“Environmental justice is the idea that people of all cultures, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds deserve fair protection from environmental and health hazards, as well as equal access to the decision-making processes behind environmental policies and development.”

— The Goldman Environmental Prize

Local residents came together, creating an all-volunteer, grassroots group to prevent the construction of a waste-to-energy incineration facility in Lockport.

Citizens Against Ruining the Environment, or CARE, became a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit environmental organization on MM/DD/YYYY.

EPA Explains... The Regulatory Process

LEARNING

We offer presentations, seminars, and other educational programs.
CAMARADERIE

We provide a forum for concerned citizens to share knowledge, common experiences, and problems.
JUSTICE

We promote the implementation of effective and comprehensive legal and financial tools through the process of litigation.
These tools give us the resources to preserve, improve and revitalize our environment.

Steering Committee

Ellen Rendulich
Founding Director in 1995

Mary Burnitz
Founding Director in 1995

Sandy Burcenski
Founding Director in 1995

Carol Stark
Founding Director in 1995

Jenifer Garlitz
Director – Appointed 2014

Our Major Partners

Greater Chicago Legal Clinic

Illinois EPA

Illinois Attorney General

Environmental Law & Policy Center

Sierra Club

EarthJustice

Prairie Rivers Network

American Lung Association

Respiratory Health Association

Illinois PIRG

Environment Illinois

Illinois Environmental Council

Center for Biological Diversity

Joliet Junior College

University of St. Francis

Chicago Tribune

1995 to 1999