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clean energy

CUB honored by generous donation in memory of Chris Conrad

Illinois man remembered as kind-hearted seeker of knowledge  As the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) celebrates its 35th anniversary, we are honored to receive a generous memorial gift from the family of an Illinois man, Chris Conrad, who had a lifelong passion for shining a light on inequity and injustice. The…...

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Why we need a Clean Energy Jobs Act

By David Kolata, CUB Executive Director (Update: Since this column was written, the House Energy and Environment Committee voted to advance the Clean Energy Jobs Act, sponsored by State Rep. Ann Williams and State Sen. Cristina Castro [House Bill 3624/Senate Bill 2132]. The bill awaits a committee vote in the…...

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No such thing as free solar panels (but they can be affordable!)

CLAIM: You can get free solar panels installed on your roof! FACT: Some companies offer solar panel installation for no money down, but it’s not exactly free—you’ll be renting the panels, monthly, for the term of the lease, which is usually 20 years. CUB RECOMMENDS: Explore all of your options.…...

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CUB honored by gift in memory of Chris Conrad

Illinois man remembered as kind-hearted seeker of knowledge  As the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) celebrates its 35th anniversary, we are honored to receive a generous gift from the Chris Conrad Memorial Light-the-Way Fund. The $20,000 gift honors Chris Conrad’s lifelong passion for shining a light on inequity and injustice. We…...

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“Listen, Lead, Share” shows urgency for clean energy future

The Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) proves that strong bipartisan leadership can grow a clean energy economy that creates jobs and reduces power bills. And from dozens of recent listening sessions across Illinois, residents have an urgent message for the new governor and General Assembly: Don’t stop now! Thanks to…...

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CUB reviews EPA’s new Affordable Clean Energy rule

You’ve probably read the headlines about the Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed “Affordable Clean Energy” (ACE) rule. EPA moves to replace Clean Power Plan with modest carbon regulations Trump’s “Affordable Clean Energy” plan won’t save coal Cost of new E.P.A. coal rules: Up to 1,400 more deaths a year Here’s a…...

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Getting your home ready for fall and winter

You might want to ignore the fact that winter is fast approaching, but now is the perfect time to to start preparing your home for the cold months ahead. Here’s a checklist of “to-dos” so your home is ready for the chilliest time of year. Furnace inspection. Have a certified…...

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My Electric Vehicle Acid Test

for Medium.com by David Kolata, CUB’s Executive Director I could say I’m pumped — but that’s not quite right, given that I’ve bypassed the gas station. Maybe ‘juiced’ is a better way to describe how I feel about my first electric vehicle (“EV”), a 2018 Chevy Bolt. The new 2018 Chevy Bolt and…...

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Tell the White House: Don’t be weak on efficiency

Last week, Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced that he was repealing the Clean Power Plan — regulations designed to reduce pollution from power plants. Here’s one particular reason why that’s bad news: The plan would have given energy efficiency a significant boost, and that…...

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Repeal of Clean Power Plan a blow to energy efficiency

When Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), began the process of repealing the Clean Power Plan, environmentalists from across the country decried the move. But there’s another reason to oppose the administration’s short-sighted actions to kill the plan: It offered the best opportunity to maximize investment…...

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