Stand in Solidarity with Pembroke Township - Oppose Natural Gas Pipelines

We’re calling on all supporters to take steps to block HB3404, a bill that would build a Nicor Gas pipeline in Pembroke township, despite strong opposition from Pembroke residents.

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WHAT IS HB3404?

HB3404 is a bill that would create a guaranteed contract to Nicor Gas to build natural gas infrastructure in Pembroke Township. We know it’s crucial we make a transition to renewable energy. This bill goes to hearing tomorrow, Thursday May 20th, and we need your support!

WHY OPPOSE HB3404?

Pembroke Township is an extremely rare 3-biome ecosystem that was once regarded as the largest Black farming community in the Northern United States. This historically significant region deserves to be protected from Nicor Gas, a company with a history of gas leaks and costly environmental damages. No ecological impact, economic impact, or infrastructure studies have been made available for public viewing, and residents have been repeatedly denied an opportunity to voice their opposition for this project. 

In a SunTimes article regarding the bill, Dr. Jifunza Wright-Carter, a Black farmer who lives in Pembroke is quoted as saying, “People here love the earth. This natural gas pipeline has nothing to do with the wellbeing of our community. We don’t have to have it for our livelihood or economic development.” 

Over 100 individuals have worked with the Field Museum to put together a sustainability plan for the region. Residents have big plans for Pembroke, none of which involve installing a costly, dirty, environmentally dangerous pipeline through their farming community. Stefany Hammond is quoted in a SunTimes article as saying, “A lot of people are living the way they want — not because they’re poor and ignorant and have no choice,” She goes on to say “No company wants to come to a place where there’s no police department, gas is not the top priority. I think we need internet and electrical infrastructure.”

Today, we need thousands of Illinoisans to contact their legislators in opposition of this bill and fill out witness slips in opposition of this bill’s passing. Continue reading for detailed steps on how to complete each action.

WAYS YOU CAN TAKE ACTION!

FILE A WITNESS SLIP (3 MINUTES TO COMPLETE)

Click here to begin filling out your witness slip.

Before beginning, it’s recommend to create an account. You can do so by clicking the "log on" button on the very top right..While you don't have to do this, it will enable you to view or edit any slips you enter at a later time.

  • Under Section I. Identification, input your address or information. If you are filing as an individual, put your home address. If you are affiliated with an organization, but not authorized to represent it, you might include the information under "Firm/Business."

  • Under Section II. Representation, it is recommended that you enter "self" or “NA”, unless you are authorized to represent an organization.

  • Under Section III. Position, be sure to click "Opponent."

  • Under Section IV. Testimony, click "Record of Appearance Only."

  • To Complete. Agree to the terms, fill out the Captcha, if applicable, and then click "Create Slip."


CONTACT LAWMAKERS (5 MINUTES TO COMPLETE)

Senator Joyce: (708) 756-0882 
Representative Haas: (815) 523-7779
Speaker Welch: (217) 782-5350
Senate President Harmon: (217) 782-8176
Governor Pritzker: (312) 814-2122

Here is a short script you can use to make these calls. We encourage you to add on to this! Share your personal opinions and experiences to make a more compelling argument against this bill. 

“Hello, my name is ____________, and I am calling to strongly encourage you to oppose HB3404, the proposed Nicor Gas pipeline in Pembroke Township. As our elected officials, it is your responsibility to provide residents with the opportunity to voice their concerns and publicly share customer cost, ecological impact, and infrastructure studies before approving any plans. Residents of Pembroke Township are concerned about what this pipeline would mean for their community, especially at a time when we know it’s necessary to begin transitioning to renewable energy. Thank you for your time, and once again, please oppose HB3404.”

After completing these actions, please share this call to action broadly!
This bill goes to committee hearing this Thursday, May 20th. 

Stef Funk