How healthy Illinois farmland could help cool the climate and restore rainfall

A new Illinois project is examining how healthier soils, trees and diverse plant life could help strengthen local water cycles, capture rainfall and cool the climate.

Photo: Steven Weeks/Unsplash

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

A new venture in Illinois is highlighting how healthy farmland can help to address climate change and restore local rainfall.

The Nature Cools project, led by the Climate Land Leaders initiative, is studying how healthy soils, trees and diverse plant life work together to strengthen local water cycles.

Katie Ross, a scientist and researcher for Nature Cools, said regenerating land brings back diversity both above and below the ground. Then, living landscapes can release natural particles helping clouds form and bring rain back to the places where water first evaporated.

"In addition to carbon sequestration, restoring that local rain cycle includes several powerful processes, which is nature's way of cooling the climate," Ross explained.

Research shows by 2050, Illinois is projected to have at least 26 more days above 95 degrees and more frequent and rapid-onset droughts. With increasing incidents of wildfires and flooding, Ross stressed the project serves to remind farmers of how much agency they can have in the face of natural disasters.

Along with carbon emissions, Ross noted practices killing the microbial community in soils have stunted nature’s natural cooling processes.

This summer, Ross visited three central Illinois farms that are part of the project to measure soil temperature and test how quickly rainwater soaks into the ground. Farms with restored prairie and long-term regenerative practices absorbed water far more quickly than land with a long history of conventional row cropping.

The findings suggest healthier soils are better able to capture rainfall instead of letting it run off.

"What these farmers are doing is incredibly important," Ross emphasized. "That's part of the joy and purpose of this project, is to say you guys actually are superheroes more than is recognized."

The results revealed how difficult land recovery can be

Leslie Cooperband, co-owner of Prairie Oasis Farm near Champaign, said researchers found compacted soils with very little organic matter, even in areas covered by perennial vegetation for decades. Cooperband called it a reminder rebuilding soil damaged over generations takes time.

"It's like a paradigm shift. I will say though, it's a long-term proposition," Cooperband observed. "It's not like plant a bunch of trees and next year you're going to have rain clouds over your farm. The damage is so profound that it is going to take years to bring that soil life back."

Cooperband added with so many farmers feeling squeezed to maximize productivity, it can be hard for farmers to commit to sparing farmland for alternative uses. Still, Cooperband stressed as farmers crave greater climate predictability, the project's findings can help expand efforts beyond farmers already open to adopting regenerative practices.

TAGS: Nature Cools project Illinois regenerative agriculture, healthy Illinois farmland and local rainfall, regenerative farming and soil health in Central Illinois, how healthy soil can help address climate change, Illinois farms using regenerative practices to capture rainfall

New Illinois law expands restitution for wrongful convictions, including juvenile cases

People wrongfully imprisoned in Illinois could receive larger compensation under a newly signed law that raises the state's payment cap and expands eligibility to people wrongfully convicted in juvenile court. The law also eliminates the previous $300,000 overall limit on compensation.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

People who were wrongfully imprisoned in Illinois could see larger payouts under a newly signed law which raises the compensation cap.

Illinois has the most exonerations of any state, according to the Registry of Exonerations. A new provision also makes children who were wrongfully convicted in juvenile court eligible to receive reparation.

Josh Tepfer, an attorney and executive director of the Exoneration Project, said youth were previously excluded by a technical gap in the prior statute.

"There's just loads and loads of examples of individuals in Illinois who spent literally decades, up to 40 years in prison, for crimes that they were innocent of," Tepfer explained. "This just gets Illinois consistent with states in providing some sort of adequate compensation for these horrific injustices."

The new law raises the cap to $50,000 per year of wrongful imprisonment and eliminates the overall $300,000 limit, including time in jail or juvenile detention before a false conviction.

Experts said the state’s compensation rate has lagged far behind the national average. The typical payout for a wrongful conviction in Illinois was about $11,000 for each year of wrongful imprisonment.

Tepfer noted while the government provides reentry support and resources for people who were rightfully convicted and serve their time, there is a critical gap for those who are exonerated.

"There is literally nothing that the government does to help those individuals," Tepfer emphasized. "They're put on a bus and say 'go home' once the system says, 'Sorry, we got it wrong.' So what this does, at least in theory, is give people some sort of real resources where they can patch their life together."

Tepfer added historically, it has been even worse for juveniles. Tepfer pointed to the Ronald Watts police corruption scandal, which saw hundreds of people wrongfully convicted over nearly a decade. Those who were juveniles at the time never qualified for compensation under the law.

"The only distinguishing feature for them not getting compensation from the state was that they were 16 years or younger, and that's just awful," Tepfer underscored. "The fact that this legislation passed gives some hope to those clients who now can petition to get their certificates of innocence that they've always deserved."

Exonerees must have received a certificate of innocence or have been pardoned by the governor and have never received a previous payout to qualify.

TAGS: Illinois compensation for wrongful imprisonment 2026, new Illinois law wrongful conviction compensation, juvenile wrongful conviction restitution Illinois, Illinois exoneration compensation $50,000 per year, certificate of innocence compensation Illinois

New Illinois movement grows as rural counties push for state separation

The movement to create a new, independent state from parts of Illinois is gaining momentum, with organizers pointing to growing support across rural counties. Supporters say the effort is about representation rather than partisan politics.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

Organizers pushing for a new, independent state within Illinois said they are prepared to play the long game to conquer the urban-rural divide.

The movement of counties wanting to break off into a new territory is growing.

G. H. Merritt, chairman of the board of the nonprofit New Illinois, said it is fundamentally about representation in government, not partisan politics. Merritt pointed out rural communities often feel forgotten and it is a phenomenon transcending party affiliation.

"The government is passing things that may be in the best interest of Chicago, which is fine. The problem is nobody cares about what's in the best interest of rural, small town and suburban areas," Merritt explained.

Merritt argued Gov. J.B. Pritzker has done a poor job of living up to his commitment to represent all parts of the state. Pritzker has consistently dismissed the movement as a partisan idea that will not work. Pritzker's administration maintains the effort is not legally or financially feasible.

Merritt noted the push to form a separate state has been going on for nearly a century in different pockets of Illinois. Today, two separate organizations are taking ground. One is Merritt's group, which works to educate residents about their constitutional right to pursue forming a new state. Another organization called Illinois Separation Referendum focuses on placing advisory referendums on county ballots.

Merritt added the current movement is different because it has grown to be widespread and organized. The Separation Referendum started its efforts downstate.

"New Illinois began in northern Illinois and so it's worked its way down. They've worked their way up," Merritt observed. "About 70 of Illinois's 101 counties have an active state split movement going on there, so that tells you what the breadth of it is."

Under the U.S. Constitution, creating a new state from an existing one requires the consent of both the Illinois General Assembly and Congress. Critics believe neither is a realistic path.

But Merritt countered referendums have been approved in 33 counties already, with more expected to have measures on their ballots come November.

"Things like this, people think they're crazy. They laugh at you," Merritt acknowledged. "The fact is, if you end up with a massive majority of the geographic area of your state and the population there that wants this, they are going to have to listen."

TAGS: New Illinois state separation movement, Illinois counties seeking state separation, rural Illinois push for new state, Illinois county state split referendums, urban-rural divide in Illinois politics

Despite education challenges, Illiniois ranks among the top states for child well-being

Middle school kids going into their school building

Photo: RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

Illinois ranks among the nation’s stronger states for child well-being, according to the 2026 Kids Count Data Book, but declines in literacy, math achievement and youth health indicators remain a concern.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

Illinois is doing better than most states in supporting youth well-being, according to a new report, but local leaders said declines in education and health outcomes still demand attention.

The 2026 Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation looked at how children and families are faring across four areas. Illinois’ strongest rankings are in education and health but academic outcomes remain worse than pre-pandemic levels.

Loukisha Pennix, chief youth and family potential officer for YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, said the state has seen a sharp decline in fourth grade reading levels, with 70% not proficient in reading.

“Our children need us making sure that we're reading to them,” Pennix urged. “Screen time is hurting our children, and we need to support them more in the area of literacy.”

Illinois saw improvements in factors related to economic well-being, family and community but child and teen death rates are increasing across the state, which Pennix said has become a major public health concern. Overall, the state fared worse on this year’s report compared with last year.

More young children ages 3 and 4 are not in school in Illinois, and the number of eighth graders proficient in math has also decreased.

A new scoring system this year shows whether policies and public investment are actually improving children’s lives. Pennix stressed investments in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid and Head Start are critical and have ripple effects on children’s health, education and economic security.

“When we provide for the community at large, the ones that are the youngest among us benefit the most,” Pennix emphasized. “Access to care and education, to health and nutritional services, it helps to ensure that our communities are thriving and not just surviving.”

As the federal government implements new eligibility restrictions for safety net programs, funds for people affected by SNAP cuts were included in the recently passed state budget. Under a new program, eligible residents would receive a one-time $400 payment. It is scheduled to last one year.

TAGS: Illinois child well-being, Kids Count report, youth education, literacy rates, child health outcomes

Communities divided over AI Data Centers in Illinois, lawmakers eye regulations

A proposed $500 million data center in Sangamon County is drawing mixed reactions from residents and officials. Supporters point to economic growth, job creation and investment. Critics raise concerns about environmental impact, water use and rising energy costs.

I must say, the more I learn about them, the more concerned I am...

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

CHICAGO - Rural Illinois is another area where tech companies are looking to build massive artificial-intelligence data centers. Communities are split on whether they should welcome them.

A proposed $500 million data center by CyrusOne in Sangamon County that would utilize about 280 acres of farmland has sparked debate among residents, officials and lawmakers. Supporters highlight economic benefits such as construction jobs, permanent employment and local investment. Critics counter that there would be a limited number of local jobs, and also raise concern about environmental impacts, rising electricity costs and water usage.

Local activist Lori McKiernan with the Coalition for Springfield’s Utility Future called for more scrutiny.

"I’m not against data centers, but I must say, the more I learn about them, the more concerned I am," she said. "And I want our county board to do their due diligence to address all of these concerns and make sure they’re not impacting their constituents."

The Sangamon County Board voted to postpone a final vote on the proposed project after hours of public opposition. The decision delays the approval of what would be the county’s first major data center.

Meanwhile, Illinois lawmakers are considering new regulations, including the Power Act, which would require data centers to use clean energy, cover infrastructure costs, and disclose water and environmental impacts.

Scott Allen, a policy analyst for the Citizens Utility Board, said this comes amid broader concern that large data centers could shift utility costs onto residents.

"This legislative session that’s currently underway is going to be the data center legislative session," he said. "Especially at the legislative level, we’re not going to get anything done until this data center thing is figured out."

Sangamon County is just the latest community in Illinois to put a pause on data center projects. Neighboring towns and cities have passed moratoriums on data center applications and have turned projects down.

TAGS: Sangamon County data center proposal Illinois debate, AI data centers rural Illinois environmental concerns, Illinois Power Act data center regulations explained, impact of data centers on electricity costs Illinois, community response to data center projects Illinois

Advisory vote tests support for federal school choice program in Illinois

Illinois voters are considering a March 17 advisory referendum on a federal school choice tax credit program. The initiative could provide scholarships of up to $1,700 for eligible students.

Student doing homework

Photo: Annie Spratt/Unsplash

Supporters of the federal school choice tax credit program says it expands educational access across private, public and homeschool settings. Opponents warn it may disproportionately benefit wealthier families while straining public school resources.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

CHICAGO - Millions of Illinois voters are weighing in March 17 on whether the state should opt in to the federal school choice tax credit initiative.

Supporters are hoping poll results show statewide support for the tax credit scholarship program, which could benefit private, public and homeschooled students in Illinois with scholarships of up to $1,700.

Dick Simpson, professor emeritus of political science at the University of Illinois-Chicago and a former Chicago alderman, called it a political pressure campaign meant to influence Governor JB Pritzker. He suggested overwhelming support could potentially sway him but noted a critical limitation.

"Because it's not being held in the most important Democratic areas of the state, and it's primarily in counties that are Republican, that has less power," Simpson pointed out.

The advisory question will appear on ballots in more than 30 Illinois counties. It will be included in only some communities throughout Cook, Lake and Winnebago counties. States must choose to opt in by Jan. 1, 2027.

Opponents of the program said it would divert funds from public education and disproportionately benefit the wealthy. Simpson stressed any increase in funding for education is good. However, he noted establishing a dichotomy between supporting students in private education versus supporting better public education is a cause for tension. He said ultimately, today’s vote will be based on the priorities of voters.

"I think they have to weigh: Do they support scholarships for all students coming from federal funds, or do they prefer to support public education, which is under threat and needs more students in the system and more money in the system," Simpson explained.

Simpson added using referendums to show public support or opposition for an issue is a useful tool for citizens to communicate their opinions to public officials. However, recently proposed legislation would prohibit Illinois from adopting the program.

TAGS: Illinois school choice referendum March 17, federal tax credit scholarship Illinois vote, Illinois education funding debate 2026, JB Pritzker school choice policy Illinois, Illinois ballot question school scholarships

94% of Democrats, 93% of Republicans agree: Toxic politics is tearing the nation apart

An Indiana history professor says uncivil political behavior has long been part of American history. He urged Americans to approach political conversations with humility and compassion.

by Teri Dee
Public News Service

INDIANAPOLIS - Uncivil political behavior is well-documented in American history, according to one Indiana professor.

A 2024 Gallup poll indicated political rhetoric has gone too far and is fueling frustrations with political leadership. The study said 94% of Democrats and 93% of Republicans agreed inflammatory language aimed at the other party is harmful and counterproductive.

Ted Frantz, professor of history at the University of Indianapolis, argued anyone who is following U.S. politics can see the country is in a crisis moment.

Critics saw the decision as another attempt to distort and erase Black history.

"Since our politics tend to be reduced to two parties, at times, you might be able to justify what happens in the heat of the moment because you believe in your cause," Frantz explained. "But the problem with that, of course, is if you extend the rules or suspended the rules at a time when you really need them enforced for something you do care about, then somebody else can employ the same logic."

The survey also found Americans view the spread of extremist views online as a main factor contributing to political violence. Frantz agreed recognizing someone as human in a conversation is hard if the person is on a screen and people need to approach conversations about politics with a sense of humility and compassion. There can be more than one side to an argument, he added, and even if you disagree, you can express those ideas after showing up and listening.

Photo: Photo by Dan Mall/Unsplash

Last month, the Trump administration ordered the removal of four panels at Independence Park, the Philadelphia home of former president George Washington. The exhibit honored the names of nine enslaved people owned by Washington. Critics saw the decision as another attempt to distort and erase Black history. Frantz called the removal highly political and stressed more effort should be made to write history in a more balanced and inclusive tone.

"To rewrite history as rapidly as the administration did is a disservice to what happened during the Civil Rights Movement," Frantz contended. "It's a disservice to the professionalism of the people who had established those markers, and it helps, effectively, unfortunately, erase key narratives about what happened and why."

He underscored it is dangerous when politicians are willing to distort the past to promote a political agenda in the present. Last week, a federal judge ordered the panels restored while a lawsuit against the Interior Department proceeds.

TAGS: 2024 Gallup poll political rhetoric findings, Ted Frantz University of Indianapolis political history, Independence Park Philadelphia exhibit panel removal, bipartisan views on inflammatory political language, federal judge restoration order Interior Department lawsuit

Black women hit hardest as DEI cuts and job losses reshape workforce

Recent cuts in available jobs on the market point to a broader effort eliminating DEI programs and civil rights protections. Job losses tied to DEI cuts are hitting Black women hardest, pushing many toward entrepreneurship.

Photo: wocintechchat.com/Unsplash

by Teri Dee
Public News Service

CHICAGO - As President Donald Trump continues to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion policies, thousands of Black women in Indiana and nationwide are losing their jobs.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show the unemployment rate for Black women increased nearly 1.5% from January to December of last year. That includes thousands in federal roles laid off because of budget cuts. To cover living expenses, many of these workers must apply for full or partial government assistance.

Chiquita Hall-Jackson, an employment and civil rights attorney, said she believes economic uncertainty and job losses linked to Trump’s orders have hit Black women hardest.

"The government is the number one employer of Black people, including Black women," she said. "If the government is controlled by this administration, especially for employment, and they come in and wipe out positions with buyouts, early retirement and ultimately firing and targeting Black people in their roles, especially leadership roles, this is where we land."

Black women are increasingly using entrepreneurship to create income streams.

Hall-Jackson said she believes the mass layoffs ordered by Trump follow the tactics outlined in Project 2025, a conservative initiative that broadly promotes rolling back civil rights protections for women and eliminating DEI programs. She said in conversations with jobless Black women, she has learned they prefer not to seek government aid because of childhood poverty or their parents’ opposition to seeking federal help.

The rise of artificial intelligence is causing concerns for people trying to re-enter the workforce. A Reuters-Ipsos poll finds 71% of respondents are concerned AI could permanently put too many people out of work. If severance pay is included during a job exit, Hall-Jackson suggested Black women should consider options outside of pursuing a career change.

"Invest that money into a startup, some kind of stock," she suggested. "Find what investment vehicle works for you so you can maximize that money in case there’s an emergency."

Black women are increasingly using entrepreneurship to create income streams. A Wells Fargo 2025 report shows the number of Black women-owned businesses rose more than 7% throughout the year. The number of businesses owned by Black women increased by 33% between 2019 and 2023.

Black women unemployment trends, DEI policy rollback impact, federal layoffs Black workers, Black women entrepreneurship growth, Project 2025 employment effects

The rise of U.S. authoritarianism a midwest professor issues warning about popular tactics

Konstantin Zhukov says that an FBI raid of a journalist’s home last week is not an isolated incident but part of an ongoing escalation since President Donald Trump took office.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

A Midwest professor is sounding the alarm on what he called the Trump administration’s authoritarian tactics to quell the press, free speech and other constitutional rights, stressing everyone should be paying attention.

Konstantin Zhukov, assistant professor of economics at Indiana University-Kokomo, argued the FBI raid of a journalist’s home last week is not an isolated incident but part of an ongoing escalation since President Donald Trump took office a year ago. He emphasized as someone originally from Russia, he recognized it as a familiar autocratic move.

"It's the story that you usually hear in Russia," Zhukov explained. "It's a common instrument that the Russian authorities use in order to scare the journalists, to signal to them that they shouldn't do their work essentially, that they shouldn't keep the government accountable."

Zhukov pointed to recent volatile policing and immigration protest dynamics in states like Illinois and Minnesota as another big concern. Last week, Chicago officials joined an Illinois lawsuit challenging allegedly unlawful and unconstitutional immigration enforcement. The Trump administration called the lawsuit “baseless” and defends its immigration actions as enforcing federal law.

Zhukov links current trends to broader free speech risks, asserting after the murder of Charlie Kirk last year, an administration-issued memorandum sets a dangerous precedent by enabling a broad classification of domestic terrorism. He argued it could potentially include anyone who disagrees with the administration’s agenda.

While he believes American institutions are strong enough to withstand the current administration, Zhukov stressed how much they are being weakened and how future administrations could undermine them more severely.

"The precedent that I think it sets is that the administration will just keep pushing the boundaries of what is accepted of the executive power to do," Zhukov projected.

Zhukov recommended countermeasures like voting in the midterm elections and continuing to speak out peacefully to normalize dissent and widen public discourse. He emphasized recognizing autocratic tactics is essential to combating them.

"What is happening right now is very dangerous and it's a classic playbook of the autocrats," Zhukov underscored. "The more people understand that these are the steps toward autocracy, the better."

New Illinois law protects workers who document violence on employer devices

Employers are encouraged to review workplace policies to ensure compliance with the updated VESSA law. Employees who believe their rights are being violated may file complaints with the Illinois Department of Labor. State officials say access to documentation can be critical for securing protection orders.

Photo: energepic.com/PEXELS

A new Illinois law allows workers to record and access evidence of violence on employer-issued phones and tablets.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

CHICAGO - A new change to an Illinois law provides significant protections for employees who use work-issued electronic devices to document instances of violence.

The amendment to the Victims Economic Security and Safety Act, or VESSA, allows employees in Illinois to use their work-issued cellphones or tablets if needed to document domestic violence, sexual or gender violence, or other violent crimes – said Lydia Colunga-Merchant, Leave Rights Division manager with the Illinois Department of Labor.

"It also allows employees to have access to that data," said Colunga-Merchant, "that is recorded on those work-issued devices."

The change took effect January 1. Colunga-Merchant encouraged employers to regularly review and update their workplace policies to maintain compliance with current law.

Colunga-Merchant said the amendment stems from an incident in New York, in which an employee experiencing domestic violence was disciplined by her employer for documenting instances on a work-related device. She said the woman was ultimately killed by her spouse.

"It's trying to prevent some of that access that maybe that employee could have had to that work-related device," said Colunga-Merchant, "if she needed that evidence to get potentially an order of protection or a restraining order – or any other type of protection or documentation that could have helped."

She adds employees can contact the Illinois Department of Labor to file a complaint if they believe employers are violating VESSA provisions.

TAGS: Illinois VESSA law update explained, employee rights documenting domestic violence Illinois, work-issued device protections Illinois law, Illinois Department of Labor VESSA enforcement, documenting abuse on employer phone Illinois

No longer behind bars, Illinois raises minimum age to jail children next year

The Child First Task Force included in Illinois' newest law will work to address inadequate detention conditions for children.

Photo: Kendel Media/PEXELS

New Illinois legislation creates a Child First Task Force to address broader gaps in the juvenile detention system.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

CHICAGO - Juvenile justice advocates in Illinois are praising the state’s decision to raise the minimum age for juvenile detention from 10 to 13 years old beginning in 2026.

A newly signed bill aims to reform juvenile justice practices across the state by creating services and programs prioritizing rehabilitation treatment alternatives for children.

Elizabeth Clarke, founder and executive director of the Juvenile Justice Initiative, said it is the culmination of more than a decade of work to prioritize a restorative justice approach to juvenile detention which uses jail as a last resort in extreme cases.

"It's a very exciting step forward," Clarke explained. "Following research to the best outcomes when children are in conflict with the law, will keep the public safer, will reduce local community costs, and improve services across the state."

Along with regular reporting requirements from probation and court services, the legislation creates a Child First Task Force to address broader gaps in the juvenile detention system. The law takes effect in 2026 raising the minimum age from 10 to 12 years old first, and then to 13 years old in 2027.

The law includes a carveout for crimes like murder, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated battery with a firearm or aggravated vehicular hijacking. Clarke noted while there currently are not many children in jail in Illinois, the harm caused by it is profound, increases the likelihood of repeat offenses and is particularly harmful for younger children.

"All the research shows that wrapping around services to keep kids at home or close to home, is really critical," Clarke emphasized. "Especially with this young population, to address the challenges that are leading them to violate the law in the first place."

She added services are crucial to addressing challenges, allowing children to move forward and not be set backward by time and detention.

Clarke stressed a major issue with the juvenile justice system in Illinois is the fractured funding and oversight structure. She underscored the Child First Task Force included in the bill will work to address inadequate detention conditions for children by identifying and addressing deficiencies and needed resources for improvements.

Illinois rural co-ops still tied to major polluter

Co-ops still heavily depend on coal and other fossil fuels for the majority of their power. Twenty-five of them in Illinois still have an ownership share in the Prairie State Coal Plant.

Photo: İsmail Hamza Polat/Unsplash

Illinois has about 25 rural electric cooperatives that provide power to more than 300,000 rural homes, farms, and businesses in the state.

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

CHICAGO - A new scorecard shows rural electric cooperatives in Illinois are making improvements but experts said the majority of them are still helping to power the Prairie State Coal Plant, one of the top greenhouse gas polluters in the country.

The 2025 Illinois Rural Electric Scorecard from nonprofit Prairie Rivers Network grades eight Midwest state power cooperatives on 16 performance metrics.

Anthony Henson, rural energy organizer for the network, said there have been significant improvements since last year’s inaugural scorecard, with 20 cooperatives increasing their overall score. Henson explained co-ops originally formed to bring electricity to rural areas and are owned by the people they serve. He stressed the goal of the scorecard is to empower people with information about their co-ops.

"In the spirit of democratic participation in which these institutions were first created, we find that if member owners become more active inside their co-ops, the co-ops become responsive when making changes, whether it's transparency or operations," Henson outlined.

Hensen noted co-ops still heavily depend on coal and other fossil fuels for the majority of their power, adding the hope is the co-op scorecard, along with energy planning provisions and other legislation, will empower member-owners to help push their co-op toward a clean energy future.

However, nearly all the 25 co-ops in Illinois still have an ownership share in the Prairie State Coal Plant. Henson pointed out the first scorecard helped build momentum for the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act passed this fall, which created new standards for municipal and rural electric cooperatives.

"That is important because municipal and rural electric cooperatives have always been left out of the standards of these laws, and that has changed this year," Henson underscored. "We are now requiring co-ops in Illinois to do strategic resource planning."

It includes posting agenda minutes and election procedures online starting in 2026, conducting transparent long-term energy planning with public participation and making rooftop solar more accessible to ensure compliance with Illinois' goal of 40% renewable energy by 2030.

"Rural electric cooperatives are tasked with keeping the lights on in rural communities," Henson emphasized. "They do a very good job in being responsive to the needs of their member owners. And we expect them to continue providing clean and reliable electricity over the course of the next century."

Advocates rally against repeal of roadless rule protecting Midwest forests by Trump Administration

Opponents say repealing the Roadless Rule would harm pristine forests, worsen climate change and endanger Midwest water supplies.

A stream runs through a forest area

Photo: Tienko Dima/Unsplash

by Judith Ruiz-Branch
Public News Service

CHICAGO - Environmental advocates are urging residents in Illinois and across the Midwest to oppose the Trump administration's proposal to repeal the Roadless Rule. The conservation policy safeguards more than half a million acres of undeveloped land in National Forests across the Midwest from road construction and logging.

Kelly Thayer, senior policy advocate with the Environmental Law and Policy Center, said these lands have remained untouched for decades and represent some of America's most pristine wilderness. He stressed that cutting them down to allow logging, mining and roads would accelerate climate change and threaten the water source for many communities.

"So, ironically, the rule is preventing fires," he explained. "The Trump administration wants to repeal it in the name of fighting fires. The truth is that roads and people who use them are the greatest cause of forest fires."

Thayer added that the law includes flexibility for things like fire management, making the proposed repeal unnecessary. He emphasizes how critical it is for people to voice their concerns now given the U.S. Department of Agriculture only provided a 21-day public comment period which ends Friday. People can submit comments online at Regulations.gov.

The Roadless Rule was established in 2001. Thayer said after more than 600 public meetings and a record 1.6 million public comments, an overwhelming majority of people supported the protection of these natural lands. So far, more than 133,000 comments have been submitted to the U.S. Department of Agriculture in response to the proposed repeal.

"We have some fantastic wild gems right in our midst," he said. "These areas are in our backyard and they can be lost, and lost forever if we don't stand up and take action now."

Those include Illinois’ Shawnee National Forest and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest in Wisconsin. Thayer stressed these wildlands would be at risk should the Department of Agriculture move forward with ending the Roadless Rule. Supporters of the rollback say more roads will help firefighters reach hard-to-access areas and provide economic opportunities through logging.

How healthy Illinois farmland could help cool the climate and restore rainfall

New Illinois law expands restitution for wrongful convictions, including juvenile cases

New Illinois movement grows as rural counties push for state separation

Despite education challenges, Illiniois ranks among the top states for child well-being

Communities divided over AI Data Centers in Illinois, lawmakers eye regulations

Advisory vote tests support for federal school choice program in Illinois

94% of Democrats, 93% of Republicans agree: Toxic politics is tearing the nation apart

Black women hit hardest as DEI cuts and job losses reshape workforce

The rise of U.S. authoritarianism a midwest professor issues warning about popular tactics

New Illinois law protects workers who document violence on employer devices

No longer behind bars, Illinois raises minimum age to jail children next year

Illinois rural co-ops still tied to major polluter

Advocates rally against repeal of roadless rule protecting Midwest forests by Trump Administration

Editor's Choice

Free Urbana program shows homeowners how to turn stormwater into a landscape asset

More Sentinel Stories

Sentinel Prep Sports

Photo Galleries

Varsity Snapshot

Search the Sentinel

Top stories this year

Other stories you might like ...

Other stories you might like ...

Other stories you might like ...

Other stories you might like ...

More that might interest you

More that might interest you

More that might interest you

More that might interest you

More that might interest you

More that might interest you

More on Illinois politics

Editor's Choice

More Sentinel Stories

Sentinel Prep Sports

Photo Galleries

Varsity Snapshot

Search the Sentinel

Top stories this year