Inspiring change is among the most difficult and challenging goals we undertook in 2019, yet as evidenced by the work we accomplished, change is what people want. From addressing climate change to the future of the renewable energy economy in Illinois, change took root across the state, in small towns to big cities.
Clean Energy
The Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) is legislation that will put Illinois on the path to 100% renewable energy by 2050, while fighting climate change and creating jobs and economic opportunity. PRN worked with the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition around the state to hold community conversations, town halls, and press conferences; gather petitions; issue action alerts; and meet with legislators.
In May, we helped turn out more than 500 people to Clean Energy Lobby Day in Springfield to build support of CEJA and the Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act. If passed, CEJA will help create jobs and economic opportunities for economically disadvantaged and environmental justice communities, communities of color, and communities that will be impacted by a decline in fossil fuel use.
Solar for All is a new state program designed to bring the benefits of solar energy to low income communities by providing guaranteed savings to low income households and agencies that serve them. PRN is working to ensure that Solar for All delivers on its promises while educating eligible Champaign-Urbana communities on the benefits of the program.
IDEA Farm Network
We are a proud partner in the IDEA Farm Network (IFN). The IFN began in February 2017 with about 45 farmers learning about different practices, ways to build soil health, protect water, and increase diversity on farmlands. Today, over 425 farmers participate in the online discussion group, where they learn from each other and build lasting relationships. This year, we will expand the reach of the IFN to West-Central Illinois, Northeastern Illinois, and Southern Illinois.
Stories from the Floodplain
This year, PRN released the first stories in a podcast series entitled Stories from the Floodplain. New staff member Ryan Grosso has an innate knack for telling compelling stories, and we intend to enlist him for additional episodes focusing on the equity and environmental justice implications of some of our country’s flood control policies.
2019 Run for Wildlife
PRN’s Run for Wildlife team ran 230.2 miles in 45 hours, 42 minutes, and 15 seconds! Even more exciting is that our runners and walkers raised over $8,450. That is amazing! We cannot thank them enough for the time, effort, and training they put into protecting wildlife.
We have not solved all our problems, and we do not have all the answers to some of our most pressing issues. But 2019 will be remembered for the coalitions who worked together for larger goals. It will be remembered for the people from all walks of life who supported our work and took inspiration to make change happen in hometowns, in Springfield, and across Illinois.
