Illinois is without doubt one of the solely blue states to not undertake the Superior Clear Automotive and Superior Clear Truck guidelines initiated by California. (Seventeen different states have already adopted full or partial parts of those guidelines.)
These requirements intention to section out the sale of latest gasoline and diesel autos and enhance the sale of zero-emission autos. The proposed guidelines would ban the sale of latest non-electric automobiles and light-duty vans by 2035 and mandate particular electrical car gross sales percentages for various truck lessons.
Carbon dioxide emissions from Illinois’ transportation sector contribute almost one-third of all carbon emissions in Illinois. With Donald Trump again within the White Home, states should take the lead in addressing transportation emissions.
For many years, California has been on the forefront of creating larger requirements for cleaner and safer autos. Automakers have largely adhered to California’s requirements as a result of constructing a single car mannequin that complies with California’s necessities is less expensive than manufacturing completely different variations for the U.S. market.
Over the previous few months, the Illinois Air pollution Management Board has been holding hearings to contemplate adopting California’s car emissions requirements. Many voters and environmental teams, together with the Chicago metro chapter of The Local weather Actuality Venture, have submitted testimony at these hearings, advocating that Illinois undertake these guidelines.
Shockingly, on April 28, 2025, the Illinois Environmental Safety Company filed a 64-page remark arguing in opposition to the proposed adoption of those guidelines.
The state environmental company notes that the Trump administration is doing all it could to get rid of help for EVs and is making an attempt to revoke California’s longstanding waiver — established in 1967 — to undertake extra stringent car emission requirements than the federal authorities. Due to these federal actions, the state company argues it’s fruitless to strive to withstand the Trump administration’s rollback of EV help.
Is Gov. JB Pritzker conscious his personal environmental company is waving the white flag in a local weather emergency? Simply in the future earlier than state environmental officers filed these feedback, Pritzker gave a fiery speech in New Hampshire declaring: “It’s time to combat in all places and suddenly” in opposition to Trump’s insurance policies.
If the governor is conscious of his company’s stance, then apparently what he actually meant is that it’s time to combat in all places — besides in his personal state of Illinois.
Bruce W. Mainzer, chair, EV Activity Power, The Local weather Actuality Venture: Chicago Metro Chapter
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Wholesome show of patriotism in UK
I’ve been visiting the UK. It has been a reduction to search out British residents nonetheless deal with an American customer a lot as they at all times have, regardless of the latest political circumstances in america.
I’ve been right here for the commentary of the eightieth anniversary of V-E Day, which was the tip of World Conflict II in Europe. It has been refreshing to see such a show of wholesome patriotism that contrasts with the poisonous nationalism that some within the U.S. promote.
A information report right here famous that Russia would observe the event on the next day, it having been Might 9 in Russia when the German give up turned efficient. One commentator added that Vladimir Putin incessantly compares his warfare of aggression in Ukraine with World Conflict II.
The 2 wars do have one widespread level. The Soviet Union couldn’t have crushed Germany, nor can Russia defeat Ukraine, with out the cooperation of the U.S.
The U.S. supplied substantial assist to the Soviet warfare effort. The late Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev wrote that, throughout World Conflict II, which Khrushchev participated in, Soviet tanks had American Studebaker engines and Soviet troops ate American Spam.
In Ukraine, Putin solely wins if america stands apart and permits it.
On Might 8, a British tabloid-format newspaper printed a full-page, World Conflict II-themed cartoon on its entrance web page that made the purpose we had paid so much to show again a wave of authoritarianism and we must always not carelessly discard the world we’ve benefited from since that warfare by permitting an authoritarian comeback.
Hear, hear, I say …
Curt Fredrikson, Mokena
Don’t flip new pope right into a memento
I’m completely thrilled that our new Catholic Pope, Leo XIV, has roots in Chicago. I’m not thrilled with the e-mail I obtained from the Solar-Occasions providing me a chunk of historical past — a T-shirt, mug or tote bag with da Pope imprinted on these objects.
For what? Posterity? Amusement? It’s not humorous. Turning the brand new pontiff right into a memento at a Sox, and even Cubs, recreation (ha) is so uncool. I’m upset, and I’ve been studying this paper for over 50 years.
Felicia Carparelli, New Eastside
Fonding remembering a scholar from way back
The photograph of younger Robert Prevost together with his second grade classmates — boys in blue ties and white shirts, women in blue jumpers — introduced again pretty reminiscences of once I taught such children in a Chicago Catholic grammar college in 1956.
However I didn’t have Robert in my class. I had Bruce.
Bruce was a toddler with a nervous dysfunction that induced him to continually jerk and twist and twitch, and infrequently, run across the room. Most likely this sickness had a reputation, and in these trendy instances, he possible would have been in a particular college. However his classmates and I liked Bruce, and one way or the other all of us made it to the tip of the college yr collectively.
What if little Robert Prevost was in my class? I might now be quite well-known, I ought to assume, and delirious with pleasure. Think about my pleasure at having had this little one in my class, a boy who finally rose to the very best place within the Roman Catholic Church.
However I didn’t have Robert, I had Bruce. And Bruce is the one I bear in mind better of all the kids in my humble little classroom on the northwest facet of Chicago almost 70 years in the past. Robert is now a pope, and Bruce is a candy abiding reminiscence. Each are equally valuable within the eyes of the Lord.
I imagine Pope Leo XIV would agree.
Kathleen Melia, Niles
Catholic church has difficult historical past
I’ve loved all the Solar-Occasions protection of the brand new Pope. That is certainly an thrilling occasion for space Catholics.
On Saturday evening (Might 10), whether or not by probability or design, CNN aired a presentation on the popes all through the years, starting with the primary, Peter, the Rock.
As a Lutheran, I’ve at all times recognized concerning the corruption within the hierarchy of the Catholic church, however till viewing this presentation, I actually had no concept of the extent of it. I wasn’t capable of see this system to the tip, because it was nonetheless airing after 2 a.m., at which period Martin Luther’s contribution to The Reformation was being introduced.
If this program is rerun, I’ll watch it to the tip, as I hope each trustworthy Catholic will. I additionally admire the wonderful detective work performed by the Solar-Occasions in rooting out and reporting on the atrocious sexual abuse dedicated by Catholic monks and on the cover-ups perpetrated by these in cost.
Thanks and sustain the nice reporting Solar-Occasions.
Sherry Szilage Stoffel, North Aurora
U.S. Senate candidates want to deal with ‘actual points’
I used to be glad to see U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi’s op-ed calling for a ban on congressional inventory buying and selling. Since he’s working for the U.S. Senate, he’s going to make such pronouncements that get him within the information and offend nobody. However he’s lacking the purpose and persevering with on the trail that price the Dems the election.
I wish to hear, and I believe an enormous majority of Individuals wish to hear, particular plans to repair the problems which can be killing Individuals: jobs, housing, well being care, schooling and security.
How will we create hundreds of thousands of high quality jobs that pay sufficient to boost a household? How will we construct hundreds of thousands of reasonably priced housing models? How will we cut back well being care prices and serve hundreds of thousands of unserved and underserved Individuals? How do we offer for the academic wants of the nation from pre-Okay to school, vocational coaching and persevering with grownup studying? And the way will we guarantee all of us can reside our each day lives with out concern of violence or threats of violence?
I principally like what Raj has performed as (not my) congressman. I principally like what the opposite candidates for the Senate seat have performed. However none of them has but stepped as much as handle the true points in a manner that will earn my vote.
Steve Bohan, Bourbonnais
Put tariff prices on each receipt
There are lots of causes to be dismayed by the “Trump financial system,” and making it higher is past the means and talents of the common citizen.
Nevertheless, I believe that for every little thing bought in america, the value tag or bill ought to have the extra tariff (tax) damaged out and proven to the client simply what Trump’s “financial miracle” is costing, simply because the gross sales tax is clearly proven on each gross sales slip.
Maybe this could be sufficient to make elected Republican lawmakers afraid of shedding their seats when their constituents howled in anger and insurgent in opposition to a president who is principally serious about taking part in golf.
The midterms can’t come shortly sufficient.
Ken Weiss, Palatine
Don’t wait to take motion in opposition to teen takeovers
In a latest Solar-Occasions story, youth chief Marcus Flenaugh helps Mayor Johnson’s perception that there ought to be no curfew downtown for unaccompanied teenagers. As a substitute, he blames disinvestment in neighborhoods of coloration and suggests a listing of actions that may make “teen takeovers” go away.
I agree, Marcus, and wholeheartedly endorse these actions. Suppose most are endorsed. How lengthy will it take for the kids, who’re hardwired for brand new, thrilling methods to work together and play, to surrender the need to go downtown and wreak havoc?
As a result of that’s what they do. They’re not simply going to extra prosperous neighborhoods to have an excellent time and see downtown and the Bean. They’re going for pleasure, and these takeovers alway — ALWAYS — find yourself with any individual getting damage, property destroyed and companies trashed.
Making excuses for this unhealthy habits is a part of the issue. After working by our South Loop Goal final yr, grabbing merchandise off the cabinets, breaking glass and terrorizing workers, and ending off with the inevitable taking pictures, no person was arrested or punished.
This has to cease — now. There isn’t any excuse for legal habits. If you happen to’re going to maintain making excuses, you give these children a way of entitlement that’s harmful to each them and to the town.
The following time there’s a teen takeover, seize up a busload earlier than the difficulty begins, e book them and name of their mother and father. Make the punishment stiff sufficient to discourage it from taking place once more, so we who reside downtown don’t must concern going exterior. The one manner that may occur is that if there’s a curfew.
In the meantime, work on the options made by Mr. Flenaugh, that are glorious. However we will’t watch for them to take impact. This has to cease NOW.
Sharon Novickas, South Loop
Mistaken to honor Pete Rose, Shoeless Joe Jackson
I used to be upset but not stunned to study Main League Baseball has made 17 deceased and previously banned gamers, together with gamblers Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson, eligible for induction in December 2027.
Why not? Take a look at our president. Subsequent will come the performance-enhancing drug customers (nonetheless eligible for induction) and previously “lifetime banned” New York Yankees proprietor George Steinbrenner.
When they’re all inducted, I say honor them with a chilly, darkish basement room in Cooperstown.
Gary Charles Metz, LaGrange Park
