Thanks for Elizabeth Shackelford’s column “Global oil crisis once again makes the case for renewable energy” (March 20). Shackelford mourns five decades of missed opportunities in the U.S. to embrace and lead renewable energy technology and to be immune form Mideast energy shocks. She’s correct that it is tragic that we have permitted our country to endure these cycles of being held economically hostage. This outcome is no accident. Fossil fuel political donations and lobbying have resulted in rich subsidies, making their products artificially cheap and tilting the competitive playing field to their advantage versus renewable energy.

Proponents of renewable energy have an advantage they didn’t have in previous decades. Renewable energy is now most often a less costly alternative.

Utility-scale wind and solar have grown to 17% of U.S. generation because of cost advantage. Market forces will continue to drive growth. But we as citizens can help impact the rate of that growth by asking our U.S. representatives to do two things. First, ask them to stop subsidizing fossil companies and to hold these companies accountable for the costs we taxpayers pay for the harm caused by using their products. Second, ask our lawmakers to pass legislation that builds transmission capacity faster on our overburdened electric grid. That will enable getting cheaper, cleaner renewable energy onto the grid faster to reduce electric bills.

Repeating the endless cycle of Mideast energy shocks in the future is not a necessary outcome if we press our politicians to act.

— Andrew Panelli, Homer Glen

Costs of climate change

The impacts of climate change such as increasing temperatures, extreme weather events, flooding and droughts affect us all, and those responsible must be held accountable. The Climate Change Superfund Act  measure introduced in the Illinois legislature in January would do just that.

The bill would mandate oil and gas companies contribute to a special fund that would pay for expected climate change impacts, and build long-term resilience to lessen the impact.

It would also require at least 40% of the money to be spent on projects that directly benefit disadvantaged communities affected by climate change. In addition, it would direct the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to adopt within a year rules regarding “the apportionment of liability for climate change for payments into the Fund by responsible parties.”

Contact your state lawmakers and ask them to support SB2981.

— Joseph Reitmeyer, Mount Prospect

Study of data centers

Regarding data centers, why doesn’t the governor declare a moratorium on additional centers until a true study on their environmental and economic impacts is completed?

We know the centers use an outsize amount of water and electricity that impacts all citizens, not just the towns where they are built. Short-term gains for long-term consequences — if we aren’t smarter about decision-making.

— Jim Karon, Wheaton

Recycling innovation

Americans want to support recycling, but confusing or misleading recycled-content claims can undermine confidence in the system. That’s why U.S. Rep. Jonathan Jackson’s Recycled Materials Attribution Act (H.R. 7502) is an important step forward.

The bill would establish clearer standards for how companies describe and verify recycled materials in their products. Greater transparency helps consumers make informed choices and ensures that businesses making legitimate environmental investments are competing on a level playing field.

The Illinois Chamber of Commerce, which advocates for pro-growth policies that inspire innovation and support future-focused investments, supports policies such as H.R. 7502 that strike the right balance in policy. Clear rules also matter for innovation. Companies across the country are investing in new recycling technologies that can recover more materials and reduce waste. But those investments depend on regulatory certainty. If businesses cannot clearly account for or market recycled materials, it becomes harder to justify large investments in new recycling infrastructure.

By helping establish a transparent framework for recycled-content claims, H.R. 7502 could encourage new investment and help grow America’s recycling economy.

Jackson should be commended for taking a thoughtful step to strengthen consumer trust and the future of recycling innovation.

— Dan Wagner, interim president and CEO, Illinois Chamber of Commerce

Amyloidosis awareness

March is Amyloidosis Awareness Month, yet for many in the Black community, this disease remains largely unknown — until it is too late.

Amyloidosis is a serious condition caused by abnormal protein deposits that can damage vital organs such as the heart, kidneys and nervous system. While classified as “rare,” its impact in the Black community is disproportionately significant, particularly in its hereditary form. Despite this, awareness remains low, diagnoses are often delayed and too many families are left navigating this journey without the information or support they need.

This is not just a medical issue — it is a health equity issue.

Far too often, symptoms such as fatigue, swelling, shortness of breath and nerve pain are misdiagnosed or dismissed. Individuals can spend years searching for answers while the disease silently progresses. By the time a correct diagnosis is made, treatment options may be limited, and the toll on families can be overwhelming.

Through our work at the nonprofit Friendship That Gives, we have seen firsthand how this disease impacts not only individuals but also entire families. Caregivers — spouses, children and loved ones — are often the unsung heroes who manage care while carrying their own emotional and physical burdens.

Yet, their stories are rarely told.

In many Black families, caregiving happens quietly. Cultural expectations of strength and resilience can lead to silence, leaving caregivers without support or resources. This invisibility contributes to burnout, stress and mental health challenges that ripple throughout communities.

We must change that narrative.

Awareness is the first step. We must foster open conversations about amyloidosis and empower families to ask questions, seek second opinions and advocate for comprehensive testing. Health care providers must also play a role by improving cultural competency and recognizing how this disease presents in Black patients.

But awareness alone is not enough — we must build systems of support.

My organization, through Fashionably Healthy Empowerment Series — Community Conversations, is creating spaces where patients, caregivers, medical professionals and community leaders can connect, learn and be heard. These conversations aim to ensure no one faces this journey alone.

Let Amyloidosis Awareness Month be a movement toward earlier diagnosis, stronger support systems and true health equity.

Because awareness can save lives — and in our community, it must.

— Jonathan L. Dotson, executive director, Friendship That Gives

Why Marsy’s Law matters

In 1997, I became the family member of a murder victim when my brother, a Denver police officer, was murdered in the line of duty. In my work since, I have had the opportunity to meet many crime victims in the United States, several of whom were revictimized by the criminal justice system when basic rights that every victim should have were ignored or violated. These victims motivated me to volunteer to work from 2012 through 2014 for the passage of Marsy’s Law for Illinois.

Marsy’s Law for Illinois amended Article I, Section 8 of the Illinois Constitution by establishing enforceable protections for the rights of crime victims. It was overwhelmingly approved by Illinoisans as a constitutional amendment in 2014 and written into law in 2015.

I am grateful and proud to be living in one of the states where Marsy’s Law ensures that victims of crime have enforceable constitutional rights, just as those accused and convicted of crimes do. Marsy’s Law has made the difficult lives of crime victims in Illinois much better.

During April 19 to 25, 2026, National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, I will pray that Tennessee, which is considering Marsy’s Law language, will pass it, too, and that other states will move to enact similar amendments and laws in their states.

There is no greater way to support and honor crime victims than to fight for Marsy’s Law language in every state.

— Gail Rice, Palos Heights

Submit a letter, of no more than 400 words, to the editor here or email letters@chicagotribune.com.