Hello everyone! Welcome to a recap of the latest Environmental Policy news, written by Oscar Lee, intern of Go Green Northbrook.
State News
Illinois lawmakers advanced Illinois Senate Bill 3772, which will require the state to consider environmental justice concerns when they review permits for industrial facilities. Under the proposal, companies that are applying for permits to build new or expand facilities in designated environmental justice areas, geographic census tracts disproportionately burdened by environmental hazards, pollution, and climate change, will face additional review to assess the potential impacts on nearby residents. This bill will address the fact that low-income communities often experience disproportionate exposure to environmental issues like global warming and pollution. Opponents worry that this bill will make economic development projects harder to pass and, therefore, hurt the economy. In my opinion, this bill’s benefits outweigh the potential negative economic impacts because historically, low-income and minority communities have faced the negative impacts of climate change far more than other communities. This bill will help bring environmental justice to these communities and is a step in the right direction.
National News
The EPA proposed repealing federal drinking-water limits for several PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals. PFAS are nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment for over thousands of years. PFAS have been linked to health concerns, including cancer and immune system damage. The EPA argues that some of the 2024 regulations were improperly developed and needed to be “reconsidered.” However, I think this proposal will weaken protections for the health of millions of Americans. This proposal has led to huge debates between the EPA and environmentalists.
Global News
A report released in late May by the U.N.’s weather agencies has projected that global temperatures will likely remain near record highs over the next five years. Scientists have warned that at least one year between now and 2030 will likely exceed 1.5°C above pre-industrial temperatures, a global threshold established at the Paris Agreement in 2015. Further reports indicate that April 2026 was the fourth-warmest April ever recorded. Some of the effects of this global warming are rapid Arctic warming and continued sea ice decline. It’s time to take action against climate change, so call your local legislator, or incorporate some environmentally friendly practices into your day-to-day life!
This month’s environmental fun fact: One of the most effective ways to predict an imminent earthquake is to pay attention to animal behavior. Scientists can tell when an earthquake is coming by counting the number of missing cats in local news!