United Congregations of Metro East

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signs the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act into law in Chicago on Wednesday. The new law puts Illinois on a path to reach 100% carbon free energy by 2050 and provides support for communities to transition to the green economy.

Illinois’ New Energy Plan Promises Massive Shift Away From Fossil Fuels

Eric Schmid

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The law puts the state on a path to reach 100% clean energy by 2050, with the goal of zeroing out carbon emissions by 2045.

Members of Join Hands ESL hold kites with messages supporting a ban on PFAS incineration in front of industrial complexes in Sauget on April 22. A bill in the Illinois House would ban the burning of the toxic class of chemicals.

Health, Science, Environment

Metro East Environmentalists Call For Illinois Lawmakers To Ban Burning Toxic Class Of Chemicals

Eric Schmid

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The bill by Rep. LaToya Greenwood, D-East St. Louis, advanced on Wednesday, and would prohibit disposing of any PFAS through burning.

A nurse holds a needle with the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in O’Fallon, Illinois.

Health, Science, Environment

Illinois Vaccine Rollout Will Remain Slow For Now

Eric Schmid

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The state doesn't have nearly enough doses to cover the 3 million people who just became eligible for the coronavirus vaccine.

Screenshot of Ngozi Ezike via Blue Room Stream

Health, Science, Environment

Illinois Health Director Talks Building Trust In Black Areas Ahead Of COVID-19 Vaccine Event

DeAsia Paige | Belleville News-Democrat

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Dr. Ngozie Ezike says she’s looking forward to listening to people’s concerns about taking the vaccine. The event will be streamed on Facebook Live at 6:30 p.m.

The Center for Disease Control will conduct an investigation into pollution from the Veolia North American-Trade Waste Incineration facility in Sauget.

Health, Science, Environment

Metro East Residents Want To Know What The Veolia Incinerator Is Burning

Eric Schmid

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The Veolia incinerator is listed as one of eight sites authorized by the Department of Defense to dispose of PFAS firefighting foam. The United Congregations of Metro East, the Sierra Club and other environmental organizations are suing the Department of Defense to block the potential disposal pending an environmental review.