
Environmental Justice
VEOLIA
The United Congregations of Metro East (UCM) has been working to protect the environment in St. Clair and Madison Counties by confronting the Environmental Protections Agency (EPA) about lowering their testing standards for the Veolia Incinerator. UCM stands by the Bible verse Titus 1:7 which states that “an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach.” In press releases and demonstrations, we called upon the Veolia and the EPA to strengthen, not weaken, environmental permits for the Metro East.
On August 21st, 2018, UCM held an action/protest regarding this issue at East St. Louis Higher Education Campus in Illinois. We also presented this issue at UCM's Membership meeting on November 15, 2018 in O'Fallon, Illinois and have been closely monitoring the actions of Veolia and the EPA since. We are determined to end corrupt and unjust practices of foreign and domestic companies polluting our environment.
CLEAN JOBS
Legislators in Illinois have passed a sweeping clean energy bill that was three years in the making. The bill seeks to make Illinois the leading state when it comes to clean energy. It aims to eliminate coal-fired power generation and improve accountability. Highlights include:
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100% clean energy by 2050
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Nearly $700 million to keep nuclear plants online
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$4,000 electric vehicle rebates



Clean Air Saves Lives
Justice Knows No Borders
United Congregations of Metro East (UCM) joined Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU), Sierra Club, Community First Plus, Metro East Green Alliance (MEGA), and Mississippi River Network in a rally on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at the McKinley Bridge Roadside Park in Venice, IL.
The purpose was to bring organizations from both sides of the Mississippi River together to address an issue that effects all of us.
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