Illinois Environmental Protection Agency
Coverage of Illinois Environmental Protection Agency in the Nexus archive.
- As Trump hacks away at environmental protections, Illinois strengthens them
The Trump administration has rolled back environmental protections, including rescinding the EPA's greenhouse gas endangerment finding and weakening vehicle emissions standards, while Illinois under Gov. JB Pritzker and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Director James Jennings has strengthened protections, particularly addressing PFAS chemicals.
- Chicago gets $22.1 million to replace lead pipes in Austin neighborhood
Chicago’s Department of Water Management will receive $22.1 million in federal funding to replace approximately 650 lead service lines in the Austin neighborhood. Over 3,000 properties in Austin have tested above the lead action limit, and Illinois has the most lead pipes in the U.S., with Chicago accounting for nearly 30%.
- Pilsen residents warn of toxic metals from metal scrapper, ask Pritzker to slow permit renewal
Pilsen residents are urging Governor JB Pritzker to delay the permit renewal of Sims Metal Management, a scrap metal operation accused of releasing toxic metals into the air. Despite a 2025 pollution control system installed by Sims, recent tests show increased levels of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and other metals, sparking community protests and calls for further scrutiny.