Illinois Sues EPA Over Reversal of Landmark Climate Change Ruling

State officials fear federal policy changes could slow planned coal plant closures

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:33am

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A serene, photorealistic painting of a coal-fired power plant in Illinois, with the plant's towering smokestacks and industrial structures bathed in warm, golden light and deep shadows, conveying a sense of both the plant's importance and the environmental concerns surrounding its continued operation.As Illinois battles the federal government's rollback of climate regulations, the future of the state's coal-fired power plants remains uncertain.Bartonville Today

Illinois has joined a 24-state coalition in suing the EPA over its decision to repeal the 'endangerment finding,' which provided the legal basis for federal regulations on greenhouse gas emissions. State leaders and environmental groups fear the policy shift could create economic incentives to keep coal-fired power plants open longer, undermining Illinois' clean energy transition.

Why it matters

The repeal of the endangerment finding removes a key federal driver for reducing emissions and transitioning to clean energy. This could complicate Illinois' efforts to close its remaining coal plants by 2030 under the state's Clean and Equitable Jobs Act, potentially slowing the state's progress on climate change and public health.

The details

The Trump administration announced the repeal of the 'endangerment finding' in February 2026, which had provided the legal foundation for the EPA to regulate greenhouse gas emissions. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul immediately filed a lawsuit against the federal EPA as part of a 24-state coalition, arguing the move 'will undo progress we have made to address climate change.' Governor JB Pritzker and 16 state legislators also condemned the repeal. Environmental groups fear the policy shift could create temporary economic incentives for coal plants to remain open longer, undermining Illinois' clean energy transition.

  • In February 2026, the Trump administration announced the repeal of the 'endangerment finding'.
  • On March 19, 2026, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul filed a lawsuit against the federal EPA over the repeal.

The players

Kwame Raoul

The Illinois Attorney General who filed a lawsuit against the federal EPA over the repeal of the 'endangerment finding'.

JB Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois who spoke out forcefully in opposition to the EPA's repeal of the 'endangerment finding'.

Cate Caldwell

The senior policy manager at the Illinois Environmental Council who said the repeal could create temporary economic incentives to keep coal plants open longer.

Charlie Meier

A Republican state representative from Okawville, Illinois who supports the administration's decision to repeal the 'endangerment finding'.

Ben Busser

The vice president of IBEW Local 15, a union that represents workers at two coal-fired power plants in Illinois, who hopes the new federal policies will extend the plants' operating lives.

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What they’re saying

“Rescinding this EPA determination will undo progress we have made to address climate change by eliminating existing EPA greenhouse gas emission standards for vehicles and undermining the EPA's mandate to regulate harmful air pollution that causes climate change.”

— Kwame Raoul, Illinois Attorney General

“While (Trump) sells out our nation's future, I won't stop believing in the science and fighting for what Illinoisans need — affordable energy, clean air and water and good jobs.”

— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

“It seems like the extensions are for 60 to 90 days at a time but there have been multiple extensions in some cases. There has been some hope due to seeing this occur in other states, including Michigan, Indiana, Washington, and Colorado. Maybe it is possible to see that happen in Illinois”

— Ben Busser, Vice President, IBEW Local 15

What’s next

The judge will rule on Illinois' lawsuit against the EPA in the coming months, which could determine the fate of the 'endangerment finding' and its impact on the state's clean energy transition.

The takeaway

The repeal of the 'endangerment finding' by the Trump administration has created significant uncertainty for Illinois' efforts to transition away from coal power and meet its clean energy goals. The state is taking legal action to defend its climate progress, but the outcome could have major implications for the future of the state's energy landscape.