The Chicago area’s wastewater treatment agency says it is ahead of schedule in its efforts to combat climate change.
Stories by alex ruppenthal
State Rep’s Bill Aims to Expand Illinois’ Renewable Energy Portfolio
Feb 6, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
State Rep. Will Davis plans to file legislation this week that he says would expand the state’s share of renewable energy to 40 percent of total energy sources by 2030.
New Field Museum Exhibit to Showcase Stunning Wildlife Photography
Feb 4, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
“Wildlife Photographer of the Year,” based on the prestigious photography competition of the same name, will feature 100 winning photos selected among 45,000 submissions from 95 countries. We preview the show.
MWRD Warns of Potential Flooding as Chicago Thaws from Deep Freeze
Feb 1, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
Melting snow and potential rain are likely to cause flooding as we head into a weekend warm-up following a record-setting Arctic blast.
Chicago Announces Record Release Rate at City Animal Shelter
Jan 31, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
More than 90 percent of the 16,000-plus animals sheltered by Chicago Animal Care and Control last year were either adopted, transferred to a rescue group or returned to their owner, according to city data.
Shiver, Fluff and Cuddle: How Birds Keep Warm in the Winter
Jan 30, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
Unlike humans, birds do not have the luxury of high-powered heating systems to keep warm in the winter, but they do have a variety of unique adaptations to help them survive.
Call Before Bringing Pets to Chicago Warming Centers, City Says
Jan 29, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
Those seeking refuge from this week’s bitter cold at one of Chicago’s public warming centers should not assume their dog or cat will be allowed in with them.
BBB Warns of Cold-Weather Scams as Temperatures Plummet
Jan 29, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
As extreme cold sets in, be on the lookout for scams involving driveway shoveling, furnace inspections and utility bills, the Better Business Bureau says.
Chicago Zoos to Close in Anticipation of Extreme Cold
Jan 28, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
Brookfield Zoo and Lincoln Park Zoo plan to close for parts of the week as record-breaking lows are expected to move into the area.
Chicago Adopts Stricter Rules for Manganese, Other Pollutants
Jan 28, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
Chicago facilities that process potentially harmful industrial materials must now take further steps to ensure they aren’t polluting surrounding neighborhoods.
Tips for Managing Icy Sidewalks Without Harming the Environment
Jan 24, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
Although ice melt products can help clear slick walkways, they can also harm pets and cause damage to lawns, gardens and waterways. What you need to know.
Chicago Museums Offer Free Admission to Federal Workers During Shutdown
Jan 24, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
A handful of museums and cultural institutions in and around Chicago are offering free admission to workers affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Gov. Pritzker Signs Pact Committing Illinois to Paris Climate Goals
Jan 23, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
The move by Illinois’ new governor marks a sharp departure from his predecessor, former Gov. Bruce Rauner, who made little to no mention of the state’s role in curbing carbon emissions that most scientists agree contribute to global warming.
Kari Steele Elected as New President at MWRD
Jan 22, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
New MWRD President Kari Steele is the only chemist on the organization’s nine-member board. She was re-elected in November to a second term as commissioner.
Shark Remains Discovered in Rock That Contained Sue the T. Rex
Jan 21, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
Tiny fossilized teeth found in sediment that surrounded Sue the T. Rex have led to the classification of a new shark species.
Brookfield Zoo to Establish New Pack of Endangered Mexican Wolves
Jan 16, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
Zoo officials say they’re hopeful that 2-year-old Ela and newcomer Apache, 7, will have a successful breeding season this winter and produce a litter of wolf pups in the spring.
Illinois Governor’s Mansion Secures LEED Status After $15M Renovation
Jan 11, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
Outgoing Gov. Bruce Rauner and first lady Diana Rauner are leaving the Governor’s Mansion in significantly greater – and greener – shape than they found it. And now the historic home has the paperwork to prove it.
No Contamination Found in Water Near Sterigenics’ Willowbrook Plant
Jan 10, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
Water samples collected at homes near a suburban medical sterilization plant linked to a cancer-causing gas showed no signs of contamination, environmental regulators announced Wednesday.
Coastal Management Program Targets Lake Michigan Beaches
Jan 9, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
A state program designed to protect the Lake Michigan shoreline is adding a new category this year aimed at helping Chicago-area communities preserve their beaches.
New State Grant Program Aims to Help Companies Sell Asian Carp
Jan 8, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
If you can’t beat ‘em, eat ‘em. That’s the apparent strategy behind a new state grant program that will provide funding to companies that harvest and sell Asian carp.
Illinois AG Demands EPA Enforce Rule Limiting Landfill Pollution
Jan 7, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
A group of state attorneys general, including Lisa Madigan, is demanding that the EPA withdraw its plan to delay a regulation aimed at reducing emissions of methane and other pollutants from landfills.
Chicago’s Divvy Divide: Convenient Bike-Share Program or Sign of Gentrification?
Jan 4, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
A new study found that Evanston residents were generally accepting of bike-share programs like Divvy, while residents in Humboldt Park viewed such programs as signs of privilege and gentrification.
Group Forecasts Statewide Impact of EPA’s Controversial Mercury Plan
Jan 3, 2019 | Alex Ruppenthal
The advocacy group Moms Clean Air Force warns that a Trump administration proposal to weaken standards for emissions of toxic mercury would harm residents and wildlife across Illinois.
Advocates: EPA Plan to Weaken Mercury Rule Threatens Great Lakes Fish
Dec 31, 2018 | Alex Ruppenthal
The Trump administration’s plan to roll back limits on toxic mercury pollution will harm Great Lakes fish – and potentially those who eat them, advocates say.
Illinois Issues Proposed Rules for Growing Industrial Hemp
Dec 28, 2018 | Alex Ruppenthal
Farmers and others across the state are preparing to grow and process a new crop as Illinois finalizes regulations for industrial hemp.
5 CPS Schools Selected for Green ‘Schoolyard Transformations’ in 2019
Dec 27, 2018 | Alex Ruppenthal
New outdoor spaces at a handful of Chicago elementary schools will provide safe play areas for kids in low-income neighborhoods while also mitigating flooding risks, according to program organizers.