For many of the activists and leaders, victories in recent months haven’t tempered their anger and frustration about toxic pollution from the release of ethylene oxide for decades. “I’m used to seeing these movements wilt after somebody promises new laws or regulations,” Jennifer Walling, who grew up near Sterigenics in Darien and now leads the nonprofit Illinois Environmental Council, said in an interview this week. “Not this time. These folks aren’t going away.”
Chicago and Illinois Remain Committed to Achieving Climate Goals Despite Threats to Federal Funding
Environmental leaders believe grants and other sources of funding will allow them to continue cutting pollution, even if federal money isn’t available following the change