Media Center

Michigan State Regulators Approve Win for Michigan Families: New Agreements Between Utilities and Advocates Will Lower Energy Bills and Invest in Home Improvements

March 4, 2026 Press ReleaseMichigan

The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) has recently approved two major agreements negotiated between environmental advocates, MPSC staff, the Attorney General’s office, and utilities that will help Michiganders reduce energy consumption and save money.

New NRDC Study: Cutting Food Waste in Illinois Could Add 14,000 Jobs and Grow the Economy

February 25, 2026 Press ReleaseChicago

A new study, commissioned by NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), shows that Illinois can turn its trash into a major win for the state. By stopping food from rotting in landfills, Illinois can create thousands of jobs, grow the economy…

Pritzker Announces Two Year Suspension of State Tax Incentives for New Data Center Developments

February 18, 2026 Press ReleaseIllinois

Governor Pritzker announced, in his budget address today, a two-year suspension of state tax incentives for new data center developments, effective July 1, 2026.

POWER Act Intended to Protect Ratepayers and the Environment from Data Center Harm

February 11, 2026 Press ReleaseChicago

NRDC joined the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition today at a press conference in Chicago calling for the Illinois General Assembly to protect water, climate goals, consumers, and communities by passing the POWER (Protecting Our Water, Energy, and Ratepayers) Act.

Federal Lawlessness in American Cities

February 4, 2026 Press ReleaseUnited States, Minneapolis, MinnesotaManish Bapna

The violent events unfolding in communities across America have created unease and concerns about the state of America’s democracy.

Illinois Passes Historic Energy Bill that Acts to Curb Surging Electricity Prices

October 30, 2025 Press ReleaseIllinois

The Illinois General Assembly passed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act. 

Flint Finishes Lead Pipe Replacement in Historic Milestone

July 1, 2025 Press ReleaseFlint

A decade after lead contaminated water was found in Flint's water system, the legal battle to replace lead water pipes is finished, a landmark milestone for a city defined by its dangerous water.

Introduction of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act

March 4, 2025 Press ReleaseIllinois

Representative Ann Williams and environmental and consumer advocates introduced the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (SB2473/HB3779).

Residents Still Waiting for Flint to Replace All Lead Pipes on 10-Year Anniversary of Water Crisis

April 24, 2024 Press ReleaseDetroit

DETROIT, Mich. – A decade after the Flint water crisis began and more than seven years after a major settlement was reached in the landmark citizen suit against the City of Flint and Michigan state officials, the City of Flint has failed…

NRDC, SWACO Announce Seven Ohio Recipients of Food Waste Reduction Grants

May 17, 2023 Press ReleaseColumbus

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) and SWACO (Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio) have partnered with the City of Columbus and Franklin County to announce the recipients of the Central Ohio Food Waste Reduction Capacity Grant, supporting community-driven initiatives that…

NRDC Partners with Art at a Time Like This at EXPO CHICAGO to Highlight the Power of Women & Artists as Climate Advocates

March 21, 2023 Press ReleaseChicago

For the 10th anniversary of EXPO CHICAGO, NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) has partnered with Art at a Time Like This (ATLT) to create HOW ON EARTH, a climate-focused exhibit from acclaimed artists Janet Biggs, Lily Kwong, Helina Metaferia and…

One Year Later: Benton Harbor’s Lead Water Pipes Nearly 100% Removed, Setting a New Standard for Michigan and the Nation

October 19, 2022 Press ReleaseBenton Harbor

Nearly every lead drinking water line in Benton Harbor has been replaced, just one year after community activists, alarmed by three consecutive years of high lead levels found in Benton Harbor’s tap water, petitioned federal and state officials to fix…

Lightfoot Administration Announces Denial of General Iron Permit

February 18, 2022 Press ReleaseChicago

The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today that it has denied RMG/General Iron’s operating permit bringing an end to a years-long struggle between Southeast Side residents and the massive metal shredding operation that sought to relocate from Lincoln…

Court Vacates Decision to Approve Dakota Access Pipeline Expansion

January 13, 2022 Press ReleaseIllinois

The Illinois 4th District Appellate Court issued its decision in the appeal of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) decision approving the Dakota Access Pipeline and Energy Transfer Crude Oil Pipeline expansion. Save Our Illinois Land (SOIL), the Sierra Club, NRDC…

Michigan Governor Whitmer Issues Order for Safe Drinking Water

November 4, 2021 Press ReleaseMichigan

To ensure every Michigan community has access to safe drinking water, today Governor Whitmer issued a multi-pronged directive to strengthen the state’s rules, regulations, and policies. The state is providing free bottled water to Benton Harbor, Michigan, due to high…

Illinois Set to be First Midwest State to Require 100 Percent Carbon-Free Energy by 2045

September 13, 2021 Press ReleaseIllinois

Most Comprehensive Clean Energy Legislation in State’s History, includes Equitable Statewide Jobs and Economic Investment Plan

Fossil Fuel Industry Stalls Illinois’ Most Comprehensive and Equitable Clean Energy Legislation

June 17, 2021 Press ReleaseIllinois

Fossil fuel interests stalled the most comprehensive clean energy package in Illinois’ history. Negotiations continue as legislators push to save Governor Pritzker’s comprehensive energy bill, which would transition the state to 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045.

City of Chicago Halts Controversial Metal Shredder Permit in response to Community Pressure and EPA Letter

May 8, 2021 Press ReleaseChicago

The Lightfoot administration announced late yesterday that it would stop the permitting process for General Iron, a controversial massive metal shredding operation, pending an environmental justice analysis conducted in partnership with the U.S. EPA. This follows a letter from U.S…

Governor Whitmer Puts Families First in State of the State Address

January 28, 2021 Press ReleaseMichigan

Governor Gretchen Whitmer in her State of the State address prioritized a multibillion-dollar pandemic relief plan to help Michigan families recover from the pandemic. Michigan families came first during her address that framed a common ground approach to confront the…

Chicago Southeast Side Residents to Mayor: Deny General Iron’s Move if You are Serious about Equity

July 27, 2020 Press ReleaseChicago

Chicago officials released a report over the weekend that highlights the disproportionate air pollution burden faced by the city’s communities of color in the South and West Sides and promised a new “reform agenda” in response.