Illinois should adopt tougher emission standards for cars, trucks

The Chicago metro chapter of the Climate Reality Project strongly urges the Illinois Pollution Control Board to adopt the Advanced Clean Car rules and Advanced Clean Truck rules that have already been adopted by a number of other states. As we confront record-breaking heat this year, the urgency of addressing climate change has never been clearer. Greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide can persist in the atmosphere for up to 1,000 years. The cost of inaction far outweighs the investment in solutions today. Carbon dioxide emissions from Illinois’ transportation sector, the state’s largest source of greenhouse gases, contribute nearly one-third of all carbon emissions in Illinois

We are living in a climate emergency, and immediate action is essential. Illinois has the opportunity to lead the way toward a sustainable future.

With Donald Trump’s election as president, states must now take the lead, particularly in addressing transportation emissions. Since 1967, California has been at the forefront of establishing higher standards for cleaner and safer vehicles. Automakers have largely adhered to California’s stricter safety and emissions standards. Why? Because building a single vehicle model that complies with California’s requirements is simpler and more cost-effective than manufacturing different versions for the U.S. market.

Right now, Illinois is one of the only blue states that has not adopted the rules. With Illinois joining these other states, this will represent 43% of all cars sold in the United States as of 2023.

Automakers sent a letter to the Trump administration urging the preservation of existing regulations designed to reduce tailpipe emissions and drive the transition to electric vehicles. The letter emphasized that the industry thrives on "stability and predictability in auto-related emissions standards." Automakers, having already invested billions in electric vehicle research and development, are concerned about being undermined by internal combustion engine alternatives. Manufacturers need a level playing field. For automakers, the uncertainty of regulatory swings every few years is more disruptive than stringent regulations.

Illinois has the potential to play a pivotal role in the U.S. transition to clean energy and zero tailpipe emissions in the transportation sector. Illinois can support car and truck manufacturers in building a sustainable future for all.

Bruce W. Mainzer, co-chair, Chicago Metro Chapter of the Climate Reality Project

Amtrak is not a success

The Sun-Times editorial board was correct in warning readers to be wary of the Trump administration’s plans for Amtrak. Nothing in Donald Trump’s background suggests any understanding of the importance of intercity passenger train service in a 21st century economy and a nation of continental dimensions. And, as the Sun-Times pointed out, Trump's pick for transportation secretary, Sean Duffy, historically has treated passenger trains with outright hostility.

But the Sun-Times did the cause of passenger trains no favor in repeating Amtrak’s pathetic claim of "success" for carrying its lifetime record of 32.8 million passengers in fiscal year 2024. In 2023, the Norwegian State Railways carried 40.4 million intercity passengers, and about twice that number on its commuter trains). Norway has a population of about 8 million. The U.S. has more than 300 million people. The idea that Amtrak is successful because it achieved a ridership of 32.8 million in its 53rd year of existence is simply absurd.

The development of passenger-rail service in the U.S. needs to be turned over to a more appropriate organization with more ambitious goals and a record for achieving them.

F.K. Plous, Lincoln Square

Robbed of freedom

In a recent Sun-Times article, I read about another Chicago man, Hilton Keller, being released from prison after a judge threw out his murder conviction due to "questions raised by the defense about a witness."

Normally this would be shocking — a man spending 33 years in prison for a crime he didn't commit. But it isn't that shocking any longer, especially because of how often this is occurring.

This man was robbed of 33 years of his freedom, and his defense attorneys claim that county prosecutors "knew there were questions about the witness, but kept that information from Keller's defense." If this is indeed true, then this is even more troubling.

The burden of proof is supposed to be on the prosecutors, as they must prove their case beyond reasonable doubt, but stacking the deck in their favor takes care of that major problem. How can anyone actually believe they could get a fair trial in Cook County?

Brian Collins, Orland Park

Fresh start for Bears

The Bears need to fire Poles. He screwed up the draft. (My picks: Jayden Daniels and Olu Fashanu.) He is personally responsible for Caleb Williams 67+ sacks. I don't want him picking new coaches. If Kevin Warren is let go, that would be great, an all-new start.

Kevin Berg, Fox Lake

Keep power with the people

I saw an article about GOP members of Congress willing to concede some financial control to incoming President Donald Trump to cut the budget deficit. It is blatantly unconstitutional. The Constitution points out in black and white who is responsible for revenue and spending. But let's also consider other ramifications. How much power do we want consolidated in one person? We elected members of Congress to do certain things for us. They can't simply give away this power to Trump, not without our consent. Not even Trump supporters should want this.

The ebb and flow of history says that the Democrats will once again win power. Suppose there is a GOP legislature and a Democratic president — will the GOP still approve of what they did? It's the right that keeps reminding us of what the colonial leaders wanted. Foremost was moving away from an unelected king and an unrepresentative Parliament. Is that what the GOP wants — to remove power from the people and its elected representatives?

Laurence Siegel, Manteno