South Dakota?s Proposed Tax Changes Could Slow Wind Power Development South Dakota legislators are considering changes in their tax policy that may discourage wind power developers from investing in South Dakota. South Dakota is the fifth windiest state in the nation, but neighboring states with fewer wind resources are installing more wind power and capturing more of the wind industry's jobs and income.  One key difference [...]
ELPC Commends National Approach to High Speed Rail Project Selection The Environmental Law & Policy Center (ELPC) today commended the Obama Administration for the diverse selection of high speed-rail projects and national approach to awarding $8 billion in stimulus funding. The 13 projects chosen represent critical first steps toward building a modern, national, passenger rail infrastructure and are the first significant passenger rail investments in nearly [...]
Howard Learner Says Offshore Wind Farms Unlikely In Lake Michigan Crain's Chicago Business examines the prospects for offshore wind power in Lake Michigan. ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner says that wind farms near Chicago would trigger public opposition. "There's a reason lakefront property is so valuable in Chicago," said Learner. Offshore wind farms in the Great Lakes are less likely to be built because the Midwest has excellent sites for wind power available on land, where [...]
Chicago Tonight: Howard Learner Explains the Opportunities for Solar Power in the Midwest Chicago Tonight: The Opportunities for Solar Power in the Midwest ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner joined Chicago Tonight at the nation?s largest urban solar plant, currently under construction on the south side of Chicago.
Chicago Public Radio Highlights Solar Power?s New Urban Expansion Chicago Public Radio ran a story on the new solar power plant on the south side of Chicago.  When the project is completed, it will be the nation's largest urban solar power plant.  ELPC Executive Director Howard Learner talks about the opportunity now in solar power due to low solar panel prices and strong subsidies, [...]