Building Power for People and the Environment
Join us to advance equitable public policies that ensure a healthy environment across Illinois.
Since
1975
IEC brings together the Illinois environmental movement to influence decision makers
and ensure clean air, clean water, and healthy communities.
Our roots run deep
Learn More about IEC
IEC coordinates our over 130 affiliate member organizations to share resources, mobilize supporters,
and respond quickly to the most pressing issues facing the environment in Illinois.
ABOUT US
Learn more about IEC, including our history, mission, staff & vision for Illinois.
On the blog
Read what IEC staff, our affiliates & decision makers are writing about environmental issues.
addressing Illinois' most urgent environmental issues
Clean Water
Illinois has abundant water resources that need protecting and infrastructure that requires updating.
Clean Energy
Eliminating climate-warming emissions from Illinois’ power sector is key to addressing the climate crisis.
Conservation
Open space in Illinois is disappearing due to the rapid spread of urbanization and development.
Equitable Transportation
Transportation is the single largest source of climate warming emissions in Illinois.
Zero Waste
Illinois has a long history of championing recycling & composting programs, but there is so much more to do.
Sustainable Agriculture
Farms cover about 75% of the Illinois' total land area.
OUR UPDATES
Transit Teetering Over the Fiscal Cliff After Lawmakers Adjourn Without Fixing and Funding Transit
ILLINOIS — On Sunday, the Illinois General Assembly adjourned without addressing Northeast Illinois transit agencies’ $770 million budget deficit, leaving the millions of transit riders who
Wrapping Up the 2025 Illinois Legislative Session
Our team has been on the ground at the Capitol for the last five months, all the way up until the final moments this evening. And you’ve been right there with us.
Illinois’ Climate Goals and Consumers At Risk Amidst Legislature’s Inaction
Illinois General Assembly misses opportunity to deliver cleaner, lower-cost, more reliable energy amidst rising costs, increasingly extreme weather, and federal mismanagement. ILLINOIS — Today, just
Smoke from Canadian wildfires moving into Chicago area, raising concerns about air quality
Smoke from out-of-control wildfires in Canada is drifting into the Chicago area on Friday, and while conditions won’t be as severe as when smoke from Canadian wildfires repeatedly blanketed
How can Chicago help curb Lake Michigan microplastic pollution?
Every year, 11.6 million pounds of plastic trash makes its way into Lake Michigan, Chicago’s largest source of drinking water. Even as the city tries