The number of dust storms recorded annually across the U.S. doubled in just over a decade. As bare cropland and rising temperatures dry out the Midwest, even states like Illinois are seeing warnings once reserved for the Southwest.
Backed by the powerful corn lobby, Marquis Energy’s push to bury carbon emissions underground has sparked a fierce debate in Illinois politics. The ethanol plant is banking on carbon capture technology to secure federal tax credits.
The governor has slammed the lawsuit as harmful to farmers, firing his energy secretary for attending a hearing, while experts push for stricter pollution controls.
Every Saturday, farmer Liz Graznak and her staff begin their day before dawn, loading a trailer full of organic produce, eggs and flowers. They pull out of Happy Hollow Farm
