On June 29, many areas in Illinois experienced a derecho, that left communities still recovering from the damages a week later.

Activists hope a meeting set for Thursday night will attract residents concerned about chemical pollution they believe was not addressed by the cleanup at the site of a long-gone gas plant in Champaign’s predominantly African-American north side.

Environmental groups are criticizing state regulators for a decision involving Ameren Illinois. The state Commerce Commission is letting the power company reduce its goals for energy efficiency. 

Since December, Ameren Corporation has been operating a small, independent power grid on the south side of Champaign that uses solar panels, a wind turbine and two natural gas-powered generators to power more than 190 homes in the area.

The agency says about 30 residents attended a public meeting last week for those living in the 5th and Hill area – near the site now owned by Ameren that once held a manufactured gas plant. At least 10 homes in the neighborhood will be tested for toxic vapors early next year, but On-Scene Coordinator Andy Maguire hopes to sign up more in the next few weeks.