Mission

ELPC’s overall goal is to accomplish a transition from the region’s current resource portfolio, currently comprised almost exclusively of nuclear and older coal-burning plants, towards a more diverse, more sustainable and less polluting portfolio including wind energy, biomass and solar. The Midwest still depends on coal-fired power plants for more than 75% of its electrical power. Coal plants are among the dirtiest sources of power. The Midwest is a rich environment for the development of renewable energy with multiple "windy" states. Utilities that have built electric generating units that use non-renewable fossil resources (coal, nuclear, and natural gas) are not interested in buying electricity generated from renewable resources. However, renewable resources are the fuel of the future and passage of renewable portfolio standards (RPS) in every Midwestern state is a critical step to building a clean energy future.

 

Iowa Governor Signs Energy Efficiency Bill

May 7, 2008 - Governor Chet Culver signed a bill designed to boost the state's energy efficiency in a number of ways. Highlights of the bill include a new energy efficiency commission that will develop stricter standards for building construction, and a requirement that the state's electric utilities develop efficiency goals and formally report on progress toward achieving them. ELPC and our partners are leading the Iowa Global Warming Solutions Campaign, which will be working to implement renewable energy, energy efficiency and greenhouse gas pollution reduction policies in Iowa.

 

Illinois Passes Strong Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Standards!

August 28, 2007 - Governor Blagojevich signed into law two standards to increase renewable energy and energy efficiency in Illinois. The standards are among the most ambitious in the nation and will make Illinois a national leader on clean energy development. After working for many years to achieve this, we are all very proud of what we at ELPC and our colleagues have achieved. Click the "Learn More" icon to read our press release.

 

Renewable energy is energy from the sun, wind, plants, heat from the earth, or other sources that do not harm the environment. These sources of energy can be an important part of our energy supply and can help reduce acid rain, smog, and nuclear waste. ELPC continues to lead the fight to pass or increase Renewable Portfolio Standards in every Midwestern state. Currently Iowa and Wisconsin have RPS requirements (2% and 2.2% respectively) while Xcel Energy of Minnesota has a 15% RPS requirement. Illinois and Michigan represent good opportunities for passage of RPS's in the near future.

ELPC works with advocates to research and develop campaign strategy and materials supporting the passage of RPS's. Drawing off the experience of other states and working with a broad coalition of allies from the business, regulatory, agriculture, environmental and legislative communities, ELPC leads RPS campaigns which assist in the development of the Midwest's clean energy resources.