Chicago Communications Team Lead, for helping with tabling during the conference.

No Kings Rally on March 28th

On March 28, 350 Chicago joined Third Act Illinois and the Dancing for Democracy Troupe for the Planet Pop-up at Wacker and Wabash to say: No Kings in the USA! We joined with approximately 250,000 Chicagoans, advocating, marching, and protesting for democracy, a clean and healthy planet, and for ICE to stay out of Chicago.

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Are Museums Getting Better at Talking About the Environment?

by Abby Schwartz

I think it’s hard to get people to want to think about climate change. It’s big, it’s complex and while the way it affects and will affect people is real and terrifying it can seem abstract and impersonal. Basically, we as humans are not well equipped to mentally and emotionally process something as big and abstract as climate change, but we are built to process stories and art.

On two recent trips to the Tate Modern in London, I encountered art exhibits that I thought did a brilliant job of using art to make climate change feel real and personal. I think the lessons learned from these are important, so I wanted to bring some of the insights from them home to Chicago for us to use in our climate storytelling. I also want to show you pictures of some really amazing art!

The first exhibit by Máret Ánne Sara uses both traditional and modern materials to tell a story about the Sami relationship with nature and how this relationship is affected by climate change. The use of comfortable benches in the exhibit encourages visitors to linger and reflect. The exhibit also has an audio component which is a combination of Sami stories and frank information about modern life and the changing climate. Many of these stories revolve around the reindeer with whom the Sami have a symbiotic relationship, the use of reindeer pelts to line the benches gives the whole experience a visceral, tactile feel that many discussions of climate change lack.

The second exhibit I want to talk about is by Do Ho Suh. He has produced work focused on the concept of home for many years and that is the initial focus of Walk the House, his recent exhibit at the Tate modern. However in the last room of the exhibit the fragility of home due to climate change becomes a major theme. This room contains “the bridge project” a hypothetical bridge linking the far flung places the artist feels at home with a “home” for the artist in the middle.

He revels in the absurdity of such a project, but that reveling in absurdity makes his discussions of climate, especially the way climate change has already devastated indigenous ways of life in the arctic, hit harder. Ultimately the point is: home can’t be just anywhere, it has to be a place that can sustain you and your way of life. This leaves the the viewer thinking about the possibility of losing those places to climate change.

• Thank You, Subscribers!

• March Events

  • 3/15: Reuse-a-Palooza Spring 2026 Edition

  • 3/18: Chicago Climate Connect at EcoShip Chicago: Local Circularity in Action

  • 3/24: Spring Forward: Sustainability Career Workshop With Net Impact Loyola University Undergrad Chapter

• Action Center

  • Workplace Donations via Community Shares of Illinois

  • Call Your Rep! Fossil Fuel Divestment Act

  • Call Your Rep! Utility Transparency Act

• 350 News

  • 350 Chicago Press Conference on the Utility Transparency Act Covered by the Chicago Tribune

  • Thank you to Heirloom Books

  • Happy Hour at Eris Brewery!

• Main Article

  • Trump’s Repeal of the Endangerment Finding

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Thank You, Subscribers!

We just wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who subscribes to and reads this newsletter. We know you are all busy, and taking time to just open an email and read about climate events isn’t something you have to do, but it matters.

And we don’t hide anything behind a paywall, so an extra special thank you to our paying subscribers who give a little extra to help support what we do every month. Thanks everyone, and if you’re interested in subscribing you can do so here.

March Events

Reuse-a-Palooza Spring 2026 Edition

• Sunday, March 15th, 11:00am - 3:00pm

• The Plant: 1400 W 46th St, Chicago, IL, United States, Illinois 60609

• Advanced Tickets for the 2:00pm tour of the plant

350 Chicago will be at Reuse-a-Palooza collecting postcards we will hand-deliver to State representatives in support of our campaigns for the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and the Utility Transparency Act. It’s a quick way to make a difference, or just feel free to come by and talk about what we do.

This semiannual event provides opportunities to repair clothing and household items, safely dispose tricky-to-recycle items, and donate bicycles, clothing, and more, all the while bringing attention to strategies to reduce waste and improve environmental conditions. We’ll be joined by an amazing group of waste-reduction and repurposing enthusiasts focusing on economically, environmentally, and socially responsible approaches to purchasing and consumption.

Click here to view the full list of items they’ll be accepting and to get more details.

Chicago Climate Connect at EcoShip Chicago: Local Circularity in Action

• Wednesday, March 18th, 6:00pm – 8:30pm

• Ecoship: 3248 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641

• RESERVE A SPOT

Connect with Chicago organizations keeping materials in use, explore local circular solutions, and engage through open tabling and hands-on elements, with ample time for networking and conversation. This is a free event, open to all, but registration is highly recommended as space is limited. Drinks will be provided.

Spring Forward: Sustainability Career Workshop With Net Impact Loyola University Undergrad Chapter

• Tuesday, March 24th, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

• Kasbeer Hall | 15th floor of 25 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611

• REGISTER HERE

Join Loyola University’s Net Impact Undergraduate Chapter and Chicago Climate Connect for an interactive workshop designed to help participants explore and navigate careers in sustainability. This is open to Loyola and non-Loyola students and anyone interested in building a career in climate.

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Action Center

Workplace Donations via Community Shares of Illinois

Want to help give to 350 Chicago through your workplace? Community Shares is a great way to do this! We are so pleased to be an ongoing member charity of Community Shares of Illinois. You can support our work to fight the climate crisis in Illinois by divesting the state of Illinois from fossil fuels, supporting clean energy policies, and fighting for utility lobbying reform.

Learn more about Community Shares at www.communitysharesillinois.org.

Contact Your Rep! Fossil Fuel Divestment Act

The Fossil Fuel Divestment Act is a bill currently pending before the General Assembly. It 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 existing public holdings in the top 200 oil, coal, and natural gas companies over a period of five years.

The Climate Safe Pensions Illinois Coalition is asking our friends, allies, and members of endorsing organizations to contact their Illinois State Representatives and Senators and urge them to support the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act. As State Legislators prepare to vote on the act this year, now is a pivotal time to make your voice heard and share your support!

You can go to https://bit.ly/CSPIcall for instructions on how to call your State Representative and Senator, or you can go to https://bit.ly/CSPIemail to contact them using an email tool.

Contact Your Rep! Utility Transparency Act

Current Illinois law allows electric, gas, and water utilities to charge customers for tens of millions of dollars in expenses that increase their political power, boost their public image, and help them push for higher rates. The Utility Transparency Act would stop utilities from making everyday customers pay for such costs that have NO consumer benefit.

Please urge your legislators to support House Bill 4781 / Senate Bill 3497 and rein in the big water, gas, and electric utilities.

You can go to this link to reach out to your State Legislators and encourage them to vote for the Utility Transparency Act.

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350 News

350 Chicago Press Conference on the Utility Transparency Act Covered by the Chicago Tribune

On Wednesday, February 25th, 350 Chicago joined partners Citizens Utility Board and AARP Illinois at a press conference at the Capitol in Springfield to bring attention to the Utility Transparency Act designed to hold Investor Owned Utilities (IOU’s) accountable and prevent these IOUs in Illinois from charging utility bill payers for,

• Hiring outside lawyers and witnesses to raise rates

• Paying for memberships in trade associations to lobby against the interests of ratepayers

• Purchasing insurance to protect shareholders

• Buying goodwill advertising to enhance the utility’s image, to the financial benefit of shareholders

The Illinois Transparency Act would make utility bills more affordable for bill payers while moving expenses to enhance their profits away from consumers and back to Illinois utilities, and their shareholders.

Read more about our news coverage in the Chicago Tribune!

If you want to stop these bad practices by utility companies you can express your support for the Utility Transparency Act by sending a message to your legislators.

Thank you to Heirloom Books for their generous donation as part of their mission to support nonprofits

Heirloom books fulfills a great service in Chicago by recycling used books back into the community and keeping them from landfills.

350 Chicago greatly appreciates their work and appreciates the bookstore’s contribution to our efforts to fight the climate crisis.

Learn more on their website.

Happy Hour at Eris Brewery!

We had a fantastic happy hour at Eris Brewery last week! We had over a dozen people show up, a great mixture of core volunteers and new faces enjoying an evening drinking beers and talking about climate action. If you missed this one but want to join the next outing, just keep an eye out on this newsletter and our website. Thank you for everyone who turned out who made it such a fun night!

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Trump’s Repeal of the Endangerment Finding

by Joshua Horwitz

Last month, President Trump repealed the so-called ‘endangerment finding’, which serves as the bedrock for federal climate regulation. They have already begun rolling back environmental and climate regulations, which the AP estimates would result in hundreds of billions of additional health costs and at least 30,000 extra deaths per year, to say nothing of worsening our global climate impact.

For Trump and his allies, attacking the endangerment finding is clearly a priority. On day one of Trump’s second term, he issued his ‘Unleashing American Energy’ executive order which, among other things, targeted the endangerment finding for review. In order to protect our environment against these attacks, climate activists and the public generally must stay vigilant and know what’s going on; but that’s hard to when Trump’s actions create constant sensational headlines ranging from his handling of the Epstein files to the Iran War. These headlines quickly sweep environmental issues off the front page of mainstream news sources, but we must keep our eye on the ball. So in this newsletter we wanted to focus on what the endangerment finding is, why it’s important, and where we go from here.

What, Exactly, is the ‘Endangerment Finding’?

The ‘endangerment finding’ is both a legal and a scientific finding by the US EPA which concludes that climate change, and the greenhouse gases that cause it, are a threat to public health and welfare. This finding means the federal government is legally required to regulate and curb greenhouse gases under the Clean Air Act. This is because the Clean Air Act requires the US government to regulate pollutants which, “cause, or contribute to, air pollution which may reasonably be anticipated to endanger public health or welfare.”

How did the Endangerment Finding Come About?

The endangerment finding was signed by the EPA in 2009 in Obama’s first term. It builds upon the Supreme Court decision in Massachusetts v. EPA which held that greenhouse gases are air pollutants that can be regulated under the Clean Air Act.

Why Did We Need the Endangerment Finding? Why Not Pass a Climate Act?

The Obama administration did attempt to regulate climate through a cap-and-trade system in the Waxman-Markey bill, but that bill died due to Republican opposition. Without a dedicated climate bill, the Obama administration was able to use the endangerment finding to regulate climate pollutants through the existing Clean Air Act without needing to pass a new bill through Congress.

What Does the Endangerment Finding Allow Us to Do?

The EPA has relied on the endangerment finding to regulate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases like methane from a wide variety of sources: oil and gas wells, power plants, heavy industry, and the transportation sector. In addition to reducing our climate footprint, these regulations help curb smog and other airborne pollution, reducing respiratory problems like asthma. However, the endangerment finding only allows for regulation through the Clean Air Act, and could not be used to devise an entirely new regulatory scheme such as a cap-and-trade system or a climate tax. These would require new Congressional action.

Is the Finding Gone?

Not quite yet. Trump and the EPA Director Lee Zeldin announced the recission of the endangerment finding, but this only marks the beginning of a legal battle that will work its way from the US Court of Appeals almost surely to the Supreme Court.

So What’s Next for Climate Regulation?

At a federal level, right now it depends on the courts. But even if the Supreme Court ultimately sides with Trump and allows him to rescind the endangerment finding, it would still be possible for the federal government to regulate climate pollutants in the future. This would, however, require a completely new bill to be passed through Congress directed at climate regulation, such as a new cap-and-trade bill, a climate tax, or a modification to the Clean Air Act.

Realistically, a lot of the progress on the climate fight is likely to come from the state and local level, at least while we have a federal administration hostile to climate action. Political leaders in Chicago and Illinois understand how crucial it is to protect our planet and public health, and Trump’s repeal has been denounced by both Chicago major Brandon Johnson and by Illinois governor JB Pritzker. This is why local action on climate is so important, and why it’s important to let state and local legislators know that climate is a priority for their constituents.

How is 350 Chicago Responding?

Trump’s shameful actions in Washington to abandon the climate fight only make us more committed to push our campaigns at the state level. 350 Chicago is currently working with allied organizations on two major acts in the Illinois legislature: the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and the Utility Transparency Act. Both acts help to show Illinois legislators that climate and environmental protection are priorities. Both are being debated in Springfield and now is a crucial time to contact your representatives to support these!

See our ‘Action Center’ above with ways to help, or use these links to contact your state representatives:

• Fossil Fuel Divestment Act

  • Call your rep instructions

  • Email your rep instructions

• Utility Transparency Act

  • Support CUB’s petition

More Resources:

• via The New York Times: Trump Administration Erases the Government’s Power to Fight Climate Change

• via AP News: Trump EPA rollbacks would weaken rules projected to save billions of dollars and thousands of lives

• via NRDC: A Costly Move: EPA Abandons Endangerment Finding

• via World Resources Institute: EPA Repeals Legal Basis for Regulating Greenhouse Gases. What it Means for the US — and the World

• Upcoming Events

  • 2/11: Data Centers in Illinois: Webinar by Third Act Illinois

  • 2/12: How to Travel Sustainably: Webinar by Chicago Environmentalists

  • 2/25: Chicago Climate Connect’s 3rd Birthday Celebration

  • 3/5: 350 Chicago Happy Hour at Eris Brewery

• Action Center

  • IEC Lunch and Learn

  • Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

  • Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

• Climate News

  • The EPA’s Enforcement of Pollution is Declining During Trump’s Second Term

• Main Article

  • How We Make a Difference: Speaker Series and Education

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Upcoming Events

Data Centers in Illinois: Webinar by Third Act Illinois

• Wednesday, February 11, 7:00pm - 8:00pm

• Via Zoom

• RSVP HERE

Data centers are rapidly expanding across Illinois - bringing both economic opportunities and serious concerns for our communities. Join Third Act Illinois for an informative conversation on the current state of data centers in our state, including pending legislation and local efforts to ensure these developments protect resources, neighborhoods, and public interests. You’ll hear from experts about what’s happening on the ground and how you can get involved and make a difference.

How to Travel Sustainably: Webinar by Chicago Environmentalists

• Thursday, February 12th, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

• Online event

• RESERVE A SPOT

Join the Chicago Environmentalists and their featured speaker, Travel Advisor Nicole Stratman, to learn about regenerative tourism and transformational travel practices! You will leave this webinar with a new “green” lens to apply to your travel planning in 2026 and beyond.

Chicago Climate Connect’s Third Birthday Celebration

• Wednesday, February 25th, 6:00pm - 8:30pm

• Pilot Project Brewing - Wrigleyville: 3473 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657

• RESERVE A SPOT

Chicago Climate Connect is hosting a casual, open networking evening to celebrate their third anniversary. This is a free event, open to all, but registration is highly recommended as space is limited.

350 Chicago Happy Hour at Eris Brewery

• Thursday, March 5th from 5:00pm - 8:00pm

• Eris Brewery: 4240 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641

Whether you’re curious about what we do or have been volunteering with us for years, happy hours are a great way to come get involved. Feel free to sit and drink with us and ask questions or just say hello to fellow climate nerds. Every one of our happy hours so far has been a blast, so come join us, grab a brew, and spend some quality time with other 350 Chicago members!

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Action Center

IEC Lunch and Learn

During a lunch and learn with the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois (CSPI) Coalition, we discussed the importance of fossil fuel divestment in Illinois.

Thank you to the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) for hosting! If you want to learn more you can watch a recording of the talk at bit.ly/whydivestIL and check out the divestment coalition website.

Here are some highlights from the talk!

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky financial liabilities as well. On behalf of the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois coalition, we are asking Illinois legislators to sign the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and protect our pensions! Lean more and sign: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that we believe should never be passed onto ratepayers, such as their political lobbying efforts. We are asking our legislators to support the Utility Transparency Act and protect Illinois ratepayers. Learn more and sign: Utility Transparency Petition!

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Climate News

The EPA’s Enforcement of Pollution is Declining During Trump’s Second Term

A recent report published by the Environmental Integrity Project found that there were only 16 lawsuits against polluters in 2025, which is far less than the first year of the last three administrations.

There are a few reasons causing this decrease:

• Lack of employees - The Trump administration furloughed EPA staff working on on the enforcement of anti-pollution laws.

• Lack of enforcement - EPA officials are prioritizing a “compliance first” approach which attempts to informally correct violations instead of mandating enforcement.

• Lack of penalties - even when enforcement is taken, the EPA has been issuing smaller penalties for violators.

This all comes at the helm of Lee Zeldin, the lead Administrator of the EPA who has proudly advocated for deregulating environmental protections in favor of economic gains, especially for the auto industry.

via Inside Climate News: “Our nation’s landmark environmental laws are meaningless when EPA does not enforce the rules” -Jen Duggan, executive director of the Environmental Integrity Project

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How We Make a Difference: Speaker Series and Education

by Christine Skolnik

This article, focusing on our education initiatives, is the third of a three part series on what we do and how we make a difference in Chicago and Illinois. You can read the first part, on divestment, here and the second part, on utility justice and clean energy, here.

One of the core missions of 350 Chicago is transforming despair around climate into hope. There is a lot of bad news out there about climate, but it’s important that people know that we still can make a difference and that the battle is worth fighting. One important way that we try to fulfill this mission is to empower people with the knowledge that progress is being made, and that we’re all in this together. So for the last few years we have hosted regular speakers, often professors and experts, to discuss various topics around climate change in our 350 Chicago Speaker Series.

Many of our biggest and most memorable speakers have focused on the big picture, discussing our progress towards a cleaner future. For example, Bill McKibben (co-founder of 350.org) spoke about the mass deployment of solar power around the globe. We’ve also had a number of excellent speakers lay out what the path may look like to deploy clean energy at scale, such as Dr. Seth Darling’s talk Watt's Next for Energy, and Dr. Daniel Kammen’s talk Climate Change and the Just Transition. We have also focused on progress in Illinois with the talk by Dr. Trent Ford, as well as highlighted progress worldwide with talks on China's Green Energy Revolution by Changhua Wu, Dr. Peiyuan Guo, Jun Ma, as well as India’s clean energy development (the video for this will be online soon).

We also learned about potential new climate technologies, such as regenerative agriculture by Gabe Brown (from the documentary Kiss the Ground), natural hydrogen energy from Dr. Geoffrey Ellis, and enhanced geothermal energy by Lauren Boyd. Jenny Cassel and Pam Richart spoke on whether Carbon Capture is a potential cure, or a false solution.

In addition to learning about the big picture, it can sometimes be even more helpful to focus on our own lives. Jordana Composto discussed the psychology of climate action, applying the big picture to our own lives. And sometimes it’s just nice to know that we’re all in this together and we aren’t the only ones anxious about these issues. Marilee Feldman spoke specifically about this in her talk The Climate Crisis and Mental Health. And for those going to Thanksgiving and preparing to talk with your uncle who watches too much Fox News, you might find Dr. John Cook’s talk Fine-Tune Your BS Detector useful. Or, possibly our first official speaker series event by former GOP Congressman Bob Inglis on The Need for Climate Action.

We’re always bringing in new speakers, so if you are interested in learning more just keep an eye on this newsletter (we have one on Data Centers on the 11th), and check out our archive of previous talks!

• January Events

  • 1/22: 350 Speaker Series- Championing Clean Air for All: How Air Quality Affects Health

• Climate News

  • Chicago Moms Brave the Cold and Rally for Democracy

  • 2025 Marked an Important Milestone for Renewable Energy

• 350 Chicago News

  • Postcard Sorting Party Recap

  • Illinois Environmental Council Lunch and Learn Recap

• Main Article

  • 2025 Year in Review: 350 Chicago Levels Up

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January Events

350 Speaker Series- Championing Clean Air for All: How Air Quality Affects Health

• Thursday, January 22, 6:00pm CST

• Via Zoom

• REGISTER HERE

Come listen to Kristina Hamilton, MPH, Director of Advocacy for Illinois and Iowa for the American Lung Association, discuss strategic advocacy approaches to advance clean air policies that protect public health and promote environmental justice. Attendees will learn how to support state and local efforts to reduce air pollution, transition to zero-emission vehicles and clean energy, and improve air quality monitoring - especially in communities most impacted by pollution and climate change.

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Climate News

Chicago Moms Brave the Cold and Rally for Democracy

On January 20th, Kaitlin Cordes, President of the Board of 350 Chicago, led a group of Chicago-area moms in the freezing cold to protest the Trump administration’s authoritarian actions and their indefensible use of ICE against immigrants and citizens alike.

Kaitlin led the action with the group Moms for Democracy, and 350 Chicago was proud to help support and promote the event. While the event is not explicitly climate focused, the climate movement cannot survive without a functioning democracy, as we discussed during the ‘Hands Off’ protests.

2025 Marked an Important Milestone for Renewable Energy

During the first half of 2025, solar and wind energy produced 5,072 TWh power of electricity compared to 4,896 TWh produced by coal, marking the first time renewable energy surpassed coal-powered energy production. This represents a pivotal moment as countries continue to move away from fossil fuels and adopt cleaner sources of energy.

Most of the growth in renewables is the result of solar power becoming more accessible and affordable. For instance, China made significant investments in solar technology as discussed in our recent speaker series.

The United States is still seeing developments in solar and wind technology despite the Trump administration’s push toward fossil fuel investments. Ironically, the United States saw a surge in clean energy projects in 2025 as homeowners rushed to install solar panels before Biden-era tax credits expired. Last summer’s Sun Day Solar Fest highlights how public support of solar energy won’t be going away anytime soon.

via The Weather Channel- For The First Time Ever, Renewables Have Overtaken Coal In Global Power Generation: “We are seeing the first signs of a crucial turning point. Solar and wind are now growing fast enough to meet the world’s growing appetite for electricity,” said Małgorzata Wiatros-Motyka, Senior Electricity Analyst at Ember. Adding, “This marks the beginning of a shift where clean power is keeping pace with demand growth.”

via Time- The Clean Energy Boom You Missed This Year: “Solar and wind together accounted for 88% of new U.S. electrical generating capacity added in the first eight months of 2025, according to data released by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in November.”

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350 Chicago News

Postcard Sorting Party Recap

On January 4th, the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois Coalition (CSPI) gathered to sort and collate over 3,100 signed postcards collected during our joint outreach and educational efforts at events throughout Illinois. These will be delivered to Illinois policy makers over the course of 2026 during our educational outreach work to show the public support for fossil fuel divestment in Illinois.

Illinois Environmental Council Lunch and Learn Recap

On January 7th, we had a special lunch and learn webinar hosted by the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) and featuring Adriane Johnson, Senate Chief Sponsor of the act. Members of the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois Coalition (CSPI) explained why the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act is a Win-Win-Win for Illinois.

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2025 Year in Review: 350 Chicago Levels Up

by 350 Chicago Board

2025 was a pivotal year for 350 Chicago. We expanded the work we do, developing closer ties with ally organizations and coalitions such as the Climate Safe Pensions coalition, and we meaningfully advocated for pro climate policy in the state. We also reached out to more Chicagoans and Illinoisians than ever before through hosted events, protests, tabling, and of course our educational speaker series.

We also are far stronger as an organization. This was the first full year with our full time employee, Executive Director Larry Coble, who led us to be a more active organization than any year prior. We have a stronger volunteer base, a better financial position, and more active committees than ever: and even a brand new website!

Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign

In collaboration with Third Act Illinois and the Climate Reality Project Chicago, 350 Chicago took this campaign to the next level. In January, The Fossil Fuel Divestment Act was introduced to the Senate during a press conference at the Illinois State capitol building. This marked a major milestone for the Fossil Fuel Investment Campaign. Critical to gaining legislative support was the hard work of the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois coalition led by 350 Chicago, Third Act Illinois, and Climate Reality Project.

Reflecting the new strength of our coalition and relying on our incredible volunteers, we were able to completely revamp the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois Website. Public support is growing, and we now have 36 endorsing groups and counting! We met with elected officials and appointed officials across the state to educate them on divestment. We collected nearly 3000 postcards which we are hand-delivering to legislators to show them that public support for this campaign is real. You can also learn more about divestment from previous newsletter article here.

Utility Accountability Campaign

In March of 2025, 350 Chicago partnered with the Citizens Utility Board to begin our campaign to promote Utility Lobbying Reform in Illinois through the Utility Transparency Act. Because this is a less well known subject we have also been working hard to educate the public through our events, and we’ve collected nearly 2000 postcards in support of the campaign.

You can also learn more about this campaign from previous newsletter articles here and here.

Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC)

As an organization, we continued our membership and collaboration with the ICJC. We had four volunteers attending various working groups to help develop policy and assist with grassroots outreach.

Speaker Series

350 Chicago continued our Speakers Series, hosting a wide variety of educators, policymakers, and advocates. Our most well-attended was event was the talk by 350.org co-founder Bill McKibben who discussed mass solar deployment. Our speakers covered a wide range of topics including clean energy progress in China and India, climate change’s affect on the oceans, climate action planning, oceans, climate transitions, and many more. We would like to especially thank board member Rich Foss who did the lion’s share of work finding, cajoling, and pushing to promote these speakers.

We have many of the speakers on our YouTube page, and still have more to add. You can watch the Bill McKibben video here:

Actions and Protests

350 Chicago was on the ground more than ever before, joining, hosting, and promoting events throughout the year. We frequently worked with sister organizations such as Third Act Illinois where we collaborated on the Sun Day 2025 Solar Fest. 350 Chicago’s communications team created some incredible graphics and posts that the event used for social media promotion, and our volunteers helped with setup and take down to make sure the event ran smoothly.

We also joined the major rallies in Chicago such as Hands Off Day of Action in April, and the No Kings Protest in October to demand climate action from our elected representatives. At the No Kings protest we ‘adopted a block’ along with the Illinois Sierra Club and Third Act Illinois, where we received a lot of fist bumps, compliments and thank you’s for our pro-climate agenda. The Third Act dancers from our block were even featured on the Daily Show with Jon Stewart!

Communications and Social Media

350 Chicago greatly expanded our reach online and through social media. This was only possibly by super-volunteers such as Abby, tireless leader of the Communications Committee, Zack and Cole for completely revamping our much-improved website, Justina and Jane for their help creating incredible graphics, and Zack and Christine for their help with this newsletter. Because of these volunteers you can find us on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Bluesky, Meetup, and of course this newsletter, which added over 400 subscribers over the course of the year to get us to nearly 2,700.

We would like to give a particularly large thank you to all readers of this newsletter from editor Josh Horwitz and especially those generous enough to become paid subscribers and support what we do. We are working hard to make sure this is a useful platform for all climate activists in the Chicago area, and we greatly appreciate your support.

Outreach and Volunteering

We gained a lot of momentum for our campaigns this year thanks to a strategy focused on attending various events around the Chicagoland area, where we attended over 30 events, mostly over the summer when Chicagoans are out and about. 350 Chicago could be found everywhere, at farmers markets, eco-festivals, community meetups, and even the book tour for the bassist Adam Met. Each different engagement gave us an opportunity to connect with new audiences, collect postcards in support of our campaigns, and discuss the work we do with the public.

Executive Director Larry Coble’s tireless work made it possible for us to attend so many events, but we also want to highlight incredible volunteers like Abby, Joseph, Mary, Zack, Anne, and of course Yogi the Dog!

If you want to find us at one of these events in 2026 just keep an eye on this newsletter, and if you know of an event that would be a good one for us to attend, please reach out to larrycoble350@gmail.com with information.

Fundraising

In 2025, 350 Chicago secured a stronger financial footing than we have ever had before. And this success has come in the face of an extremely challenging environment for environmental nonprofits, which has resulted in the national chapter of 350.org suspending US operations. But this change does not affect our chapter, which does not and has never relied on support from the national chapter, and instead relies on the support of the people of Chicago and Illinois.

In 2025 the public came through, providing hundreds of individual donations supporting the work we do. We have new classes of donors including our new Climate Sustainer monthly donors, and paid subscribers of this newsletter, both of which are new avenues we created in 2025 for people to support us on an ongoing basis.

We also received a two-year grant for $60,000 from the Ben and Jerry’s foundation and an extremely generous anonymous donor has provided a grant for $54,000 over three years. The members of the Fundraising teams deserve lots of credit for creating materials during our various fundraising drives and grant writing efforts, including volunteers Ryan, Lawrence, Cathy, Ramya, and Adrian. But 350 Chicago would like to offer a special shout out to Board President Kaitlin Cordes for her effort in securing our larger grants and donations. Her leadership and dedication was invaluable to allowing us to level up our financial position in 2025.

Conclusion

As you can see, 2025 was a turning point year for 350 Chicago, but we aren’t done yet. We have big plans to push climate in Chicago and Illinois in 2026, despite whatever news might come out of Washington DC. And if you want to help, just get involved!

• December Events

  • 12/11: The Climate and Fiscal Case for Fossil Fuel Divestment in Illinois

  • 12/13: 350 Chicago at Patagonia Fulton Market

  • 12/21: 350 Chicago at Eco Voice Winter Solstice Celebration

• Action Center

  • #Giving Tuesday 2025

  • Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

  • Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

• Climate News

  • Trump Administration Attacks Clean Water Protections

  • ICE Raids in Chicago Spotlight the Link Between Immigrant Rights and Environmental Justice

• 350 News

  • China’s Clean, Green, and Smart Revolution on YouTube

• Main Article

  • How We Make a Difference: Utility Justice and Clean Energy

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December Events

The Climate and Fiscal Case for Fossil Fuel Divestment in Illinois

• Thursday, December 11th, 6:00pm CST

• Via Zoom

• REGISTER HERE

Join 350 Chicago in welcoming the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois Coalition for a special webinar to discuss the Illinois State Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign. The Climate Safe Pension Illinois Coalition will discuss the climate and fiscal case for the state of Illinois to follow the path of fossil fuel divestment. Learn more and register HERE.

350 Chicago at Patagonia Fulton Market

• Saturday, December 13, 11:00am - 2:00pm

• Patagonia Fulton Market, 1115 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

350 Chicago will be collecting signatures to support our climate safe pensions campaign and our utility accountability campaign at the Patagonia. Come and sign a postcard before you stock up on winter clothes!

350 Chicago at Eco Voice Winter Solstice Celebration

• Sunday, December 21, 6:30pm - 9:30pm

• St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Evanston, 939 Hinman Ave, Evanston, IL 60202

350 Chicago will be at the Eco Voice Winter Solstice Celebration at collecting signatures to support our climate safe pensions campaign and our utility accountability campaign.

“The EcoVoice Project rounds out its 2025 season with a celebration of the winter solstice. Our celebration will be centered around winter solstice traditions around the globe, across space and time. With candlelight, wassail, and solstice crafts, this collaboration with Climate Action Evanston, Interfaith Action of Evanston (Climate Change and Justice Working Group), Evanston Public Library (Blueberry Awards), The Musical Offering, 350 Chicago, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Church will include music, stories, and reflections on our connection with nature.

This year we are excited to premiere two new EcoVoice Community Songs, composed by Leah Shoshanah and Kaitlin Foley, who will also lead guest ensemble, the Evanston Folk Choir. In addition to community singing, musical offerings will include flutist Emma Hospelhorn, pianist Rick Ferguson, and vocalist Kirsten Hedegaard, who will perform peaceful winter interludes, and Indigenous storyteller Vincent Romero will share winter solstice stories.”

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Action Center

#Giving Tuesday 2025

On December 2nd, 350 Chicago participated in Giving Tuesday, a global fundraising event dedicated to donating to the community.

We appreciate everyone who donated: you all helped us raise nearly $5,000!

We also collaborated with the animation studio Open Pixel to create a video which showcases how your donations will contribute to our mission.

If you’d like to still contribute, we appreciate any donation to our end of year fundraiser HERE.

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky financial liabilities as well. On behalf of the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois coalition, we are asking Illinois legislators to sign the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and protect our pensions! Lean more and sign: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that we believe should never be passed onto ratepayers, such as their political lobbying efforts. We are asking our legislators to support the Utility Transparency Act and protect Illinois ratepayers. Learn more and sign: Utility Transparency Petition!

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Climate News

Trump Administration Attacks Clean Water Protections

The Trump administration is proposing new regulatory changes that will weaken protections on clean water, endangering both our environment and our drinking water. This includes a new interpretation of the Clean Water Act that would end protections for many wetlands and downsizing national monuments, stripping protection for many rivers and streams that provide safe drinking water, and opening them up to extractive industries like mining or oil drilling.

via Earthjustice: “Trump’s EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposed a rule that would end federal protections for many wetlands and streams in the U.S., imperiling critical habitats and the clean drinking water of millions of Americans. The new rule could strip safeguards from more than 80% of all wetlands nationwide. It would also take away protections for ephemeral streams, which make up about 59% of all streams in the U.S.. Industrial polluters have lobbied for such changes for years.”

If you want to use Earthjustice’s language, you can submit your public comment to the EPA Office of Water HERE.

via Inside Climate News: “The 31 national monuments designated since the Clinton administration, which could be downsized as the Trump administration pushes to open more public lands to extractive industries, safeguard clean water for millions of Americans, according to a new analysis from the Center for American Progress.”

ICE Raids in Chicago Spotlight the Link Between Immigrant Rights and Environmental Justice

The presence of federal ICE agents in Chicago has been damaging local communities for months. It is also affecting local environmental groups, preventing them from advocating for crucial public transition services, and forcing them to modify their tactics to successfully fight for both environmental and immigrant justice.

via Inside Climate News: “A number of environmental groups in Chicago, including GreenLatinos, have expanded their efforts far beyond the usual as ICE descended on Latino communities and people in the city this fall. Organizations that typically advocate to reduce the disproportionate effects of pollution and climate change on predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods began hosting ‘know your rights’ events, providing mutual aid and serving as rapid responders when people spotted ICE officers in an area.

It’s a striking example of how immigration and the environment intersect. Activists say it shows how targeting Latinos can harm efforts to reduce the environmental disparities plaguing Chicago, like much of the country. It also increases the odds of burnout.”

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350 News

China’s Clean, Green, and Smart Revolution on YouTube

This past summer, 350 Chicago hosted a speaker series where three Chinese green energy experts discussed their nation’s strategies for leading a meaningful power transition to combat the climate crisis. Thank you to Changhua Wu, Dr. Peiyuan Guo, and Jun Ma for an informative and engaging talk!

The discussion is now up on our YouTube page and you can watch it here:

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How We Make a Difference: Utility Justice and Clean Energy

by Christine Skolnik

This article, focusing on utility justice and clean energy, is the second of a three part series on what we do and how we make a difference in Chicago and Illinois. You can read the first part on divestment here.

Utility Transparency Campaign

Utility companies are notorious for being stuck in the past and slow to change: many rely on outdated business models dependent on fossil fuel extraction and existing fossil-fuel infrastructure. And like fossil fuel companies, utility companies will often do anything they can to protect their current business model and maximize profits at the expense of consumers.

350 Chicago is working with the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and a statewide coalition of activist and advocacy organizations to stop utilities from charging ratepayers (i.e. charging you) for costs like lawyers, experts, and lobbyists, whose job it is to support rate increases- raising your utility bills in order to increase corporate profits.

Bizarre as it may seem, utilities such as ComEd, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, Ameren and Illinois American Water are allowed to routinely charge ratepayers for initiatives that work directly against the interests of those very ratepayers. They pay for lawyers, experts, public relations, and lobbyists all for the express purpose of burnishing their image and raising their rates, charging ratepayers more. Then they include these expenses in their rates, passing the costs along to you. So in essence, you are paying for the very lobbyists who are advocating to increase your own utility bills!

In short, the utility transparency campaign demands transparency from utilities as a step toward a more just economic model. Utility transparency is also as a step in moving away from fossil fuels as a costly alternative to renewable energy generation and infrastructure. Let’s all be clear on this point: fossil fuels are now the impractical and costly alternative.

More about Utility Transparency here:

• CUB 2025 State Capitol Agenda

• Sun Day Brings Earth Day Energy to Renewables, Sierra Club

• Sign Our Utility Transparency Act Petition

Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition

350 Chicago works on clean energy and a just transition through the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) by participation in working groups focused on buildings, transportation, and policy. The large ICJC Clean Buildings working group focuses on State policies and legislation to electrify buildings and promote clean, reliable, and affordable energy.

Key pieces of state legislation that the ICJC supports are the Clean and Healthy Buildings Act (CHBA) and the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (CRGA). I represent 350 Chicago, where I work with allied organizations, contribute to ongoing policy discussions, and bring information back to 350 Chicago leadership to determine what sorts of initiatives 350 Chicago can support with endorsements and actions. 350 Chicago members and close allies have also recently participated in the Illinois Future of Gas proceedings which focus on the escalating cost of gas, rate hike controversies, and parties promoting gas while blocking electrification.

In the area of transportation, 350 Chicago representative Sarah Farbman worked with the ICJC transportation working group to pass the Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act (NITA). The NITA will invest $1.5 billion in our state’s public transit system in order to implement long overdue reforms to the CTA, Pace, and Metra in order to deliver a coordinated, cost-efficient regional transit service, it will increase service and reliability, and mitigate air and climate pollution across the state.

As in the case of the clean buildings working group, representatives advocate for 350 Chicago endorsements, relay action alerts, and encourage members to talk to their legislators about the importance of transit in general and transit funding in particular.

The combination of a fossil-fuel divestment campaign and clean-energy advocacy is a powerful one-two punch to a fossil fuel industry determined to profit at the expense of stakeholders and future generations. Just as the state divestment campaign builds on our experience with Chicago’s divestment, our current work on utility transparency and clean energy builds on our work supporting the Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), a long process that culminated with the passage of a landmark bill in 2022; our sustained work on the Chicago RF100 (Ready for 100% renewable energy) coalition; and our role, along with other allied organizations, consulting with the City and commenting on Chicago’s 2022 Climate Action Plan.

It’s all vitally important work. You can and you do make a difference.

Interested in helping us on future initiatives? Fill out our volunteer form if you’re interested in volunteering, become a paying subscriber to this newsletter, or help us with a much-appreciated donation for Giving Tuesday!

• November Events

  • 11/10: 350 Chicago General Meeting

  • 11/13: 350 Utility Justice Training - How to Combat Utility Misinformation

  • 11/17: 350 Speaker Series - Should, Will, and Can India Pursue a Sustainable Energy Transition?

• Action Center

  • Giving Tuesday!

  • Volunteer with 350 Chicago

  • Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

  • Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

• Climate News

  • EPA Proposes to End Greenhouse Gas Reporting

  • Employees Keeping Funds out of Fossil Fuel companies via 401(k) accounts

• 350 News

  • 350 Chicago and Strong Towns Host Workshop

  • New 350 Speaker Series Videos!

  • 350 Around Chicago in October

• Main Article

  • 350 Chicago and No Kings

Subscribe now

Events

350 Chicago General Meeting

• Monday, November 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

• via Zoom

Join 350 Chicago for our General Meeting! During the meeting, we will provide campaign updates and discuss the work 350 Chicago is doing in Chicago and Illinois to help preserve a livable planet. We will also provide information about ways to volunteer and get involved with 350 Chicago. Please email info@350chicago.org to attend the General Meeting, we will send you the zoom link.

350 Utility Justice Training: How to Combat Utility Misinformation

• Thursday, November 13, 6:00pm CST (4:00pm PST)

• via Zoom

• REGISTER HERE

Join people across the country who want to learn about the ways for-profit energy utilities use misinformation and false solutions to block clean energy solutions and raise rates on bill payers in our current energy system. We’ll practice going ‘deeper’ in our conversations in order to educate, agitate, and activate!

350 Speaker Series: Should, Will, and Can India Pursue a Sustainable Energy Transition?

• Monday, November 17, 6:00pm CST

• Via Zoom

• REGISTER HERE

India is the world’s most populous nation, the largest democracy, the fastest-growing major economy, and the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases. In this talk, Professor Ranjit Deshmukh will examine India’s critical challenges in meeting its rapidly growing energy demand, ensuring universal energy access, and adapting to climate change, as well as the significant opportunities to address these challenges through the deployment of clean energy technologies.

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Action Center

Giving Tuesday!

350 Chicago’s annual Giving Tuesday Fundraising drive will take place on Tuesday, December 2nd, but you can get a head start by donating today! Your gift provides critical support to fight the climate crisis through local climate action.

A gift today helps advance our Fossil Fuel Divestment and Utility Accountability campaigns, our work on clean energy in Illinois, and our efforts to share and support climate solutions across the state. Donate to our Giving Tuesday Campaign to support our work!

Volunteer With 350 Chicago

Want to spend some free time doing some good? 350 Chicago could always use volunteers to help with all aspects of our organization, from fundraising to outreach to education. Learn more about our volunteer opportunities here, or fill out our new volunteer survey to tell us more about yourself so we can find the right fit.

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky financial liabilities as well. On behalf of the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois coalition, we are asking Illinois legislators to sign the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and protect our pensions! Lean more and sign: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that we believe should never be passed onto ratepayers, such as their political lobbying efforts. We are asking our legislators to support the Utility Transparency Act and protect Illinois ratepayers. Learn more and sign: Utility Transparency Petition!

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Climate News

EPA Proposes to End Greenhouse Gas Reporting

In September, the EPA Proposed to End Greenhouse Gas Reporting entirely, leaving NGOs struggling to fill the information gap. The effect of this will be to intentionally make climate policy more difficult to implement in the future, especially for those communities hit the hardest by climate impacts. Read more here:

• EPA will halt greenhouse gas reporting for big polluters, by Jean Chemnick, E&E News via Politico, 9/12/2025

• The EPA Is Ending Greenhouse Gas Data Collection. Who Will Step Up to Fill the Gap?, by Molly Taft, Wired, 10/1/2025

Employees Keeping Funds out of Fossil Fuel Companies via 401(k) accounts

Many employees are already choosing funds to keep fossil fuel investments out of their personal retirement accounts, resulting millions- perhaps billions- shifted away from fossil fuel investments, and saving employees from exposure to the volatile fossil fuel industry which often under-performs the broader market. These individual actions are very similar to what we are trying to achieve with the Illinois pensions in our Climate Safe Pensions initiative! Read more here:

• Employees are already keeping billions out of fossil fuels via their 401(k)s, by Fossil Free Funds, 9/17/2025

• 75% of 401(k) Participants Want Sustainable Investing, But Most Don’t Know It’s an Option: Morgan Stanley, by ESG News, 7/29/2025

• Another bad year – and decade – for fossil fuel stocks, by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, 1/27/2025

350 News

Ben & Jerry’s Foundation Awards Two-Year Grant to 350 Chicago

We’re pleased to share that the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation has awarded us a two-year unrestricted general operating support grant in the total amount of $60,000.00. They noted that they were “impressed with the proposal and group conversation.” We will be using these funds to support our Illinois Divestment and Utility Accountability campaigns, as well as enable us to work even harder in 2026.

We are incredibly thankful to the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation for their support and believing in our mission to help educate and enable Chicagoans to fight climate change. Thank you also to all our hardworking volunteers who are doing the good work on the ground, which is clearly reflecting well on us as an organization.

350 Chicago and Strong Towns Host Workshop

On October 20th, 350 Chicago partnered with Strong Towns Chicago to present a workshop about contacting your representatives. We discussed when and how to contact your representatives and then practiced techniques for communicating effectively. Feel free to check out the slides!

New 350 Speaker Series Videos!

Three new videos are available on the 350 Chicago YouTube page from our Speaker Series events! If you missed the events in Zoom but were at all curious about the topics discussed feel free to check out the videos below!

350 Around Chicago in October

350 Chicago was at the OAKtoberfest in Glen Ellyn Illinois, where we collected about a hundred signed postcards each for the divestment campaign and for the Utility Transparency campaign! We were also at the Sustainable Action in Fashion event with Chicago Climate Connect, collecting postcards and talking to people about our work in Chicago and Illinois in fighting the climate crisis. Thanks to everyone who came out to see us!

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350 Chicago and No Kings

by Joshua Horwitz

On October 18, millions of people around the country came together to peacefully protest the Trump Administrations’ attack on democracy, marking one of the largest single day protests in American History. Chicagoans came out in force, stretching over 2 miles downtown, in addition to sister rallies across the neighborhoods and suburbs. The message was clear: we not going to stand idly by while Donald Trump and his cronies kidnap our neighbors, dismantle our civil institutions, and undermine democracy itself.

“No Kings was an amazing experience. Over 250,000 Chicagoans gathered to protect democracy and everything that democracy makes possible, such as climate action. Without our democracy, solving the climate crisis becomes all that much harder.” - Larry Coble, Executive Director, 350 Chicago

350 Chicago was out on the streets, ‘Adopting a Block’ in collaboration with our partner organizations Third Act Illinois and the Sierra Club. (more pics from our experience HERE). While climate may not have been the focus of the protests, protecting our democracy is absolutely critical for the climate movement. (see 350 Chicago and No Kings: Why Our Planet Needs All of Us to Preserve Democracy)

“The energy during the parade was invigorating. The entire city’s diversity and creativity were on full display. It was a fun, safe, and refreshingly positive environment that made me feel proud to stand up to the injustices in our city and across the country.” - Zack Gilbert, 350 Chicago

At No Kings, the mood was overwhelmingly joyful despite this difficult moment. One of the highlights of the rally was the Flash Mob Dancers who entertained marchers for hours, led by our friends at Third Act and the incredible choreographer Heidi. Marchers loved the energy, and so did Jon Stewart! (Our dancers were featured in The Daily Show episode below at timestamps 7:07 and again at 19:04)

“It gave me a lot of hope, seeing all those people show up. It was a real show of people power, now the question is how can we best channel that people power to help each other.” - Abby Schwartz, 350 Chicago

No Kings, like most peaceful protests, wasn’t about obtaining an immediately tangible policy goal. It was only the beginning of a long struggle. It was a time for everyday Americans fed up with Trump’s dictatorial ambitions to see each other and be in solidarity with each other. It was our way to show the rest of the world that no matter what policy comes out of Washington, we will continue to protect our democracy, our neighbors, and our planet.

In This Issue

• Events

  • 10/12: Hour of Action With 350 Chicago and Chicago Climate Changemakers

  • 10/13: 350 Chicago General Meeting

  • 10/15: 350 Speaker Series: Climate Action Planning Webinar - Looking Beyond Carbon Neutrality and Resilience

  • 10/16: Chicago Climate Connect Green Soapbox Panel Discussion

  • 10/18: 350 Chicago at No Kings 2 Protest

  • 10/19: 350 Chicago at Re-use-a-Palooza at the Plant

  • 10/25: 350 Chicago at Evanston Farmers Market

  • 10/28: Chicago Climate Connect x Baumhart Center: Advancing Climate Solutions Through Global Exchange

  • 11/1: 350 Chicago at McHenry County Green Expo

• Action Center

  • How You and Your Workplace Can Support 350 Chicago

  • Build Clean Energy Now Petition

  • Climate Safe Pensions Petition

  • Utility Transparency Act Petition

• News

  • Sun Day Solar Fest 2025

  • 350 Chicago Happy Hour Recap

  • 350 Chicago Volunteering Recap: Fall Nature Fest, Growing Home in Englewood, Sustainable Fashion in Action

  • Can the Latest Youth Climate Case Win Where Others Have Failed?

• Main Article

  • 350 Chicago and No Kings: Why Our Planet Needs All of Us to Preserve Democracy

Subscribe now

Events

Hour of Action With 350 Chicago and Chicago Climate Changemakers

• Sunday, October 12th, 3:30pm - 4:30pm

• The Unwaste Shop, 1108 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607

• REGISTER HERE (free)

Hours of Action are 60-minute events with live and productive action-taking where attendees advance U.S. climate policy through timely, strategic civic action. Hours of Action are available both virtually nationwide and in person in cities across the U.S. Wherever you show up, just bring a laptop and the host will have everything else you need, so no prep is needed, ever.

350 Chicago General Meeting

• Monday, October 13th, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

• via Zoom

Join 350 Chicago for our General Meeting! During the meeting, we will provide campaign updates and discuss the work 350 Chicago is doing in Chicago and Illinois to help preserve a livable planet. We will also provide information about ways to volunteer and get involved with 350 Chicago. Please email info@350chicago.org to attend the General Meeting, we will send you the zoom link.

350 Speaker Series: Climate Action Planning Webinar - Looking Beyond Carbon Neutrality and Resilience

• Wednesday, October 15th, 6:00pm

• Zoom Webinar

• REGISTER HERE (free)

In this talk, Dr. Adrienne Greve will summarize what a climate action plan (CAP) is, what they most often do or cover, and how the best developed CAPs are successful. She will then go beyond the traditional aspects of climate planning to talk about some aspects that are often left out such as the development of municipal infrastructure and the means of financing these aspects of city functioning. REGISTER HERE.

Chicago Climate Connect Green Soapbox Panel Discussion

• Thursday, October 16th, 6:00pm - 9:00pm

• 111 N Canal St, Chicago, 60606

• REGISTER HERE (free)

Join us for food and drinks as expert speakers discuss sustainable food technologies, impacts on agriculture, and everything else you might want to know about how local food systems are adapting to today’s climate challenges.

350 Chicago at No Kings 2 Protest

• Saturday, October 18th, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

• Grant Park

In the wake of unprecedented attacks on democracy and fellow Americans, we stand at a crossroads in America where the rule of law, climate work, and democracy itself are on the brink of destruction. As such, 350 Chicago is joining a host of organizations at the No Kings 2 protest on Saturday, October 18 to do our part to help fight for our democracy. To read more information on why we chose to join, see our article below: 350 Chicago and No Kings: Why Our Planet Needs Democracy.

350 Chicago at Re-use-a-Palooza at the Plant

• Sunday, October 19th, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

• The Plant, 1400 W 46th St Suite 211, Chicago, IL 60609

350 Chicago will be volunteering at Reuse-a-Palooza at the Plant. We will be gathering signatures in support of the State Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign and the Utility Accountability Campaign. Come meet us at our booth!

350 Chicago at Evanston Farmers Market

• Saturday, October 25th, 7:30am - 1:00pm

• 7:00am - 7:30am early access for seniors and adults with disabilities

• Located at the intersection of University Place and Oak Avenue next to the Hilton Garden Inn Chicago North Shore/Evanston

350 Chicago will be collecting signatures to support our climate safe pensions campaign and our utility accountability campaign. Free parking for the farmers market is available in the adjacent 1800 Maple Avenue Self Park. Be sure to get your parking voucher verified at the City of Evanston booth.

Chicago Climate Connect x Baumhart Center: Advancing Climate Solutions Through Global Exchange

• Tuesday, October 28th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

• Baumhart Hall, 26 E Pearson St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States

• REGISTER HERE (free)

Join the Baumhart Center and Chicago Climate Connect for a conversation that will explore how the exchange of ideas across regions can spark unexpected insights, challenge assumptions, and show how local breakthroughs can inspire global action to confront the climate crisis. The program will include opportunities to network with fellow attendees, gain perspectives from an inspiring panel, and learn about additional ways to stay connected to the climate community in Chicago and beyond.

350 Chicago at McHenry County Green Expo

• Saturday, November 1st, 10:00am - 3:00pm

• McHenry County College, 8900 US Hwy 14, Crystal Lake, Illinois 60012

• Free admission

The Green Living Expo will feature a 2,500-gallon fish tank with native fish, pumpkin composting, an interactive watershed exhibit, eco-friendly vendors, and free fixes for small items at the repair fair. Stop by to say hi to 350 Chicago and get in on the action!

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Action Center

How You and Your Workplace Can Support 350 Chicago

Wondering how you can help continue to support us? It’s easier than you think!

The best way to help is by volunteering with us! Just go to our volunteer page and sign up! We can use volunteers in every campaign, from Fundraising to Outreach to Divestment, to Communications (which runs this newsletter).

Short on time? The most consistent way to support us monetarily is by becoming a monthly climate sustainer. Monthly donors are the backbone of our organization and allow us to do the work we do day-in and day-out.

You can also give through your workplace! As a member of Community Shares of Illinois, 350 Chicago has benefited through giving campaigns at workplaces throughout Illinois.

Build Clean Energy Now Petition

America stands at a crossroads in our energy future. While our nation has led the world in clean energy innovation and deployment for decades, recent federal actions threaten to undermine the progress that has made energy more affordable, created hundreds of thousands of jobs, and strengthened our economic competitiveness. We call on our local elected officials to embrace clean energy as the foundation for economic prosperity, energy independence, and a healthier future for everyone.

Learn more and sign here: Build Clean Energy Now Petition!

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky with significant financial liabilities. The state of Illinois can be both a climate leader and protect the health of its pension funds by divesting from fossil fuels. Climate Safe Pensions Illinois, a coalition whose members include 350 Chicago, Third Act Illinois, and The Climate Reality Project Chicago Metro Chapter, is, therefore, asking the State of Illinois to protect pension funds and provide more transparency to the holders.

Learn more and sign here: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that should be charged to their shareholders! They routinely charge ratepayers for the cost of a range of lobbying activities without the ratepayers knowledge.

Learn more and sign here: Utility Transparency Petition!

Subscribe now

News

Sun Day Solar Fest 2025

by Christine Skolnik

Solar Fest on September 21^st at Montrose Beach was one of over 400 Sun Day events in the U.S. and abroad drawing attention to and celebrating solar energy for everyone. 350 Chicago collaborated with Third Act Illinois and a variety of environmental and renewable energy allies in producing a family-friendly day of entertainment, education, and mutual support. We also got some important media coverage!

See this report on CBS News Chicago

The entertainment consisted of live music including Blues and Folk singers, a Latin ensemble, and a small Jazz band; a flash mob with activists dressed up as flowers, insects, and an extra, extra, large caterpillar, all dancing to Bob Marley’s inspirational “Get Up, Stand Up”; and a hugely successful kids activity raising and running underneath a colorful “sun” parachute.

In addition to our illustrious and perennially optimistic host, NPR’s Jerome McDonnel, we heard short but inspiring speeches from various allied organizations. We learned about State policies and legislation, support for people at all income levels interested in installing solar energy, and the wide variety of negative health impacts from air pollution and climate change. The information tables were also interesting and truly educational. My adult son learned how to opt into renewables as a renter (at the Citizens Utility Board table), and I learned about the 360 Energy Groups when a representative visited the 350 table bearing gifts. I was particularly heartened by the display of EV’s in various shapes, sizes, and price ranges (including my very own, very cool Toyota bZ4x).

The event was distinguished from other 350 Chicago actions by two important and uplifting features. First, it was designed to include families and young children. My son (a pre-school teacher) and I pretested solar-powered toy cars which we found really, really fun and instructive. Second, the event was a truly collaborative enterprise in which 350 Chicago members were able to reconnect with old allies, such as Citizens Utility Board and Edgewater Environmental Coalition as well as Third Act Illinois, and meet new ones such as Illinois Solar for All and 360 Energy Group. The spirit of collaboration was evident from set up starting before 9 am until break down after 4 pm, and indeed all through the event. Volunteers from different organizations assembled a stage and solar-powered audio system; helped each other pitch tents all around the park; signed each other’s petitions and post cards; and made sure everyone stayed safe, hydrated, and fed.

We took care of each other. And that’s the real bottom line.

350 Chicago Happy Hour Recap

350 Chicago hosted our Summer Happy Hour at the Adams Street Brewery. We had lively, casual conversations about climate activism and enjoyed each other’s company. Of course, everyone ate huge pretzels and drank some tasty beer. Thanks to everyone who came. It was a great turn out!

350 Chicago Volunteering Recap: Fall Nature Fest, Growing Home in Englewood, Sustainable Fashion in Action

350 Chicago was present volunteering all over Chicago last month; a few highlights were the 2025 Fall Nature Fest at LaBagh Woods, the Growing Home Certified Organic Farm in Englewood (as usual the produce was top notch, especially the Eggplant!), and Sustainable Fashion in Action with Chicago Climate Connect. Thank you to everyone who came out to learn about what we do and sign petitions for our campaigns! Interested in helping volunteer at future events? Reach out to get involved with us here!

Can the Latest Youth Climate Case Win Where Others Have Failed?

via Inside Climate News: In Lighthiser v. Trump, 22 young people are asking a federal court to declare executive orders that “unleash” fossil fuels unconstitutional. It will be an uphill battle as they face some of the same challenges that led to the dismissal of another famous climate case. 350 Chicago reported on these egregious executive orders in our February newsletter.

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Main Article

350 Chicago and No Kings: Why Our Planet Needs All of Us to Preserve Democracy

As a climate-focused nonprofit, 350 Chicago finds itself at a crossroads. We have always been laser-focused on climate. We are also a 501(c)(3), which means we do not support political candidates and we do not engage with political campaigns or PACs. We are truly nonpartisan, neither Democrat nor Republican. When covering politics, we focus exclusively on climate policy (which has been an ongoing disaster under Trump). But Trump’s attacks on our democratic institutions go far beyond his attacks on the EPA or climate science.

Like many of you, we have watched with dismay as the Trump administration dismantles the fundamental institutions which preserve our democracy. The full extent of these attacks are beyond what we can list here, but if you are brave enough to turn on the news these days you have undoubtedly watched example after example as Trump dismantles our systems of checks and balances, hollows out federal agencies, threatens free speech, and works to undermine the electoral process itself.

Now, following the playbook of all tyrants, Trump is using force and violence to attack dissenters and political opponents. He has set his sights on Chicago, deploying ICE agents like his personal police force, kidnapping and disappearing children and families, clashing with protesters, and spreading intimidation and fear. He is sending the Texas National Guard to Chicago, against the express wishes of Governor Pritzker. He has made it clear he intends to use the federal government shutdown to further attack his political opponents, and is now openly celebrating Project 2025, as he follows its playbook to seize power and silence opposition.

The march towards authoritarianism is clear: if we continue down it much longer, the American people will no longer have a voice in our government. There will be no checks and balances on Trump’s power. Democracy as we know it in America will cease to function.

So, the question for a climate-focused organization like ours: Is preserving American democracy within our mission of protecting our climate and environment? We believe the answer is unequivocally YES.

If Americans are no longer able to participate in government, there will be no method where we can advocate for our families, our communities, or our planet. When it comes to climate, we are already rapidly speeding down a path to a warming planet that may be uninhabitable for future generations. Without the institutions of a democracy, we lose any ability to change course.

With this in mind, 350 Chicago officially joins the No Kings movement and will be marching on Saturday, October 18th. We may be a small organization without powerful political connections or vast sums of wealth, but we believe it is essential we play our small role to preserve our democracy, so that we can have some hope of preserving our planet as well. Hope to see you all out there with us on the 18^th!

• 350 Chicago Has a New Website!

• September Events

  • September 13: 350 at Fall Nature Fest at LaBagh Woods

  • September 16: 350 Speaker Series - “Small Businesses, Big Impact: Leading the Way in Sustainability”

  • September 21: Sun Day Solar Fest

  • September 28: 350 at North Center Sustainability Market

• Action Center

  • Become a 350 Chicago Monthly Sustainer!

  • Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

  • Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

• Climate News

  • Energy Dept Report Paves the Way to End Regulation of Greenhouse Gases

  • Trump Declares War on Wind Power

  • Data Centers and A.I. are Spiking Energy Usage and Energy Bills

• Main Article: How we Make a Difference: Divestment

350 Chicago has a New Website!

350 Chicago has a BRAND NEW WEBSITE: www.350chicago.org.

Our new site was built from the ground up, spearheaded by super-volunteers Zack and Cole (see our Meet the Team page).

The new site does a fantastic job of showcasing how far we’ve come as an organization. It’s a great place to start if you’ve heard of us but want to learn more about who we are and what we do. Check out our most recent updates, learn the history of 350 Chicago, take a look at our recent accomplishments, check out some of our past speaker series videos, or look into how to get involved with our organization.

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September Events

350 at Fall Nature Fest at LaBagh Woods

• Saturday, September 13, 12:00pm - 3:00pm

• LaBagh Woods, Grove 2

350 will be tabling at the Fall Nature Fest at LaBagh Woods! We will be gathering signatures in support of the State Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign and the Utility Accountability Campaign and to generally talk about our work in Chicago and Illinois.

350 Speaker Series - “Small Businesses, Big Impact: Leading the Way in Sustainability”

• September 16, 6:00pm

• via Zoom, REGISTER HERE

Small businesses have a powerful opportunity to lead in sustainability by being central to reducing emissions, waste, contributing to healthier communities and building long-term economic resilience. While facing challenges like limited funding and resources, adopting sustainable practices offers many benefits, including cost savings and enhanced customer loyalty.

The webinar will explore the way small businesses lead on climate action in Illinois by examining key trends and business drivers for sustainability and their benefits. The Illinois Green Business Program is a vital resource helping businesses reach local and regional climate goals. We'll discuss how the program supports small businesses on their sustainability journey, highlighting successful case studies from across the state. The program assists small businesses in areas like energy efficiency, waste reduction, and eco-friendly sourcing, leading to increased profitability and a positive environmental impact.

The session concludes with a discussion on the ways community members can actively support their local green businesses by showing they value sustainability, thus encouraging more businesses to adopt climate-smart solutions.

Cassie Carroll is the Assistant Director to the EnergySense Resilience Center, see more about her here.

Sun Day Solar Fest

• Sunday, September 21, 12:00pm - 4:00pm

• Montrose Beach (adjacent to dog park), 610 W Lawrence, Chicago IL 60613

• RSVP HERE (free!)

Come join Third Act Illinois, 350 Chicago and our partner organizations for the Sun Day Solar Fest!

What's the Sun Day Solar Fest? It's a nationwide celebration of clean energy progress—and a chance to stand up for the solar and wind power that's making our communities healthier, quieter, and more affordable.

Why Should You Come? Whether you're interested in saving money on your energy bills, breathing cleaner air, supporting local jobs, or just curious about clean energy, this event is for you! You'll get to:

• See real results: Hear from neighbors who are saving money with clean energy

• Get practical info: Learn from experts about programs and incentives that could help you save on your energy bills

• Connect with the community: Meet local clean energy businesses and neighbors who share your interests

• Have fun: Enjoy a wide variety of entertainment such as music, kids' activities, “flash mob” dancing, sing-alongs, and entertaining speakers

• Make a difference: Be part of a national movement of people moving to clean energy

Free and Family-Friendly! This event is open and welcoming to everyone whether you're a clean energy expert or just getting started learning about solar and wind power, and battery storage. Join us for an afternoon of fun and information about the clean energy revolution! RSVP HERE

350 at North Center Sustainability Market

• Sunday, September 28, 10:00am - 4:00pm

• Northcenter Town Square, 4100 Damen Ave.

350 will be tabling at the North Center Sustainability Market! We will be gathering signatures in support of the State Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign and the Utility Accountability Campaign and to generally talk about our work in Chicago and Illinois.

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Action Center

Become a 350 Chicago Monthly Sustainer!

Help 350 Chicago increase its impact by becoming a 350 Chicago Climate Sustainer!

Monthly donations are extremely important for a small organization like ours. They make it easier for us to budget, help us accelerate our impact, and lower our administrative costs, so we can focus more of our time and efforts on fighting the climate crisis.

What does your gift support? Here are just a few examples:

• Sponsors our Fossil Fuel Divestment and Utility Accountability campaigns

• Helps us organize our 60-plus core volunteers

• Supports events like the upcoming Sun Day Solar Fest on September 21st

• Underwrites 350 Chicago’s ongoing monthly Speaker Series events

• Funds our 350 Chicago and Climate Safe Pensions Illinois websites

• Supports our outreach efforts at tabling events

• Provides funding to print postcards, buttons, and literature for our campaigns

• And so much more!

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky with significant financial liabilities. The state of Illinois can be both a climate leader and protect the health of its pension funds by divesting from fossil fuels. Climate Safe Pensions Illinois, a coalition whose members include 350 Chicago, Third Act Illinois, and The Climate Reality Project Chicago Metro Chapter, is, therefore, asking the State of Illinois to protect pension funds and provide more transparency to the holders.

Learn more and sign here: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that should be charged to their shareholders! They routinely charge ratepayers for the cost of a range of lobbying activities without the ratepayers knowledge.

Learn more and sign here: Utility Transparency Petition!

Subscribe now

Climate News

Energy Dept Report Paves the Way to End Regulation of Greenhouse Gases

The Trump administration is moving full steam ahead in rolling back the EPA’s ability to regulate greenhouse gases. The EPA’s authority to regulate these climate-change causing emissions derives from the 2009 ‘Endangerment Finding’ where the Obama-era EPA determined that greenhouse gases posed a risk to public health and welfare by driving climate change. This brought all greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide and methane under the EPA’s authority to regulate, and forms the basis of all federal regulation of greenhouse gases from buildings, vehicles, and other sources. This determination was rooted in a global scientific consensus and affirmed by the supreme court.

Now, Trump’s energy secretary Chris Wright has assembled five hand-picked skeptics to form a ‘Climate Working Group’ who drafted a report which questions the science behind the endangerment finding. This report has been widely derided by the scientific community as full of holes, misrepresentation, and cherry-picked data, and multiple environmental groups have already brought suit challenging it. However, Trump’s EPA is nonetheless using this report as a justification to roll back regulation based on the Endangerment Finding. This is all likely laying the groundwork for a full rollback of the endangerment finding, which would end federal regulation of climate change causing greenhouse gas emissions under the EPA.

Read more here:

• Dozens of scientists find errors in a new Energy Department climate report, by Julia Simon, NPR, 9/2/2025

• Green groups sue Trump administration over report downplaying climate damage, by Rachel Frazin, the Hill, 8/12/2025

• Trump’s Department of Energy Gets Scienced, by Bill McKibben, the New Yorker, 9/3/2025

• Why the EPA’s Endangerment Finding Matters, by Alison Cagle, Earthjustice, 7/29/2025

Trump Declares War on Wind Power

The Trump administration has declared war on wind power with little or no justification, making it clear just how much fossil fuel interests have captured the current administration. The administration’s attacks are halting wind projects across the country mid-development and sometimes when nearly complete, withdrawing hundreds of millions of dollars of funding already allocated to wind development, and throwing the entire industry into chaos.

These attacks jeopardize a critical source of clean, renewable energy and benefit only legacy fossil fuel interests at the expense of our environment, the reliability of our electric grid, and taxpayers who are paying more with fewer energy sources in the market. Read more here:

• With Little Explanation, Trump Throws Wind Industry Into Chaos, By Brad Plumer and Lisa Friedman, The New York Times, 8/26/2025

• White House Orders Agencies to Escalate Fight Against Offshore Wind, by Maxine Joselow, Lisa Friedman, and Brad Plumer, The New York Times, 9/3/2025

• Trump admin sued by developers and two states after stopping work on nearly complete offshore wind farm project, by Ella Nilsen, CNN, 9/4/2025

Data Centers and A.I. are Spiking Energy Usage and Energy Bills

If you noticed your energy bills going up, you’re not alone. Energy bills are spiking nationwide, and in Illinois in particular. A common cause are data centers powering artificial intelligence, many of which are in Illinois. These data centers use gigantic amounts of power to power artificial intelligence and large language models such as Chat-GPT, Gemini, Anthropic, and others. The rise of this technology is not only increasing energy costs, but also increasing the amount of energy usage worldwide, making it that much more difficult to transition to clean energy. Read more here:

• From data centers to grid costs, here’s why your energy bill keeps rising, by Kelsey Rettke, Shaw Local 9/1/2025

• Data centers fuel higher power bills. Lawmakers must act, opinion piece by the Illinois Clean Jobs Association, Crain’s Chicago Business 9/5/2025

• Big Tech’s A.I. Data Centers Are Driving Up Electricity Bills for Everyone, by Ivan Penn and Karen Weise, The New York Times, 8/14/2025

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How We Make a Difference: Divestment

by Christine Skolnik

This article, focusing on fossil fuel divestment, is the first of a three-part series on what we do and how we make a difference in Chicago and the State of Illinois.

Our Mission

350.org is an international organization working to “create a world powered by just and accessible renewable energy that will move us away from fossil fuels, for good.” The Chicago chapter of 350 supports this global mission by including our neighbors in Chicago and Illinois through tangible actions that make a positive impact on climate and the planet. Our chapter is a national leader and was recently included as a general member of the 350 Network Council.

Fossil Fuel Divestment

Fossil fuel divestment is one of the core campaigns of 350.org and the Chicago chapter. This has been a priority of founder Bill McKibben, as a way to hold accountable not just polluters but the also those who profit by them and support them.

“if it’s wrong to wreck the planet, then it’s wrong to profit from that wreckage.”

- Bill McKibben, founder of 350.org (via Fossil Free)

In 2022, a coalition led by 350 Chicago won an eight-year campaign to convince the City of Chicago to divest its operating budget from fossil fuels, and pass an ordinance to make this change permanent (see our history). This was a great victory in the divestment movement, and shows other cities that this can be done.

After winning in Chicago, we are turning our attention to the state. The current campaign is working to push the Illinois legislature to fully divest the state pension funds from fossil fuels.

Why Divest from Pension Funds?

Pension funds control trillions of dollars in investments worldwide and are some of the largest investors in fossil fuels. Illinois has an opportunity to slow the flow of capital to the fossil fuel industry by divesting its pension portfolios from fossil fuel funds.

Divesting pension funds from fossil fuels is not only good for the planet, it is a fiscally responsible decision for Illinois pensioners and citizens as a whole. This is because fossil fuel investments have lower returns than the rest of the market and compared to other investment sectors such as communication services, consumer goods, financials, health care, and others.

State divestment would align Illinois with the highly successful global divestment movement, and would be an important step toward slowing fossil fuel expansion in the U.S. and abroad. See more about the global campaign here.

So, how are we making a difference?

Chicago 350 is a founding member of Climate Safe Pensions Illinois, a collation of environmental groups with a mission to divest Illinois public pension funds from fossil fuels. Our Fossil Fuel Divestment Act (SB0130/HB3961), introduced into the State legislature in January of 2025, requires pension funds to divest public holdings in top 200 oil, coal, and natural gas companies over a period of five years. It also requires pension funds to publicly disclose their holdings and climate-related financial risks.

Over the past three years Chicago 350 and Climate Safe Pensions Illinois collation members have met with numerous state legislators and have secured sponsorship of the bills from a wide variety of house representative and senators. This year coalition members met with Sen. Robert Martwick, chair of Senate Pension Committee and representatives of several of the pension funds, to discuss the bill. The coalition is now in direct discussion with a number of pension funds opposed to the bill to understand their concerns as stakeholders and to address those concerns.

Every single month we are on the ground talking to people about this campaign and gathering postcards from constituents we hand-deliver to these legislators to show them that this is a priority. This is the main focus of our tabling activities, of which we have many in September- just see our events above!

How can you help?

During the Chicago divestment campaign Chicago 350 leadership learned that passing legislation is a gradual process that requires unwavering dedication and consistent work by a team of passionate leaders and members. The State campaign has to reach a far greater geographic area than just Chicago and is facing stiffer resistance, so the membership at large really needs to pitch in to make it happen. Luckily there’s a lot you can do!

• Come meet us at one of our events above, and sign postcards we will hand-deliver to your state representatives!

• Sign our online petition!

• Get involved and come volunteer with us!

• Become a 350 Chicago monthly donor and support our work!

In short, Bugs Bunny said it best in Space Jam: “Eh, what I’m trying to say is, we need your heeeeelp!!!!!”

Christine Skolnik is one of 350 Chicago’s Core Volunteers.

In This Issue

• Events

  • August 11: 350 Chicago General Meeting

  • August 13: Sun Day Solar Fest Kickoff Meeting (Third Act IL)

  • August 20: A Fireside Chat With Manuela Zoninsein, Founder & CEO of Kadeya (Chicago Climate Connect)

  • August 21: 350 at the Growing Home Farmers Market

  • August 21: 350 Chicago Speaker Series- China’s Clean Green and Smart Energy Revolution

  • August 23: 350 at the Streamwood Resource Fair

  • August 28: 350 Chicago Happy Hour!

  • August 30: 350 at the Oak Park Farmers Market

• Action Center

  • Tell Your Alder: Support the Hazel M. Johnson Community Impacts Ordinance

  • Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

  • Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

• In Brief

  • 350 Chicago at the Wild Mile

  • Illinois Climate Bank Grant Programs Re-Opening

• Main Article

  • Trump Wages War on Clean Energy While China Takes the Lead

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Events

350 Chicago General Meeting

• Monday, August 11, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

• via Zoom

Join 350 Chicago for our General Meeting! During the meeting, we will provide campaign updates and discuss the work 350 Chicago is doing in Chicago and Illinois to help preserve a livable planet. We will also provide information about ways to volunteer and get involved with 350 Chicago. Please email info@350chicago.org to attend the General Meeting, we will send you the zoom link.

Sun Day Solar Fest Kickoff Meeting

• Wednesday, August 13, 6:50pm

• via Zoom

• REGISTER HERE

via Third Act Illinois: Join Third Act Illinois as we prepare for Chicago's Sun Day Solar Fest! Our special guest, Bill McKibben, founder of Third Act and legendary environmentalist, journalist, and advocate for clean energy, will share his vision for this nation-wide celebration of clean energy progress. Questions? Contact illinois@thirdact.org.

A Fireside Chat With Manuela Zoninsein, Founder & CEO of Kadeya

• Wednesday, August 20, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

• mHub, 1623 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612 (free parking available onsite)

via Chicago Climate Connect: Join us for an evening of connection and conversation with Manuela Zoninsein, Founder & CEO of Kadeya, as we explore how reuse infrastructure can drive meaningful systems change. From her work advancing closed-loop beverage solutions to her advocacy around Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy in Illinois, Manuela brings a sharp perspective on what it takes to shift industries toward circularity. Learn more at CCC here.

350 Chicago Speaker Series: China’s Clean Green and Smart Revolution

• Thursday, August 21, 6:00pm

• via Zoom

• REGISTER HERE

In face of the climate crisis, the Trump Administration rolls back clean energy efforts in the United States. Meanwhile, China is making extraordinary strides in developing the future of clean energy.

The event will feature three world class professionals who specialize in China’s clean energy transition: Changhua Wu, President of Global Climate Academy and Chair of Governing Council of Asia Pacific Water Forum; Peiyuan Guo, Chairman; and SynTao Green Finance and China Representative of UNEP FI, who will be speaking on green finance and corporate sustainability, and Jun Ma, Director, Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs, who speak on Solar Map, and Digital Empowerment for corporate environmental information disclosure and reporting.

350 Chicago at Growing Home Farmers Market

• Thursday, August 21, 11:00am - 5:00pm

• Growing Home Farmers Market, 5814 S. Wood St., Chicago, IL

350 Chicago will be tabling at the Growing Home Farmers market in Englewood. For those of you on the south side of Chicago this is a great opportunity to come meet us and help fight climate change by buying postcards and supporting this urban farm!

350 Chicago at Streamwood Resource Fair

• Saturday, August 23, 12:00pm - 2:00pm

• Streamwood Resource Fair at Rahlff's Woods, 1350 S Park Ave, Streamwood, IL

350 Chicago will be tabling at the Streamwood Resource Fair at Rahlff’s Woods collecting signatures for our divestment and utility accountability campaigns!

350 Chicago Happy Hour!

• Thursday, August 28, 5:00pm - 8:00pm

• Adams Street Brewery, 17 W Adams St, Chicago, IL

• REGISTER HERE

350 Chicago is hosting a Happy Hour! Come out to Adams Street Brewery in Chicago's Loop on Thursday, August 18th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM for a bit of socializing with volunteers of our organization and learn about the work 350 Chicago is doing in the city of Chicago and in Illinois. This is a great opportunity for both current volunteers and those who haven’t volunteered before but are curious about what we do! Look for us at one of the larger tables and enjoy a high quality beer and talk about the climate, your favorite book, your favorite baseball team or just about any topic.

Tabling at Oak Park Farmers Market

• Saturday, August 30th from 7:00am - 1:00pm

• Oak Park Farmers Market,

350 Chicago will be tabling at the Oak Park Farmers Market collecting signatures for our divestment and utility accountability campaigns. For those of you in the Western Suburbs it’s a great opportunity to come say hi and make a dent in the battle against the climate crisis!

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Action Center

Tell Your Alder: Support the Hazel M. Johnson Community Impacts Ordinance

350 Chicago joins a coalition of environmental organizations in Chicago in support of the Hazel M. Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance. The ordinance seeks to address pollution in Chicago that disproportionally impacts certain communities on the South and West sides. If you want to help, sign the Sierra Club Petition.

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky with significant financial liabilities. The state of Illinois can be both a climate leader and protect the health of its pension funds by divesting from fossil fuels. Climate Safe Pensions Illinois, a coalition whose members include 350 Chicago, Third Act Illinois, and The Climate Reality Project Chicago Metro Chapter, is, therefore, asking the State of Illinois to protect pension funds and provide more transparency to the holders.

Learn more and sign here: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that should be charged to their shareholders! They routinely charge ratepayers for the cost of a range of lobbying activities without the ratepayers knowledge.

Learn more and sign here: Utility Transparency Petition!

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In Brief

350 Chicago at the Wild Mile

350 Chicago collected a record number of postcards at the Urban Rivers Wild Mile Block Party in July. It was an amazing community event where people from Chicago could see the restoration of the Chicago river in action at the Wild Mile. Hundreds of people came out to drink and gather, see the natural scenery, and make a difference by supporting the environmental organizations who were there tabling. We collected close to 200 postcards for the Fossil Fuel Divestment campaign and over 150 postcards for the Utility Transparency campaign!

Illinois Climate Bank Grant Programs Re-Opening

The Illinois Climate Bank is re-opening three of its grant programs. Applications will remain open until December 31, 2025, or until funds are expended. This includes the Stretch Building Code Adoption Support, the Small Utility Clean Energy Planning Grants program, and the SolarAPP+ Adoption Support program.

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Trump Wages War on Clean Energy While China Takes the Lead

by Joshua Horwitz

While the Trump administration tries to prop up outdated and destructive energy technologies in America, China is moving quickly to build the next generation of clean energy hardware. And they are exporting their progress at a gigantic scale.

The current political climate can make things seem hopeless, but they aren’t… not yet. We can still meaningfully slow the effects of climate change with “deep, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.” (IPCC 6th Assessment Report Summary for Policymakers, Section B.1).

Large scale solar deployment in particular seems to have the most potential to close the gap. This has been a big focus recently of Bill McKibben (co-founder of 350.org), who has been touting the potential of rooftop solar, and is making this a focus of the upcoming “Sun Day” (want to help? Join the kickoff event hosted by Third Act). Additionally, the exciting possibilities of solar were discussed in detail in the fantastic entry in our speaker series: Dr. Seth Darling’s ‘Watt’s Next For Energy?’:

So all hope is not lost: but we are short on time.

Unfortunately and predictably, the difference in climate leadership between the Biden and Trump administrations has been stark. Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) was ‘the largest investment in climate and energy in American history’, with over $100 billion granted to clean energy projects, with an end goal of creating a pathway to net-zero emissions by 2050.

Trump has been hostile to any environmental progress since day one: gutting the EPA, firing scientists, and pulling us out of international agreements (see our previous newsletters from February, March, and May). Things have only gotten worse as Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ constitutes a shockingly ugly giveaway to polluters, his EPA is preparing to cancel $7 billion in solar grants that have already been granted under the IRA, and now he is exploring a policy that could threaten the $317 billion in Wind Energy projects planned in the US, including $35 billion in Illinois.

Despite Trump’s best efforts, clean energy technology is entrenched by economics: it’s gotten cheaper and cheaper, often surpassing fossil fuels. Additionally, the old myth that clean energy is unreliable is being quickly dispelled. Large scale solar and wind are already playing a pivotal role supporting grid reliability. This shift to clean energy has been happening even under a hostile administration: 81% of installed energy in the US in 2024 was solar.

Additionally, the clean energy industry in the US has created hundreds of thousands of jobs from construction to research to factory work. The current administration is doing their best to put those jobs at risk, and burn the progress we’ve made in clean energy science, research, and development.

Meanwhile, China has been seizing the clean energy opportunity with both hands.

China is by no means running entirely on clean energy, but it is building, deploying, and exporting clean energy technology at gigantic scale. It dominates global manufacturing in solar, wind, batteries, and electric vehicles, which means it is also developing technological expertise in these areas and spurring new research and development. As the New York Times points out, they are already the de facto worldwide leader in these technologies:

While China still burns more coal than the rest of the world and emits more climate pollution than the United States and Europe combined, its pivot to cleaner alternatives is happening at breakneck speed. Not only does China already dominate global manufacturing of solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, E.V.s and many other clean energy industries, but with each passing month it is widening its technological lead.

There’s a Race to Power the Future. China Is Pulling Away, New York Times

The fact is that America has to do better. Dialing back progress on clean energy is not only bad for our planet and our children, it’s bad for our economy, bad for grid reliability, bad for energy costs, and bad for American jobs. All of these things take time to build and develop, and time is one thing we have less and less of as the climate crisis worsens.

So the next time someone tells you elections don’t matter and the candidates are all the same, compare the candidates’ stances on climate. Because the decisions we make now and in the next few years will be felt for generations.

Want to learn more about the progress China is making on clean energy? Register for our August 21st Speaker Series entry: China’s Clean, Green Energy Revolution. Like all of our speaker series events it is a FREE event open to the public. Even if you can’t make the event, if you sign up on Zoom you’ll get a copy of the talk emailed to you.

Interested in supporting the work we do, such as our many events above, our speaker series, and this newsletter? Consider becoming a paid subscriber to this newsletter, donate to us directly, or come meet us in person at one of our events listed above (such as our Happy Hour at Adams St brewery!)

Sources linked to in the article above:

• Renewable energy remains cheapest power builds as new gas plants get pricier, by Reuters

• Texas’ Risk of Summer Blackouts Reduced Thanks to Solar and Batteries by Inside Climate News

• 2023 Synthesis Report, by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

• The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, by the US Department of Energy (no one tell Trump this is still online!)

• Biden pushes out over $100 billion in clean energy grants as term winds down, by Reuters

• Senate Republicans’ “Big Beautiful Bill” (aka “Big Ugly Bill”) will increase energy costs and destroy our clean energy future., by League of Conservation Voters

• E.P.A. Moves to Cancel $7 Billion in Grants for Solar Energy, by NY Times

• There’s a Race to Power the Future. China Is Pulling Away, by NY Times

• Solar power surged in 2024, by Environment Illinois

• Where does the climate movement go from here? by Bill McKibbon

• Trump's Latest Policy Could Threaten Every Wind Project in America, by Michael Thomas in the Cleanview Newsletter

• Clean Energy Jobs Report, by Climate Power

In This Issue

• Events

  • July 22: 350 Chicago Speaker Series: Save our Oceans, Save Ourselves

• Action Center

  • Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

  • Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

• In Brief

  • 350 Chicago Tabling in June

  • 350 Chicago Happy Hour: Save the Date (August 28th)

  • Apply to be an Ambassador for Climate Resilience

• Main Article

  • A Concerning Lack of Regulations in Illinois’ Comprehensive Action Plan

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Events

Save our Oceans, Save Ourselves

• Tuesday, July 22, 6:00pm - 7:00pm

• via Zoom

• REGISTER HERE

Humanity is inextricably dependent on the ocean. While the ocean has changed dramatically in the past century, more change is expected. So far the ocean has absorbed most of the heat and about a third of the carbon dioxide generated by humanity. Will that continue? Fishery collapse, coral reefs dying off, increased dead zones, & more.

We’ll review key climate changes & look forward to consider what changes are likely in the coming decades. Given these changes, how can we develop new understanding to support model forecasts to help guide us as to the effects of warming acidification and deoxygenation? New approaches to ocean science built around a cooperative framework are needed.

Brad deYoung is an active researcher keen to explore new paths to apply the knowledge and skills developed over a long career as an oceanographer. We need better ways to study the ocean, to work with the data collected from the ocean and to manage the challenges facing the ocean and, by implication, the wider society.

Dr. Mona Behl serves as a senior public service associate and associate director of Georgia Sea Grant at the University of Georgia. In this role, she leads strategic initiatives that strengthen coastal communities through cutting-edge research, innovative education programs, and impactful public engagement. With a doctorate in physical oceanography from Florida State University, she brings deep expertise in marine sciences and policy. Her distinguished career includes leadership positions at premier scientific organizations, where she has pioneered programs that transform research into practical solutions.

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Action Center

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky with significant financial liabilities. The state of Illinois can be both a climate leader and protect the health of its pension funds by divesting from fossil fuels. Climate Safe Pensions Illinois, a coalition whose members include 350 Chicago, Third Act Illinois, and The Climate Reality Project Chicago Metro Chapter, is, therefore, asking the State of Illinois to protect pension funds and provide more transparency to the holders.

Learn more and sign here: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that should be charged to their shareholders! They routinely charge ratepayers for the cost of a range of lobbying activities without the ratepayers knowledge.

Learn more and sign here: Utility Transparency Petition!

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In Brief

350 Chicago Tabling in June

In June 350 Chicago tabled at a number of events, collecting hundreds of signed signed postcards supporting our fossil fuel divestment and utility accountability campaigns. These will be hand-delivered to legislators in Illinois to support our coalitions pushing forward on these climate initiatives. Thank you so much to partners Adam Met, the City Winery, the Book Cellar, Eco.Logic, and Raven Theater for hosting us and helping us to push towards a brighter climate future in Illinois!

350 Chicago Happy Hour: Save the Date!

350 Chicago will be hosting a happy hour open to everyone on Thursday, August 28th at Adams Street Brewery. If you want to meet fellow climate activists, learn about what we do, or just get a few drinks with us, please sign up and come say hello! More information and registration here: 350 Chicago Summer Happy Hour.

Apply to be an Ambassador for Climate Resilience

via Together for Nature: We are excited to share the call for applications for our second cohort of our Ambassadors for Climate Resilience Program open to three high school, college, and local community members (18 years and older). The application is found at bit.ly/tfnambassador, and it is due July 21st, 2025.

In the summer, our ambassadors distributed over 300+ bilingual flyers in their communities about local climate resilience and programs.

The program is focused on involving our diverse and environmental justice community members to lead equitable engagement and education in their communities. Through the Ambassador program, we hope to increase access to leadership, solutions, resources, and knowledge related to climate resilience, environmental justice, and equitable sustainability. These efforts will contribute to and inform larger efforts to bring programs, solutions, and funding to advance our coastal and climate resilience through community-driven pathways.

For any questions, please reach out to info@togetherfornatureil.com.

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A Concerning Lack of Regulations in Illinois’ Comprehensive Action Plan

by Christine Skolnik

On July 1^st, The State of Illinois held a stakeholder meeting at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The 1:00 PM meeting which I attended as a 350 Chicago representative was informative and lively. In addition to receiving important background information about the planning process, the meeting provided an important opportunity for allies to listen to one another. 350 Chicago has been asked to join a collation convened by the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition to comment on the plan. It was also a great chance to meet new people in sustainability and the environmental justice community.

JC Kibbey, a Climate Advisor for the State of Illinois, presented a brief summary of the existing 2024 Priority Climate Action Plan (PCAP). He described a wide array of programs and policies relating to five areas of greenhouse gas reduction: Buildings, Transportation, Industry, Agriculture, and Clean Power. (See slide deck here.) The PCAP, released in March of 2024, is the model for the comprehensive climate action plan expected to be published at the end of this year. As a direct result of the State’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grants application and wildly successful award of over $450 million from the federal government, the PCAP is built entirely of incentive and local grant programs. When asked about regulations, which are conspicuously missing in the plan, Mr. Kibbey commented that “some people” prefer carrots to sticks.

Environmentalists interested in raising EV standards (including freight trucks) noted that this language of “carrots and “sticks” was recently used in the Illinois EPA's 70-page argument, addressed to the Illinois Pollution Control Board, against adopting new electric vehicle standards (“Post Hearing Comments of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency,” page 9).

The issue of regulations was raised by several stakeholders during the Q&A period and after the breakout session. Mr. Kibbey explained that some regulations such as Renewable Portfolio Standards and Emission Reduction Plans for utilities are already in place, but also pointedly asked stakeholders to submit comments on regulations.

It seems clear that this mandate to avoid regulations is coming from the top. Is Governor Pritzker shying away from regulations for political reasons? If so, it seems that we are moving from an era where regulations were considered a form of justice- because they defended members of society and often the most vulnerable- to an era where common-sense regulations are framed as ideological. While carrots are a helpful piece of solving the climate puzzle, any climate action plan without enforceable regulations will lead to a slower transition from our fossil fuel based economy to a clean one.

If you support enforceable regulations to push for a clean energy future, you can submit comments to EPA.CPRG@illinois.gov.

This Issue

• Supporting 350 Chicago via Community Shares

• Upcoming Events

  • June 18: Adam Met Book Tour & Tabling

  • June 26: The Science and Policy of the Just Energy Transition

  • June 26-29: Come Along for the Ride: A Journey Through Climate Grief

• Action Center

  • Help Stop the Big Ugly Bill!

  • Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

  • Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

  • Why You Should Table with 350 Chicago

• In Brief

  • Decades of Deceit: The Case Against Major Fossil Fuel Companies for Climate Fraud and Damages

  • 350 Chicago Tabling at Eco-Fest

• Main Article

  • What is Utility Justice?

Supporting 350 Chicago via Community Shares

350 Chicago strives to make a positive impact on climate and the planet. We advocate for fossil fuel divestment through our coalition Climate Safe Pensions Illinois, transparency of utilities’ business practices, and creation of clean energy jobs in Illinois. Wondering how you can support these causes? Consider contributing to 350 Chicago by making a donation through a giving campaign at your workplace.

350 Chicago is a member of Community Shares of Illinois, which connects people to local nonprofits that focus on the issues and causes they care about most in their community. 350 Chicago is proud to be a member of the Community Shares of Illinois coalition of organizations working to make a difference in the state.

If your workplace offers Community Shares, you can support 350 Chicago by helping to spread the word about our important work. We will provide you with information and you can let your co-workers know how they can protect our environment by supporting 350 Chicago via Community Shares.

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Upcoming Events

Adam Met Book Tour & Tabling

• June 18, 7:30pm (doors at 6:00)

• City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph Street, Chicago, IL 60607

• Buy Tickets HERE ($40, book included)

via Planet Reimagined, City Winery, and the Book Cellar: Adam Met of pop/rock group AJR and founder of Planet Reimagined will be on a book tour for his book: Amplify: How to Use the Power of Connection to Engage, Take Action, and Build a Better World. Adam Met, PhD, seamlessly transitions between his roles as a musician, educator, and advocate. As the bassist in the multi-Platinum band AJR, he has played for millions of fans worldwide. He is the co-founder of the climate research and advocacy nonprofit Planet Reimagined and teaches about climate campaigning and policy at Columbia University.

350 Chicago will be tabling and collecting postcards for our Climate Safe Pensions Act and Utility Transparency Act campaigns. Want to come help us table at cool events like this? Read more about it in our article below, Why You Should Table with 350 Chicago, and email info@350chicago.org to get started!

The Science and Policy of the Just Energy Transition

• June 26, 6:00pm

• Zoom Webinar

• REGISTER HERE (free)

In the next entry of the 350 Chicago Speaker Series, Dr. Daniel Kammen, professor at the University of California, Berkeley and director of the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory (RAEL), will speak on the The Science and Policy of the Just Energy Transition.

While the climate science community has highlighted the critical need for immediate action towards a 1.5 degree C warming target, and while energy and transportation technologies are moving rapidly to enable that challenging goal, the US stands as a national denier that immediate action, swift transitions on both the climate crisis and justice. Every delay in moving the US to a productive, proactive position makes achieving these goals less likely. Immediate, pro-environment, pro-justice, pro-business decisions are needed at the household, state, regional, national and global levels to put us on a sustainable path. This talk will highlight a set of energy, transportation, & land-use modeling tools & policy opportunities that are consistent with the needed 1.5-degree Celsius objective that also meet social & environmental justice goals.

Come Along for the Ride: A Journey Through Climate Grief

• Thursday, June 26 - Sunday, June 29

  • 350 Chicago will be there for the performance on the 29th at 3:00pm

• Raven Theater, 6157 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60660

• Get tickets HERE (Student $15, General $28)

via Raven Theater and Eco.Logic: “Come Along for the Ride: A Journey Through Climate Grief” follows two women navigating life with climate anxiety. Sophie, a millennial in New York City, balances dating and career ambitions while grappling with the looming climate crisis. Mari, an immigrant about to have a child, traces her migration story to environmental destruction and fears for her baby’s future. Encountering activists, skeptics, and seekers of hope, Sophie and Mari confront their fears and search for resilience. The play offers audiences space for emotion, community, and action.

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Action Center

Help Stop the Big Ugly Bill!

Trump’s bloated domestic policy bill has passed the House and is now headed to the Senate. The bill gives handouts to Big Oil, tax cuts for billionaires, and funds mass detention facilities with our tax dollars — while cutting essential services for people in need, repeals IRA tax credits for clean energy initiatives, and would reverse years of progress fighting the climate crisis.

Call your senators and let them know that we do not support enriching big oil and billionaires at the expense of the rest of the country and our planet. Find your representatives HERE, and let them know you oppose the bill and urge them to do the same. Phone calls are often most effective, and remember you can keep it short and simple: you don’t need to eloquently persuade the staffer who picks up (or the voicemail), just let them know clearly and forcefully where you stand.

Here is a sample script if you want one:

You can also use Evergreen’s online system to send a message to your senators urging them to vote against the bill HERE.

For more information see articles by Bill McKibben (A Truly Dark Day in DC), Michael Thomas (The Most Important 30 Days of This Decade Are Ahead of Us), and the New York Times (Electricity Prices Are Surging. The G.O.P. Megabill Could Push Them Higher).

a single sentence was amended in such a way as to potentially kill off most of the rooftop solar industry in the U.S. -Bill McKibben, A Truly Dark Day in DC

Most clean energy and climate advocates expected it to be bad … But the bill was far worse than most advocates imagined. -Michel Thomas, The Most Important 30 Days of This Decade Are Ahead of Us

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky with significant financial liabilities. The state of Illinois can be both a climate leader and protect the health of its pension funds by divesting from fossil fuels. Climate Safe Pensions Illinois, a coalition whose members include 350 Chicago, Third Act Illinois, and The Climate Reality Project Chicago Metro Chapter, is, therefore, asking the State of Illinois to protect pension funds and provide more transparency to the holders.

Learn more and sign here: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that should be charged to their shareholders! They routinely charge ratepayers for the cost of a range of lobbying activities without the ratepayers knowledge.

Learn more and sign here: Utility Transparency Petition!

Why You Should Table with 350 Chicago

by Abigail Schwartz

Q: What is tabling?

A: Tabling is when members of 350 Chicago go to various events around the Chicago area to gather postcards supporting our initiatives and recruit volunteers. The initiatives we are currently collecting postcards for are getting the state pensions divested from fossil fuels and stopping corrupt lobbying practices by utility companies.

Here are some reasons why you should table with 350 Chicago:

Tabling is crucial to helping us accomplish our goals in fighting the climate crisis.

Postcards collected while we were campaigning to divest the city operating budget from fossil fuels were a big factor in making that campaign a success. We as an organization rely on volunteers, many of whom first hear about us because of tabling.

You get to attend interesting events in interesting places!

Because of tabling I saw a room in the Chicago Cultural Center I hadn’t seen before, attended the wild things conference for free, found the perfect mothers day gift for my mom at the Trashy Market, tasted some really great peaches at the Oak Park farmers market and more…

It is easy and low commitment.

No prior experience is needed and we provide training. Each shift is only a few hours long and any amount of time you can give is appreciated.

It is great for your professional and personal development!

The ability to talk to people from all walks of life is something that will serve you well in life and your career, this is a great way to develop that skill. Tabling is great networking especially if you want to meet people associated with climate and community organizations or sustainable business.

We will be tabling at events all summer long in the Chicagoland area: keep eye on our events above and on this newsletter to see more opportunities. Later this month we will be at the Adam Met Book Tour and at Raven Theater (both events listed above). Come volunteer with us, or just visit us at a table and fill out a postcard in support of the Utility Transparency Act.

Interested but haven’t volunteered with us before? No problem! Just email info@350chicago.org and we’ll get you set up either with tabling or some other way you can help. See you out there!

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In Brief

Decades of Deceit: The Case Against Major Fossil Fuel Companies for Climate Fraud and Damages

The Union of Concerned Scientists has just published a report, Decades of Deceit, which details how major fossil fuel companies hid knowledge about climate change for decades, funding campaigns to ‘profit from the planet’s destruction by profits over the planet deceiving the public and blocking climate action’.

The report comes on the back of a number of states and communities across the United States who are suing fossil fuel companies alleging damages as a result of this deception.

The full report can be downloaded HERE.

350 Chicago at Eco-Fest

350 Chicago tabled at the 47th Ward Eco Fest at Welles Park sponsored by Alderman Matt Martin. We collected signatures in support of our Fossil Fuel Divestment and Utility Transparency campaigns and talked about our work in Chicago and Illinois. We also had a special appearance by Yogi the dog: the best tabler in the business.

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What is Utility Justice?

by Christine Skolnik

Why care about utility justice?

Tens of millions of Americans struggle to pay their utility bills and suffer the health impacts of oil and gas emissions while utility companies make unreasonable profits.

Because these utility companies have resisted the transition to clean and affordable energy, these companies now have to charge their customers to repair outdated oil and gas infrastructure and for the exorbitant costs of building new fossil-fuel infrastructure. Utility rates are rising steeply and are expected to increase dramatically in the near future, increasing the burden on low- and middle-income ratepayers.

Frontline communities are now bearing and will continue to bear the double burden of the environmental impacts of fossil fuel burning and the economic burden of rising energy costs. To add insult to injury, utility companies use ratepayer money to lobby against the health and economic interests of ratepayers.

Why is this a 350.org campaign?

Utility companies are effectively fossil fuel companies. Though not all utility companies are engaged in energy production they all profit (and profit unreasonably) from delivering fossil fuels to their customers. They lobby for rate hikes to guarantee excessive profits for their shareholders and to repair or expand fossil-fuel infrastructure. They also lobby against the clean energy transition and, indirectly, against the various health and employment benefits the transition would afford front line communities.

What is our campaign to support the Illinois Utility Transparency Act?

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that should be charged to their shareholders! They routinely charge ratepayers for the cost of a range of lobbying activities without the ratepayers knowledge.

This act would stop utilities from charging ratepayers for:

• Hiring outside lawyers and witnesses to raise rates;

• Paying for memberships in trade associations to lobby against the interests of ratepayers;

• Purchasing insurance to protect shareholders from potential losses;

• Buying goodwill advertising to enhance the utilities image, to the financial benefit of shareholders.

The Utility Transparency Bill would also:

• Require at least one Public Hearing on utility rate increase requests;

• Makes Intervenor Compensation Fund (ICF) money non-recoverable from ratepayers going forward in future rate cases.

Connecticut, Colorado, and Maine have already passed similar legislation. If enacted, for the average year, this bill would save ratepayers across Illinois approximately $40 million.

350 Chicago is working with the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) and a statewide coalition to advocate for Utility Transparency.

What can you do to help?

There are many ways to help! Fill out the Utility Transparency petition, or come to one of our tabling sessions to fill out a postcard in person that we will hand-deliver to legislators in Springfield. Want to get more involved? Come volunteer with us by emailing info@350chicago.org, and see our article above about why you should table with us! Also, any donation you could spare is greatly appreciated and helps us do this work day in day out. You could also become a subscribing member to this newsletter or ask your workplace to help support us through Community Shares, described above. However you choose to help, it all is one small step towards fighting the climate crisis!

More resources:

• Utility Justice: Why it Matters and Resources for Advocates – Just Solutions

• 350 Chicago – Utility Transparency Campaign

In This Issue

• 350 Chicago Newsletter Accepting Paid Subscriptions

• Events

  • May 10: 350 Chicago Tabling at Trashy Market

  • May 12: 350 Chicago General Meeting

  • May 20: Chicago Climate Connect Trivia

  • May 21: Climate Action Lobby Day

  • June 7: EcoFest at Welles Park

• Action Center

  • Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

  • Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

• In Brief

  • Solar Energy & Fighting Climate Change in the Second Age of Trump (with Bill McKibben)

  • Public Comment Open for Chicago Moves Electric Framework Plan

  • New Trump Orders Aim to Keep Coal Power Alive, Despite Climate and Economic Costs

  • Illinois Transportation Update

  • Illinois Clean Energy Legislation Update

  • Big banks predict catastrophic warming, with profit potential

  • ‘Spiral of silence’: climate action is very popular, so why don’t people realise it?

  • Tools for Trump Tracking

• Main Article

  • Chicago tells Trump: ‘Hands Off!’

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350 Chicago Newsletter Accepting Paid Subscriptions

We are announcing this newsletter is now turning on paid subscriptions! Any money received is going straight to supporting our work on the ground fighting for a cleaner planet in Chicago and Illinois. This is just another way to donate and help support what we do, especially for those who find this newsletter valuable.

We know there are a lot of organizations out there asking for your money, so we appreciate whatever you could spare. And if not, no worries; we don’t plan on locking any content behind paywalls, so this will remain free every month.

Events

350 Chicago Tabling at Trashy Market

• Saturday, May 10, 11:00am - 4:00pm

• Gallagher Way (outside Wrigley Field) 3635 North Clark Street, Chicago, IL, 60613

350 Chicago will be gathering signatures in support of the State Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign and the Utility Accountability Campaign and to generally talk about our work in Chicago and Illinois. Both of these campaigns have online petitions in the ‘Action Center’ section of this newsletter, but an even more impactful approach would be coming to our tabling and signing a postcard that we will hand deliver to legislators in Springfield.

via Nowhere Collective: The Trashy (Mother) Earth Market is a junky jamboree for all Mothers: Moms of humans, Mother of our Earth, and the motha-junkers making the world a more joyful place. Featuring artisans who transform reclaimed materials into one-of-a-kind wonders.

350 Chicago General Meeting

• Monday, May 12, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

• via Zoom

Join 350 Chicago for our General Meeting! During the meeting, we will provide campaign updates and discuss the work 350 Chicago is doing in Chicago and Illinois to help preserve a livable planet. We will also provide information about ways to volunteer and get involved with 350 Chicago. Please email info@350chicago.org to attend the General Meeting, we will send you the zoom link.

Chicago Climate Connect Trivia

• Monday, May 20, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

• mHUB (1623 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612, United States)

Join Chicago Climate Connect and mHUB on Monday, May 20th for a fun and casual evening of climate trivia! Whether you're a sustainability expert or just like a good challenge, this is your chance to show off your knowledge (or learn something new) while connecting with others in Chicago’s growing climate community.

We’ll have drinks, prizes, and plenty of time to meet fellow climate-curious folks across sectors. Bring a friend or come solo and we’ll match you with a team.

More events from Chicago Climate Connect for May can be found in their events page HERE.

Climate Action Lobby Day

• Wednesday, May 21

• Illinois State Capitol Building, 401 S. 2nd St. Springfield, IL 62756

• SIGN UP HERE (free to register)

Illinois’ environmental movement will gather at the State Capitol to meet with legislators and push for the passage of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) Platform on Wednesday, May 21. The Platform, which was first unveiled in the spring 2024 legislative session, includes legislation that accelerates Illinois’ climate and equity goals in the transportation, buildings, and power sectors. Please utilize this social media and email toolkit to recruit participants, inspire day-of in-person and digital action, and inspire continued action after the event. Direct any questions to hannah@ilenviro.org.

EcoFest at Welles Park

• Saturday, June 7, 10:00am - 2:00pm

• Learn more HERE

via Matt Martin, 47th Ward Alderman: EcoFest is our annual environmental festival, where we come together as a community to learn about sustainability and celebrate our beautiful planet! Here you can discover new organizations, meet with like minded neighbors, and shop from a variety of sustainable vendors. This event will bring together small businesses, non-profits, and other vendors from across the city for a day of learning, activities, and fun focused on a sustainable future. See you at Welles Park on June 7th!

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Action Center

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky with significant financial liabilities. The state of Illinois can be both a climate leader and protect the health of its pension funds by divesting from fossil fuels. Climate Safe Pensions Illinois, a coalition whose members include 350 Chicago, Third Act Illinois, and The Climate Reality Project Chicago Metro Chapter, is, therefore, asking the State of Illinois to protect pension funds and provide more transparency to the holders.

Learn more and sign here: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that should be charged to their shareholders! They routinely charge ratepayers for the cost of a range of lobbying activities without the ratepayers knowledge.

Learn more and sign here: Utility Transparency Petition!

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In Brief

Solar Energy & Fighting Climate Change in the Second Age of Trump (with Bill McKibben)

If you missed our talk with 350.org founder Bill McKibben, we now have the full webinar posted on YouTube. He came to speak about the mass deployment of solar power around the globe and what the climate fight looks like now in the US under the second Trump administration. We highly recommend it, and you can check it out here:

Public Comment Open for Chicago Moves Electric Framework Plan

The City of Chicago is inviting input into its Electric Vehicle and Mobility Infrastructure Framework plan, whose goal is to move the city toward a cleaner, more equitable transportation future. Comments on the Framework will be accepted until May 18. The next phase will be to develop a curbside charging pilot and will include public meetings on that topic in coming months.

Review the plan and comment HERE.

New Trump Orders Aim to Keep Coal Power Alive, Despite Climate and Economic Costs

via Inside Climate News: The U.S. electricity market has been moving away from coal for decades, but the president blamed that on Biden-era environmental regulations. Read more HERE.

For a summary of the key provisions and takeaways of the April 8 & 9 executive actions, see analysis by Jenner & Block, HERE.

Illinois Transportation Update

Illinois and the City of Chicago are facing imminent and severe cuts to CTA, Pace, and Metra if a solution to a $770 million budget shortfall isn’t found by the end of the month. More from the Active Transportation Alliance here.

Illinois Clean Energy Legislation Update

350 Chicago is working with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) Building Decarbonatization working group and we have some legislative updates below:

• Clean and Healthy Buildings Act - SB 2269/HB 3525 (Villanueva/A. Williams): Focuses on modernizing new and existing buildings by transitioning them to clean electricity, replacing gas burners and stoves with heat pumps and electric appliances. Legislative Update: We are at 8 total co-sponsors for these bills and our goal is 20. Lobby team will focus on briefings over the next few weeks so we can get closer to our goal.

• State Navigator Program - HB 3650 (Lilly): Mandates the creation of an online resource to assist building owners and renters with electrification and energy efficiency upgrades. Legislative Update: Passed the House floor on Tuesday (April 8) with a vote of 72-42! We now move to the Senate, where this bill will be sponsored by Senator Peters. We will be making a change in the Senate to make DCEO the administrator of the program as opposed to the ICC.

• Whole Building Data Access - HB 3312 (Canty): Increases building owners' access to clean energy initiatives by requiring utilities to release whole building energy use information. Legislative Update: The legislative team worked out an amendment based on feedback from Ameren that was filed last Monday (April 7^th). Ameren raised a new concern hours before committee, but the bill got through committee and passed the House on Thursday, April 10. (!!)

Big banks predict catastrophic warming, with profit potential

via Politico: Morgan Stanley, JPMorgan and an international banking group have quietly concluded that climate change will likely exceed the Paris Agreement's 2 degree goal. Read more HERE (paywalled for Politico Pro users).

‘Spiral of silence’: climate action is very popular, so why don’t people realise it?

via the Guardian: Researchers find 89% of people around the world want more to be done, but mistakenly assume their peers do not. Read more HERE (free, requires registration).

Tools for Trump Tracking

Due to the speed at which the Trump administration is impacting environmental protection, sustainability, scientific research, and access to information, there are a number of tools available to track these changes. Here are a few for those interested:

• Environmental News Bits has compiled many tracking tools HERE

• Revolving Door Project has their Trump Environment Tracker HERE

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Chicago tells Trump: ‘Hands Off!’

by Larry Coble

On April 5th, members of 350 Chicago and I joined the estimated 30,000 people spilling out of the confines of the Daley Center to protest the Trump administration’s attacks on government programs. Special types of sardonic humor and anger were reserved for Elon Musk and DOGE for their heedless and illegal destruction of agencies, the upending of governmental workers' lives and threatening the well being of millions of Americans.

Near the large rectangular fountain in Daley Plaza, I found myself in the midst of Chicagoans pressed shoulder to shoulder, chanting, straining to hear the speeches from the stage and sometimes laughing at the dangerously absurd havoc of the Trump administration.

Signs decrying the many forms of unjust and illegal cuts to programs and the resultant harms done to ordinary citizens rose above the crowd on cardboard stapled to sticks or held overhead by fully extended arms. Many posters protested the attacks upon climate and environmental programs designed to preserve and protect the natural world or to fight the climate crisis.

Messages of humor and outrage or both graced the signs, banners or placards dotting the crowd during the mild spring Saturday afternoon. An attitude of communal joy mixed with rage permeated the crowd and it carried the same fusion of emotions as it streamed into the streets, marching through block after block in the city’s downtown.

350 Chicago signed on to the Hands Off coalition to protest the immoral and unlawful cuts to the EPA, conservation programs, and any other funding for mitigating the ongoing climate crisis. We are dedicated to expanding our coalitions to push for fossil fuel divestment, utility accountability in Illinois and working for clean energy in the state. We focused our message on the cuts to climate and environmental policies designed to mitigate the climate crisis. We are committed to fight for an equitable, fair and just transition to a clean energy economy and supporting communities fighting for environmental justice.

In This Issue

• 350 Chicago’s Earth Month Fundraiser!

• Action Center (new!)

  • Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

  • Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

• Events

  • April 5: ‘Hands Off!’ Day of Action

  • April 9-15: Sustainability Leadership Training Food & Agriculture Pilot

  • April 14: 350 Chicago General Meeting

  • April 16: Crafting Your Climate Message

  • April 22-28: One Earth Film Festival & Earth Day Action Fair

  • April 24: Support Climate Education at Sketchbook Brewery

  • Chicago Climate Connect April Event Schedule

• In Brief

  • Evanston Climate Win: Healthy Buildings Ordinance Passes

  • Energy Transfer v. Greenpeace: Right to Protest Under Attack

  • Right to Sue Oil Giants Preserved at US Supreme Court

  • Spring Energy Efficiency Tips from Citizens Utility Board

  • Illinois Solar for All: Bright Neighborhoods Program

• Main Articles

  • Unraveling the Story of Clothing Waste

  • I’m on my third sofa in four years and that’s bad for the climate

350 Chicago’s Earth Month Fundraiser!

Happy Earth Month!

Over the last few weeks, the Trump administration has frozen federal funding for climate initiatives and signed multiple executive orders with far-reaching consequences for the environment. Yet we can still take action at the state and local level. 350 Chicago has ramped up the fight to divest Illinois from fossil fuels, fight utility corruption, and advocate for clean energy in Illinois. You can help us keep up the momentum with a gift today. Any amount is appreciated.

Will you help us fight the climate crisis in Illinois by providing us a gift today to reach our $10,000 goal?

And this is no April’s Fool’s joke - for every $25 donation you make between now and April 29th, you’ll be entered into a raffle to earn a prize.

• One entry for every $25 donated. (So if you donate $100, you’ll receive 4 entries!)

• Winners will be selected at random after the close of the fundraiser.

• The first winner will receive an Earth Month gift set: a Patagonia backpack + 350 Chicago hoodie (organic cotton, sustainably produced) + 350 Chicago T-shirt (organic cotton, sustainably produced)

• 5 additional winners will receive a 350 Chicago T-shirt (organic cotton, sustainably produced)

With gratitude,

350 Chicago

DONATE (Earth Month '25)

Action Center

Online Petition: Climate Safe Pensions

Investments in fossil fuels are driving climate change, and they are becoming increasingly risky with significant financial liabilities. The state of Illinois can be both a climate leader and protect the health of its pension funds by divesting from fossil fuels. Climate Safe Pensions Illinois, a coalition whose members include 350 Chicago, Third Act Illinois, and The Climate Reality Project Chicago Metro Chapter, is, therefore, asking the State of Illinois to protect pension funds and provide more transparency to the holders.

Learn more and sign here: Climate Safe Pensions Petition!

Online Petition: Utility Transparency Act

Over the years, utilities have made it acceptable to recover some of their costs from ratepayers that should be charged to their shareholders! They routinely charge ratepayers for the cost of a range of lobbying activities without the ratepayers knowledge.

Learn more and sign here: Utility Transparency Petition!

DONATE (Earth Month '25)

Events

Hands Off! Day of Action

• Saturday, April 5, 12:00 start

• Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

Come join us and make your voice heard on the streets of Chicago! 350 Chicago will be at Daley Plaza (by the fountain) on Saturday, April 5th, along with a wide coalition of other organizations for the ‘Hands Off!’ National Day of Action. Let the Trump administration know we will not sit quietly as they gut the EPA, fill cabinet positions with fossil fuel cronies, and roll back decades of progress combating climate change.

For more details on the Trump administration’s abysmal record on climate so far, see our February & March newsletters.

350 Chicago General Meeting

• Monday, April 14, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

• via Zoom

Join 350 Chicago for our General Meeting! During the meeting, we will provide campaign updates and discuss the work 350 Chicago is doing in Chicago and Illinois to help preserve a livable planet. We will also provide information about ways to volunteer and get involved with 350 Chicago. Please email info@350chicago.org to attend the General Meeting, we will send you the zoom link.

Crafting Your Climate Message

• Wednesday, April 16, 6:30pm - 8:30pm

• Eco Cafe, 4754 North Rockwell Street Chicago, IL 60625

• RSVP HERE

via Chicago Environmentalists: Come join us at The Eco Cafe for a fun and informative event where you can learn how to effectively communicate about climate change. Kim Moldofsky, Bold Belief Builder at Scrappy Affirmations, will share tips on best practices for climate communication and help you craft your unique environmental message.

One Earth Film Festival & Earth Day Action Fair

• April 22-28

• 350 Chicago will be tabling on Sunday, April 27th, 11:30am - 1:30pm at Chicago Cultural Center GAR Rotunda, 78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602

• BUY TICKETS HERE

350 Chicago will be tabling on April 27 from 11:30am - 1:30pm (before the screening of The Grab) at the Earth Day Action Fair during the film festival. We will be collecting signatures for our campaign to divest the Illinois Pension Fund from fossil fuels. These tabling days are great opportunities to learn about us and write a postcard we will hand deliver to legislators in Springfield.

More on the festival from One Earth: Join us for the 14th annual One Earth Film Festival, the Midwest’s premier environmental film festival, happening April 22-28, 2025. Launching on the 55th anniversary of Earth Day, the festival offers a week of inspiring, award-winning, acclaimed, activating environmental and climate justice films. Each event features rich, facilitated discussions with experts, advocates, and activists–equipping you with actionable steps to combat climate change and environmental injustice.

Support Climate Education at Sketchbook Brewery

• April 24, 7:00pm - 9:00pm

• Sketchbook Brewery, 4901 Main St., Skokie, IL

• RSVP HERE: Tickets $40 (Teachers $20, Students free), includes a drink and dessert.

via Climate Education for Illinois: We're hosting a fundraising event on Thursday, April 24th from 7-9 p.m. at Sketchbook Brewery in Skokie in order to rally our community and accelerate our goal of youth empowerment through the creation of the Illinois Climate Education Hub by Subject to Climate (StC). The evening will feature a chance to win experience-based prizes, games, and plenty of networking opportunities.

Sustainability Leadership Training Food & Agriculture Pilot

via Chicago Conservation Core (C3) and the Chicago Nature Museum:

This spring, we are piloting a new version of our Sustainability Leadership Training. We will be focusing on the sustainability of our local food systems. We’ll examine critical issues like food access, sustainable agriculture, and how to lower the greenhouse gas emissions associated with our food. We’ll also explore how we all can support Chicago’s growing urban agriculture and food rescue initiatives. This training is open to all - We encourage our C3 Leaders of past cohorts to join us for fresh new content, and invite new community members to join for the very first time. To participate in the training course, you must be an adult resident of the Chicago region, attend one of these information sessions (or watch one online), and submit an application for the training. Information Sessions will take place on:

• Wednesday, April 9, 12:00-12:40pm (zoom)

• Thursday, April 10, 6:00-6:40pm (in person at The Nature Museum, during C3 Happy Hour)

• Monday, April 14, 6:00-6:40pm (zoom)

• Tuesday, April 15, 12:00-12:40pm (zoom)

• After April 9, a recording of a session will be available on the C3 website.

Chicago Climate Connect April Event Schedule

• April 5, 4:00pm - 6:30pm: Community Event - Impact Happy Hour: City of Chicago Meeting Global Shapers

• April 8, 5:30pm - 7:30pm: Community Event - Clean Leap Presents: Cleantech & Sustainability: Exploring Policy, Innovation, and Investment

• April 9, 5:30pm - 7:30pm: Partner Event - Chicago Climate Connect & German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC): Adapting Water Systems for a Changing Climate

• April 22, 6:00pm - 8:00pm: Chicago Climate Connect @ Impact House w/ Current

Chicago Climate Connect is hosting a number of events in April- you can learn more about their events and RSVP HERE.

via Chicago Climate Connect: Chicago Climate Connect started early 2023 and has become the largest recurring climate-focused event in Chicago. Our mission is to bring together people from different climate-focused organizations to make connections and promote climate work in Chicago. Each month, we bring together 75-100 people for networking and climate related programming featuring diverse speakers.

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In Brief

Evanston Climate Win: Healthy Buildings Ordinance Passes

Congratulations to Evanston residents on their climate win! The Evanston City Council Voted 7-1 to pass the Healthy Buildings Ordinance (HBO). This was possible thanks to the hard work of Evanstonians who rallied for climate such as our ally organizations Climate Action Evanston, Fossil Free Northwestern, and Sunrise E-Town. The HBO ordinance requires the city’s largest buildings to eliminate all fossil fuels and use 100% renewable electricity by 2050. (see Climate Action Evanston’s announcement and more from the Tribune and Canary Media)

Energy Transfer v. Greenpeace: Right to Protest Under Attack

In a blow against indigenous rights, free speech, the right to protest, and the climate movement generally, a North Dakota jury delivered a startling $660 million verdict against Greenpeace for defamation against Energy Transfer, the pipeline company at issue in the Standing Rock protests. But this is the beginning, not the end of the fight for Greenpeace, who is vowing to appeal the decision and continue fighting.

More from the New York Times, and attorney Steven Donziger.

Right to Sue Oil Giants Preserved at US Supreme Court

In better legal news, the US Supreme Court declined to hear an argument which could have blocked the ability for states to bring lawsuits against fossil fuel companies. This argument, brought by the attorneys general from 19 Republican States, attempted to block lawsuits from Democratic led states against fossil fuel interests for “allegedly deceiving the public for decades about the effects of their greenhouse gas emissions.” Now that the US Supreme Court has rejected the argument, these cases can proceed. More from the New York Times.

Spring Energy Efficiency Tips from Citizens Utility Board

Looking to make some changes to your life to help lessen your climate impact and save some money on electricity costs? Check out these tips via the Citizens Utility Board: Jumpstart your spring cleaning with energy efficiency tips from CUB

Illinois Solar for All: Bright Neighborhoods Program

via Illinois Solar for All: The Illinois Solar for All: Bright Neighborhoods Program guarantees electricity bill savings for income-eligible homeowners in select Illinois communities, including some of Chicago’s West Side neighborhoods, Waukegan, and the Carbondale-Marion micropolitan area. This program supports Illinois’ renewable energy goals and expands solar energy to income-eligible and environmental justice communities.

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Unraveling the Story of Clothing Waste

by Mary Baker

The clothing industry represents a huge source of global carbon emissions. Some reports estimate that the clothing industry could account for up to 10% of global CO2 emissions, and clothing demand isn’t forecasted to slow down any time soon. A huge portion of this clothing ends up as waste, and improving end of life treatment for clothes represents a huge opportunity for reducing carbon emissions as well as reducing industry waste. Low price points of companies like Shein, Temu, and H&M reflect a need for affordable threads, but the quality and ubiquity of their products often leads to overconsumption and a huge amount of waste.

Clothing into Waste

Cher from Clueless might not be surprised that the average American buys 53 items of clothing per year, but I like to think she'd be bummed that the average garment is only worn 7 to 10 times before being thrown away.

This constant churn is a shame because the clothing industry requires huge amounts of non-renewable energy, water, and natural resources, and often exploits workers. For example, synthetic fibers like polyester are derived from petroleum, and even natural fibers like cotton need enormous amounts of fertilizer and water to grow at such a massive scale. (Source: Textile Recycling and Recovery: An Eco-friendly Perspective on Textile and Garment Industries Challenges)

There's so much room for improvement in end of life treatment: globally, 75% of clothing waste is landfilled each year. The clothes we throw away or donate via donation bins and thrift stores are often landfilled or exported to developing countries. In theory, these products could be repaired and sold in local second hand markets. But the poor quality of fast fashion makes it hard for upcyclers to do their jobs effectively, often leaving no choice but to discard clothing in local landfills.

Clothing Recycling

About 25% of used clothing is reused or recycled, but this figure refers to open loop recycling, or “downcycling.” Downcycled clothes turn into other materials such as mattress stuffing or home insulation. This solution keeps material out of landfills, but it doesn't reduce demand for resources needed to create new clothes. Closed-loop recycling can turn old clothes into new, but is actually quite rare. Only 1% of discarded clothing ends up in closed-loop recycling systems, due to the complexity of sorting and rearranging different materials, labels, buttons, zippers, and dyes.

A proof of concept for sustainable textile recycling is the Renewcell recycling mill, built in Sweden in 2022. The goal of this mill is to recycle the equivalent of 1.4 billion t-shirts every year by 2030. It’s working towards this goal by making a biodegradable cellulose pulp they call Circulose, using old t-shirts and jeans as feedstock. To top it off, the company uses 100% renewable energy for its facility, using hydropower from a nearby river.

What Can You Do?

I don’t mean to suggest we bear all the blame. Multi-billion dollar corporations spend an incredible amount of money to make buying clothes as frictionless as possible. While clothing recycling still has a long way to go, solutions for giving your old outfits another life, like closed- and open-loop recycling, do exist.

Here are some strategies you could consider for shifting your relationship to shopping towards a less extractive model:

* This article was created based on Mary’s capstone project at the Clean Energy Leadership Institute (CELI) fellowship, which equips participants with the skills and knowledge for building an equitable, decarbonized, and resilient energy system.

* For those interested in learning more on the topic of clothing waste and fast fashion, this newsletter has previously discussed the topic here

DONATE (Earth Month '25)

I’m on my Third Sofa in Four Years and That’s Bad for the Climate

by Abby Schwartz

A month ago my husband began complaining of back problems caused by our sofa. This was our second sofa, and only a year and a half old. The first was from Ikea, and the second was from a discount store, and cost over twice the price of the Ikea sofa. As climate activists we hate wastefulness and wanted to invest in something that would last.

But there we were a year and a half later with the seat of the sofa so badly detached from the arm that it was resting on the floor. We arranged for the discount store to come repair the sofa, but shortly after it was “fixed” I heard a cracking sound and we were back to square one. The store refused to even look at it again.

Our next stop involved traveling over an hour to the Brown Elephant charity shop. Lo and behold they had a bunch of sofas, they were even having a sale on them! We secured ourselves a very comfortable sofa in near mint condition for $92.

Is the moral here that you too should just buy a used sofa? Well kind of. It may work in some instances, but it is not a long term solution for consumers as a whole.

The problem is that manufacturing standards for things like furniture are really low right now. According to Ashlee Piper, a sustainability expert quoted in architectural digest, “It’s usually new furniture that’s being tossed. It’s things like a chair that’s missing a leg or things with cosmetic damage to them. That’s because it’s just not built to last and there aren’t repair programs for it. It was intended to have a short lifespan.”

Long term we need everything, not just bespoke expensive pieces built to last. Over 12 million tons of furniture are thrown out every year and 80% of it ends up in landfills according to the EPA.

Like all climate issues there is a small amount you can do in terms of your consumption habits, but the real necessity is systemic change. Much of that change will have to be political- which will be an uphill battle right now, but it is not impossible.

Sources:

• https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/sustainability-fast-furniture

• https://www.cnn.com/style/article/fast-furniture-problem-for-our-planet/index.html

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In This Issue

• March Events

  • March 10: 350 Chicago General Meeting

  • March 12-15: Loyola Climate Change Conference

  • March 14: 350 Chicago Tabling at Reuse-a-Palooza

  • March 27: Delta Institute Green Soapbox Panel Discussion: Climate Refugees

• In Brief

  • Offer Public Comment at IPCB Hearing on EV Standards

  • IEC Legislative Agenda for 2025

  • 350 Chicago attends 350 Network Council Planning Retreat

• Main Articles

  • The Racism and Inequality at the Heart of Trump’s Cuts to EPA and DOJ

  • Vanishing Records, Rising Resistance: The Fight to Preserve Federal Climate Data

  • Further Resources on Trump Purges

Donate to 350 Chicago!

Events

350 Chicago General Meeting

• Monday, March 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

• via Zoom

Join 350 Chicago for our General Meeting! During the meeting, we will provide campaign updates and discuss the work 350 Chicago is doing in Chicago and Illinois to help preserve a livable planet. We will also provide information about ways to volunteer and get involved with 350 Chicago. Please contact info@350chicago.org to attend the General Meeting, we will send you the zoom link.

Loyola Climate Change Conference

• Conference Dates: March 12th - 15th

• 350 Chicago table: Friday, March 14, 10:00am - 5:00pm

• Loyola University, Rogers Park Campus (various locations)

• Information and Registration HERE (register until Wednesday, March 5)

Loyola University is hosting a 4 day climate change conference entitled Shifting Waters: Water Security and the Emerging Water Crisis.

350 Chicago will be tabling at the conference on Friday March 14, all day. We will be gathering signatures for the State Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign and the Utility Accountability Campaign. This is also a great opportunity to learn about what our organization does within the broader context of the movement to fight the climate crisis.

More on the conference via Loyola University: Climate change has dramatic implications for the world's water resources. Communities worldwide face worsening droughts, more frequent flooding, and rising sea levels. Warmer waters harm aquatic ecosystems and damage fisheries, while more than half the world's population faces water security challenges. Loyola University Chicago's 2025 Climate Change Conference will explore strategies for developing just solutions to the emerging water crisis. Speakers will discuss how people are working to protect water resources on global, regional, and local levels. The event will also provide opportunities for participants to become part of the solution and positively impact people and the planet.

There is a registration fee of $15 for the in-person keynote event, $5 for the online keynote, and $15 for the in-person programming on Friday, March 14.

350 Chicago Tabling at Reuse-a-Palooza

• Friday, March 14, 11:00am - 3:00pm

• The Plant, 1400 West 46th Street

350 Chicago will be returning to table at the Plant for Reuse-a-Palooza 2025! We will be gathering signatures in support of the State Fossil Fuel Divestment Campaign and the Utility Accountability Campaign. If you want to help contribute your name to these campaigns or learn more generally about our work in Chicago and Illinois come visit our table!

Delta Institute Green Soapbox Panel Discussion: Climate Refugees

• Thursday, March 27, 5:00pm - 8:00pm

• Salesforce Tower, 333 W Wolf Point Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654

• REGISTER HERE

via Delta Institute: According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, approximately 122 million people live forcibly displaced from their homes in 2024. Moreover, researchers at the Institute for Economics & Peace estimate that this number can grow to 1.2 billion people being forcibly displaced by 2050 as a result from climate change impacts like droughts that trigger food insecurity, conflicts over access to water, and the impacts of intensifying natural disasters around the globe.

These challenges have many more people asking questions like: What role will the Midwest play in climate migration patterns, and what can we do today about it? Please join Delta Institute for a special panel discussion featuring discussion on this important topic: Climate Refugees. Panelists to be announced soon.

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In Brief

Offer Public Comment at IPCB Hearing on EV Standards

Offer comments on raising clean car and truck standards to the Illinois Pollution Control Board in writing or via Webex online at a public hearing scheduled March 10^th – 12th. The “Proposed Clean Car and Truck Standards” asks the Board to raise pollution standards and implement EV sales quotas, based on California regulations, and includes both private vehicles and trucks. The proposition is sponsored by the Chicago Environmental Justice Network, among other allies, and the issue is vitally important to the health and welfare of frontline communities in Chicago and other Illinois urban centers.

Submit comments by email to PCB.Clerks@illinois.gov. The Online Public Comment Period is March 11^th 2025 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Any member of the public who wishes to provide comment may do so by emailing Hearing Officer Horton at vanessa.horton@illinois.gov to request a time slot. Time slots will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. All requests must be received by 5 p.m. on March 3, 2025.

For more information about the hearings contact 350 Chicago member, Christine Skolnik at Christine.skolnik@vcfa.edu. (also see Community members demand stricter emissions standards to fight pollution, Chicago Reader)

IEC Legislative Agenda for 2025

The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) has come out with their Legislative Agenda for 2025:

via the IEC: As communities across the Prairie State face a barrage of new and exacerbated challenges brought on by the Trump administration, with sweeping impacts on our environment, IEC is eager to work with a new Illinois state legislature in 2025 to make progress in key areas, including protection for Environmental Justice communities, reducing harmful plastics expansion, tackling climate-warming air pollution in our transportation sector, modernizing a more affordable power grid, and the continued protection of our nation-leading Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) legislation for our clean energy economy. Additionally, we see some exciting opportunities to strengthen climate and conservation programs at the Illinois Department of Agriculture and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as we pursue policy changes to improve conservation and sustainable agriculture practices in our state. (Read the full agenda at the link above)

350 Chicago Attends 350 Network Council Planning Retreat

Executive Director Larry Coble represented 350 Chicago at the 350 Network Council Planning Retreat in San Diego from February 24th-27th. The retreat was a gathering of the 16 largest 350 groups in the United States to coordinate and move forward on a number of priorities such as the national Utility Accountability Campaign, dealing with the new Trump administration, and how we can keep making big impacts in our states and local communities towards mitigating the climate crisis.

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The Racism and Inequality at the Heart of Trump’s Cuts to the EPA and DOJ

by Christine Skolnik

Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is systematically dismissing programs and employees attempting to protect our environment. Trump’s EPA has placed 168 employees working for the Office of Environmental Justice and External Civil Rights on leave, and required 1000 “probationary” employees to justify their jobs or face “immediate termination.” (Trump administration cuts environmental justice programs at EPA, DOJ, by Reuters). Additionally Trump has dismissed the entire board of outside advisors on science and clean air.

In addition to gutting the EPA and deregulating the fossil fuel industry (discussed by this newsletter last month), the new federal government is effectively granting polluters immunity from prosecution for violating environmental laws and regulations. Revealing their utter contempt for the law, “the Trump administration has already suspended all environmental litigation and sidelined senior career section chiefs at the DOJ who oversee the natural resources, environmental enforcement, appellate and environmental crimes sections.” (per Reuters article, above) Environmental justice advocates recognize that weakening regulations and legal protections put frontline communities living near polluting facilities at risk.

The administration claims that “climate extremism has exploded inflation” (per Trump’s January Executive Orders) by overburdening business with regulations. This lie, based on no evidence whatsoever, only benefits polluters and fossil fuel interests. Environmental organizations like 350 Chicago, citizens affected by climate disasters, and multiple states suing the fossil fuel industry know well that the externalized costs of burning fossil fuels are the true drain on the U.S. economy, not government employees working to protect the populace from environmental toxins and the effects of climate change. Climate disasters are only becoming more and more frequent and are increasingly causing billions of dollars in damage to citizens and the US economy, not to mention the horrific human toll. In only the last few months both Hurricane Helene and the LA fires resulted in billions of dollars in damage and resulted in thousands of people losing their homes and livelihoods.

These climate disasters can potentially affect everyone, but the most vulnerable citizens are, as always, hit the hardest. While Chicago 350 has worked toward the goal of achieving greater environmental justice as a chapter and as a member of various coalitions, the new federal government is pursuing a policy of environmental injustice under a cynical banner of judicial evenhandedness. This umbrella policy is an attempt to erase decades of gains by the environmental justice movement and reinvent systemic racism and classicism in America so that the very wealthy can continue to prosper at the expense of marginalized populations. (see ‘Breathtakingly Ignorant and Dangerous’: Trump’s DOT Orders Sweeping Purge of Climate, Gender, Race, Environmental Justice Initiatives)

Siting toxic industrial facilities near communities of color, deregulating polluters, and decelerating alternative energy development, all forms of environmental injustice, increase health stressors and reduce life expectancy for people of color. Decelerating alternative energy development also forecloses economic opportunities for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities systemically excluded from high-tech and union jobs. Instead of lifting up the oppressed, these policies push down struggling, frontline communities and kill the American dream for the working class.

It’s hard to imagine any ethical ground for such actions designed to harm the most vulnerable but which will also harm everyone in the U.S. and around the world. Self-interest, greed, and lawlessness might be considered values in some dark quarters, but when they undermine the values of liberty, equality, and justice upon which this nation was founded they cannot be considered American values. The current federal government is betraying the American people as it continues to concentrate wealth and power in the hands of the few while allowing big industries and mega corporations to poison and economically exploit the poor.

These issues are not a surprise, and we have fought against these policies during the first presidency of Donald Trump. His decisions in 2016, such as the appointment of a fossil fuel cabinet and the first government attack on science prompted a surge of large public protests that helped solidify the Chicago coalition of civil rights, labor, and environmental organizations. In addition to the massive March for Science Chicago, which drew 40,000 people, Chicago 350 participated in and helped organize numerous large and small protests pushing for climate solutions and environmental justice. These were opportunities to reconnect with environmental justice groups in Chicago and special interest groups across Illinois. Now, more than ever, we need strong coalitions to oppose an authoritarian government and fight for a just, prosperous, and equitable planet, core values of 350.org.

How can environmentalists in Chicago and across the state resist tyranny, lawlessness, and the reinvention of racism in America? Share your thoughts in our comments section below, or come discuss with us, at our next 350 Chicago general meeting or at one of our tabling events in the ‘Events’ section above. We look forward to hearing from you, and we are always looking for new members to help us fight the climate crisis.

Donate to 350 Chicago!

Vanishing Records, Rising Resistance: The Fight to Preserve Federal Climate Data

by Mary Baker

In my day job as a researcher, I use government sources often to discover, distill, and present information to help teammates answer pressing questions our clients. Starting January 31st this year, I could tell something weird was going on with federal data. Not only was the American Community Survey not loading, but I was getting error messages on CDC.gov. I soon realized the outages weren't the result of power failures or server overload. This data loss was the result of federal agencies abiding by President Trump's recent executive orders. These data purges have many targets such as "gender ideology" and diversity programs, as well as climate change information. For example, the USDA's office of communications ordered employees to "delete landing pages discussing climate change." And tools like the Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool, created to pinpoint "communities with significant environmental, social and/or economic burdens" were removed as early as January 22.

The scope of these efforts isn't fully known but it is clear that huge amounts of data have been lost. As of February 22, almost 3,400 datasets were removed from Data.gov.

The speed and uncertainty surrounding the most recent changes to federal websites and datasets have researchers distressed. “In my lifetime, in the United States I don’t know of another situation where researchers have been this concerned about losing access to data that they’ve had access to their whole career. It's dire,” says Jonathan Gilmour, a data scientist at the Chan School quoted in a recent article The Journalist's Resource.

“I don’t know of another situation where researchers have been this concerned about losing access to data that they’ve had access to their whole career. It's dire”

- Jonathan Gilmour, data scientist at Chan School

Fortunately, researchers, academics, and everyday people alarmed by disappearing data have sprung into action. In addition to lawsuits (such as Farmers, green groups sue USDA over ‘unlawful purge’ of climate data and Doctors for America Sues Over Removal of Health Information From HHS, CDC, FDA) there are multiple efforts to mitigate damage by preserving at-risk data.

In February, I joined a Data Preservation Datathon led by Public Environmental Data Partners, a volunteer coalition dedicated to preserving and providing public access to federal environmental data. Datathon participants divided and conquered a list of databases and websites at risk of being removed due to federal mandates.

My assignment at the Datathon was preserving a Climate Change Resilience and Adaptation Planning Tool for Marine Protected Areas, hosted by The National Ocean and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). I cataloged metadata associated with the tool and downloaded relevant documents for safekeeping. As of today, the website and tool itself are still online, but if the federal government deems them unsuitable in the future, both are now safeguarded and preserved for future use.

Public Environmental Data Partners is just one of many groups doing this essential work. If you’re interested in these data preservation efforts, here's a non-exhaustive list of similar groups and resources to utilize, support, and volunteer with:

• Data Rescue Project

• Environmental Data & Governance Initiative

• The Data Liberation Project

• Find Lost Data

While the removal of federal data is alarming, the dedication of researchers, activists, and volunteers to protect vital information is powerful evidence that decades of data and knowledge won’t disappear without a fight.

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Further Resources on Trump Purges

For those interested in further reading for our main articles above, there are a number of articles from Inside Climate News with more information about the federal government’s illegal actions purging staff and advisors at the EPA and DOJ and destroying data (courtesy of Environmental News Bits):

Reset or Purge? Trump EPA Dismisses Agency Science Advisers

Watchdog Groups Anticipate ‘an All-Out War on Science and Scientists’ by the Trump Administration

Trump Administration Scrubs EPA Staff’s Pronouns from Their Emails and Websites Without Their Knowledge

‘Breathtakingly Ignorant and Dangerous’: Trump’s DOT Orders Sweeping Purge of Climate, Gender, Race, Environmental Justice Initiatives

Amid Paused Solar Funding, EPA Floats Workforce Reductions

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In This Issue

• Events

  • Feb 6: Book Signing: ‘Advocate’ by Eddie Ahn

  • Feb 10: 350 Chicago General Meeting

  • Feb 13: Clear Skies, Clear Minds: Harnessing Open Research to Find Climate Solutions

  • Feb 20: Chicago Climate Connect Discussion with Marilee Feldman on Mental Health and Climate

  • Feb 25: Mass Deployment of Solar and Fighting Climate Change in the Second Age of Trump: A Talk by 350 Founder Bill McKibben

  • March 1: 350 Chicago at Wild Things Conference

• In Brief

  • Fossil Fuel Divestment Act Re-Introduced into Illinois General Assembly

  • Submit Feedback for Cook County Environmental Justice Policy

  • 350 Chicago Bluesky Account is live!

• The Climate Tug-of-War: Trying to Make Progress on Climate Solutions in the Age of Trump

  Donate to 350 Chicago!

Events

Book Signing: ‘Advocate’ by Eddie Ahn

• Thursday, February 6th, 7:00pm-8:00pm

• Everybody’s Coffee, 935 West Wilson Avenue Chicago, IL 60640

• REGISTER HERE

Via Eddie Ahn, Mary Baker, and Everybody’s Coffee: Come join us for a special in person event with Eddie Ahn, the author of "Advocate," presented by the Book Cellar in Chicago. Get the chance to meet Eddie, ask him questions, and have your book signed and stamped with special art! More info and registration here.

350 Chicago General Meeting

• Monday, February 10, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

• via Zoom

Join 350 Chicago for our General Meeting! During the meeting, we will provide campaign updates and discuss the work 350 Chicago is doing in Chicago and Illinois to help preserve a livable planet. We will also provide information about ways to volunteer and get involved with 350 Chicago. Please contact info@350chicago.org to attend the General Meeting, we will send you the zoom link.

Clear Skies, Clear Minds: Harnessing Open Research to Find Climate Solutions

• Thursday, February 13, 2025, 8:30am - 1:30pm

• The Joseph Regenstein Library, Room 122, 1100 East 57th St, Chicago, IL 60637

• REGISTER HERE

Via the University of Chicago: Learn about climate change and its impacts as explained in plain language, develop an understanding of climate systems engineering as a solution to climate change problems, and discover how open science can help advance climate research and education about climate change. This includes a breakfast and post-event reception.

More information here: Clear Skies, Clear Minds.

Chicago Climate Connect Discussion with Marilee Feldman on Mental Health and Climate

• Thursday, February 20th, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

• mHUB, 1623 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60612 (Free Parking on Location)

• REGISTER HERE

Via Chicago Climate Connect: Join us at mHUB to connect with individuals who are passionate about creating a sustainable future. For February, we are featuring a presentation from Marilee Feldman on mental health and climate.

The increasing climate crisis is substantially impacting mental health, causing climate anxiety, depressive symptoms, and ecological grief. While maintaining our emotional wellness is difficult in the face of an escalating crisis, doing so is imperative for both our own well-being as well as for our ability to take effective action. In this workshop, climate-aware therapist Marilee Feldman will outline how our cultural response to the crisis is impacting us, discuss the symptoms of climate anxiety and ecological distress, and outline a pathway to climate resilience.

‘Mass Deployment of Solar and Fighting Climate Change in the Second Age of Trump’: A Talk by 350 Founder Bill McKibben

• Tuesday, February 25th, 6:30pm - 7:30pm

• via Zoom: REGISTER HERE

Our next installment in the 350 Chicago Speaker Series is our biggest yet! Bill McKibben will speak about the mass deployment of solar power around the globe and what the climate fight looks like now in the US under the second Trump administration.

Bill McKibben is a Founder and Senior Advisor at 350.org and is the Schumann Distinguished Professor in Residence at Middlebury College in Vermont. He is a 2014 recipient of the Right Livelihood Prize, sometimes called the 'alternative Nobel' and is a founding fellow of the Sanders Institute. Bill has written a dozen books about the environment, including his first, The End of Nature, published 25 years ago, and his most recent, Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out?

350 Chicago at Wild Things Conference

• Saturday, March 1st, 8:00am - 5:00pm

• Roseland, IL

• Visiting the conference? RSVP HERE

Visit 350 Chicago's booth at the Wild Things Conference, and sign postcards in support of the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act and Utility Lobbying Reform. The Wild Things conference is a celebration of nature, wildlife, ecosystem restoration, birding, botanizing, networking, and discovery – from the lowly mushroom to the high-flying falcon.

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In Brief

Fossil Fuel Divestment Act Re-Introduced into Illinois General Assembly

PRESS RELEASE: State Rep. Will Guzzardi, State Sen. Adriane Johnson, and members of the Climate Safe Pensions Illinois coalition announced today the introduction of the Fossil Fuel Divestment Act into the new session of the General Assembly.

“We know that fossil fuels are a highly risky and volatile investment,” said Rep. Will Guzzardi, chief sponsor of the legislation in the Illinois House. “Due to the rapid transition to renewable energy, the fossil fuel sector is forecasted to lose even greater value in the foreseeable future. We can no longer afford to have our state invest public dollars in assets that pose a risk to the hard-earned retirement savings of our public workers, that pollutes our communities and which threatens our climate.”

"The Fossil Fuel Divestment Act is a forward-thinking approach that not only protects our pension funds but also aligns with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act’s bold vision for combating the climate crisis,“ said Sen. Adriane Johnson, chief sponsor of the legislation in the Illinois Senate. “Illinois is leading by example, proving that economic responsibility and climate action can go hand in hand."

Senate Bill 130 is part of a growing movement to assure that public pension funds no longer support the fossil fuel industry, which is the primary cause of the climate crisis. Pension funds are the world’s largest asset holders and are among the biggest institutional investors in fossil fuels - funneling billions of dollars into the polluting industry. Illinois’ five state public pension funds have several billion dollars invested in fossil fuels,* at a time when the highly volatile energy sector is among the lowest performing sectors on the S&P 500.

“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our state," said Jack Swenson, of Climate Safe Pensions Illinois. “Since 1980, Illinois ranks fourth in the nation in the frequency of billion-dollar weather and climate events, resulting in an estimated $38.4 billion in damages specific to our state. The favorable climate on which Illinois farmers depend is already and will continue to be impacted by climate change. Investing our pension funds in fossil fuels is inconsistent with Illinois’ commitment to lead toward a clean energy future. We call upon our State legislature to build on that commitment while strengthening our pension system by passing the Fossil Free Divestment Act.”

Climate Safe Pensions Illinois is a coalition of organizations led by Third Act Illinois, 350 Chicago, and The Climate Reality Project Chicago Metro chapter. For more information contact Babette Neuberger at babettejo53@gmail.com or Brandon Tejeras at btejeras@hds.ilga.gov.

Submit Feedback for Cook County Environmental Justice Policy

Cook County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) is establishing an environmental justice policy, which can help inform and guide programming and policy decision-making across the Offices Under the President. Environmental justice is a key component of DES’ mission as well as one of the objectives of the Cook County Policy Roadmap and its Sustainable Communities pillar, which focuses on advancing environmental justice by means such as investing equitably across the County to address historic disinvestment and inequitable pollution overburden.

You can provide input on the policy HERE- Responses will be collected until midnight February 7, 2025.

350 Chicago Bluesky Account is live!

350 Chicago has a new social media account on Bluesky! For those of you seeking to escape the app formerly known as twitter but still want to keep on top of climate news in Chicago, come follow us here: @350chicago.bsky.social

Donate to 350 Chicago!

The Climate Tug-of-War: Trying to Make Progress on Climate Solutions in the Age of Trump

by Joshua Horwitz

“Drill, baby, drill.” Trump’s tagline, repeated during his campaign and again at his inauguration, pretty much sums up his administration’s stance on energy and the environment. He is making quick changes to remove federal government’s protection of the environment in line with his campaign promises and the priorities of Project 2025. Keeping up with news from the Trump administration feels like a full time job, and it can be overwhelming trying to keep on top of everything happening out of Washington. But of all his policies, his administration’s effect on climate and the environment may represent some of his most impactful and most difficult-to-undo changes.

One of Trump’s initial raft of executive orders was an immediate withdrawal from international climate agreements such as the 2015 Paris climate agreement: the international pact agreed upon by 195 countries to limit global warming. He then declared a National Energy Emergency on January 20th which intends to promote fossil fuel development over renewable sources of production, and increase energy extraction in a wide variety of locations including in Federal lands and the Arctic National Wildlife refuge. (See “What did Trump just do to the environment?” - Vox)

Trump has also surrounded himself with fossil fuel advocates and climate skeptics. He has appointed Doug Burgum, a former North Dakota governor with deep ties to the oil and gas sector, to lead the Department of the Interior. Burgum is also slated to become Trump’s new energy czar and chair of the White House Energy Council. In addition to Burgum, Trump has nominated other fossil fuel industry insiders and climate skeptics to key positions in his administration. So far there has been little opposition to Trump’s nominees: Burgum, for example was easily confirmed by the senate on January 30th, in a 79-18 vote, where all Republican senators were joined by over half of the Democrats.

There is of course a climate emergency, though not necessarily the one Trump announced: nearly the entire scientific community working on climate issues have already delivered a ‘final warning’ on climate in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s 6th Assessment Report. The report warned of the little time we have left to make changes to avoid the bulk of catastrophic climate impacts- and the report is now already a few years old. We are continuing down the same path, with 2024 as the hottest year on record.

Luckily, Trump does not have unlimited free reign to make changes at a snap of his fingers (Trump wants a big expansion in fossil fuel production. Can he do that? -Vox). For one, much of the work happens on a state and local level. Pieces of state legislation such as the 350 Chicago-supported Illinois Fossil Fuel Divestment Act (described above) can still make positive change to protect our environment and climate despite the Trump administration’s priorities.

And while the federal administration can make fossil fuel extraction more attractive in certain locations, it does not necessarily mean that every potential drill site will get utilized for fossil fuel production. In many instances, new fossil fuel projects may not be economical even with Trump’s support. For years, renewables have been getting drastically cheaper in recent years and are far more competitive economically vs fossil fuels (see UN, IRENA, Forbes). Secondly, these projects can still and will still be challenged in courts by organizations like Earthjustice and the NRDC who are already gearing up to fight. These projects can’t be built overnight, and due to the extensive upfront investment, many energy projects need to count on being economically profitable for decades: not just during the next four years. So while Trump’s decisions will certainly slow progress on climate, they don’t necessarily represent a complete reversal of the progress that has been made in recent years: progress that can and will continue even under a second Trump administration.

Want to learn more about what it will take to actually install enough renewable energy resources to make a dent in our impact on climate change? Well the 350 Chicago Speaker Series is here to help. Sign up for the talk by Bill McKibben on February 25th HERE who will discuss global deployment of solar. We have touched on this topic before as well, and the excellent talk by Dr. Seth Darling is on our YouTube page below, who described what the path forward for clean energy could look like.