Analysis: Governor’s FY2025 Budget Address
Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled his 2025 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
Analysis: Governor’s FY2025 Budget Address Read More »
clean energy
Illinois’ 2024 Environmental Legislative Agenda
See Illinois’ 2024 Environmental Legislative Agenda, including all of the most important environmental bills this session!
Illinois’ 2024 Environmental Legislative Agenda Read More »
2024 Climate Action Lobby Day
Register using the Google form below Loading… Click here if form fails to load.
2024 Climate Action Lobby Day Read More »
IEC Five-Year Strategic Plan
IEC is unveiling our new Five-Year Strategic Plan. After a robust internal planning period, with distinct attention to equity, diversity & inclusion, we’re proud to launch our update mission, vision and strategic plan.
IEC Five-Year Strategic Plan Read More »
Out of Office: Looking Back on the 2023 Legislative Tour Season
Our 2023 Legislative Tour season has come to an end, which means it’s time to take a look back on all the amazing places we took legislators and other key decision-makers to over the past few months.
Out of Office: Looking Back on the 2023 Legislative Tour Season Read More »
A Closer Look: Mayor Johnson’s FY2024 Chicago City Budget
IEC’s City Programs Director, Iyana Simba, provides an in depth analysis of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed budget for 2024, including the re-establishment of Chicago’s Department of Environment.
A Closer Look: Mayor Johnson’s FY2024 Chicago City Budget Read More »
2023 Clean Energy Town Hall
Register via Zoom using the form below Click here if form fails to load.
2023 Clean Energy Town Hall Read More »
2023 Environmental Scorecard
IEC is proud to present our 2023 Environmental Scorecard for the Illinois General Assembly. Scores are based on the environmental impact of their voting record over the last legislative session. We hope this will be a useful resource and allow you to see whether your legislators have used their power in the General Assembly to
2023 Environmental Scorecard Read More »
Governor Pritzker Vetoes Legislation That Would Have Allowed Ameren to Monopolize Transmission Projects
Illinois — Today, Governor JB Pritzker issued an amendatory veto on HB3445—legislation that would have given Ameren, the private utility company that serves much of Central and Southern Illinois, a “Right of First Refusal” to build regional transmission lines in Southern Illinois. Under this bill, Ameren would have been given first dibs on building new
Moratorium on New Nuclear Remains in Place in Illinois Thanks to Governor Pritzker’s Veto
Illinois — Today, Governor JB Pritzker vetoed SB76—a bill that would have lifted Illinois’ decades-old moratorium on new nuclear power plants. Responding to growing concerns about safety, waste and cost associated with nuclear power generation, the Illinois General Assembly passed a moratorium on developing new nuclear facilities within the state in 1987. Those concerns remain
2023 Chicago Transition Report Analysis
IEC’s City Programs Director, Iyana Simba, provides an in depth analysis of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Transition Report, with attention to Environmental Justice goals for the city.
2023 Chicago Transition Report Analysis Read More »
2023 Legislative Report
IEC’s state policy team has published our 2023 Legislative Report detailing environmental wins and setbacks during this year’s legislative session.
2023 Legislative Report Read More »
2023 Environmental Legislative Update
Important deadlines this week and big updates on priority bills
2023 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
2023 Environmental Legislative Update
Important deadlines this week and big updates on priority bills
2023 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
400+ Illinoisans Advocate for Slate of Legislation Promoting Environmental Protection and Climate Justice
Springfield, IL. — More than 400 Illinoisans mobilized today to urge their representatives in the Illinois General Assembly to pass bills that protect the environment and address climate injustices impacting historically marginalized communities across Illinois. At a rally outside of the Capitol Building and during meetings with legislators, advocates and activists called for the legislature
Congratulations, Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson
By: Iyana Simba, City Programs Director The Illinois Environmental Council congratulates incoming Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson on their recent election victory. We are excited to begin working with you on building the sustainable and healthy environment that all Chicagoans deserve. Still on the heels of 2021’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act passage in Illinois and
Congratulations, Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson Read More »
2023 Environmental Legislative Update
Important deadlines this week and big updates on priority bills
2023 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
2023 Environmental Legislative Update
Important deadlines this week and big updates on priority bills
2023 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
2023 Environmental Legislative Update
Important deadlines this week and big updates on priority bills
2023 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
Illinois’ 2023 Enviro Legislative Priorities
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
Illinois’ 2023 Enviro Legislative Priorities Read More »
Analysis: Governor’s FY2024 Budget Address
Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled his 2024 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
Analysis: Governor’s FY2024 Budget Address Read More »
The Decisive Decade
IEC recently had the pleasure of hosting President Biden’s National Climate Advisor, Ali Zaidi, for a breakfast with leaders from Illinois’ environmental community.
The Decisive Decade Read More »
Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Protecting Clean Energy Projects
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation protecting Illinois-based clean energy projects from a growing number of local bans. HB4412 prevents counties from enacting preemptive local ordinances that outright ban local wind and solar projects, hindering the state’s new climate goals set forth in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The bill passed
Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Protecting Clean Energy Projects Read More »
2023 Chicago Environmental Mayor Report
From clean energy to transportation to urban conservation, IEC’s Mayoral Report lays out both small & lofty objectives that the mayor ought to tackle to make Chicago a sustainable city.
2023 Chicago Environmental Mayor Report Read More »
IEC Policy Platform
We convened town halls open to the public, all of our 100+ affiliate organizations, our individual members and our staff to deliberate and develop the policy solutions endorsed by our Illinois environmental movement.
IEC Policy Platform Read More »
Energy and Transportation Town Hall
Wednesday, November 16 | 6-7:30 pm | Register via Zoom using the form below IEC is hosting a series of three town halls for our supporters. At the Energy and Transportation Town Hall, participants will hear from IEC and our partners on the most pressing issues facing Illinois and our current advocacy plans. We’re reserving
Energy and Transportation Town Hall Read More »
What’s in Chicago’s proposed 2023 Budget?
Mayor Lori Lightfoot proposed her $16.7 billion FY2023 budget with a heavy focus on pensions, public safety, and reducing the city’s debt. Additionally, the Mayor announced the Office of Climate and Environmental Equity which will be funded at $640,056 for six positions.
What’s in Chicago’s proposed 2023 Budget? Read More »
A Closer Look at Chicago’s Climate Action Plan
On the heels of the release of Chicago’s Climate Action Plan, IEC will break down what’s in the plan, what’s not and what more needs to be done.
A Closer Look at Chicago’s Climate Action Plan Read More »
Global Crises and Pain at the Pump: A Clean Solution to Rising Energy Prices
With gas prices skyrocketing, the need for increased investment in clean energy has never been greater. To understand the current situation and what needs to happen next, let us take a look at history and how we got here.
Global Crises and Pain at the Pump: A Clean Solution to Rising Energy Prices Read More »
Why Chicago needs Department of Environment and why we need one now
A decade ago, the City of Chicago under the Emanuel administration dissolved its Department of Environment, leaving a broad range of environmental issues to be dealt with across scattered and, at times, understaffed city departments. It’s long past time to reestablish Chicago’s Department of Environment, read our blog to learn why.
Why Chicago needs Department of Environment and why we need one now Read More »
Energy Efficiency Opportunities & Programs
Join IEC and the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition for a Lunch & Learn focused on the current landscape of energy efficiency in Illinois. This Lunch & Learn is part of a new series of Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) implementation seminars and will cover various topics at an advanced level. Speakers: Laura Goldberg, NRDC
Energy Efficiency Opportunities & Programs Read More »
Illinois’ 2022 Enviro Legislative Agenda
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
Illinois’ 2022 Enviro Legislative Agenda Read More »
Analysis: Governor’s FY2023 Budget Address
Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled his 2023 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
Analysis: Governor’s FY2023 Budget Address Read More »
Procurement & Illinois Power Agency
https://youtu.be/89azoPc5kh8 Part of our series of CEJA Implementation Lunch & Learns, this webinar focuses on all things IPA. Co-hosted by IEC and the Clean Jobs Coalition and featuring Melena Hessel of the Environmental Law & Policy Center.
Procurement & Illinois Power Agency Read More »
Statement on U.S. House Passage of the Build Back Better Act, Once-in-a-Generation Climate Legislation
Springfield, IL — The Illinois Environmental Council issued the following statement in response to the passage of historic climate legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives: “Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the strongest climate bill in United States history. Thank you Reps. Bustos, Casten, Davis, Foster, Garcia, Kelly, Krishnamoorthi, Newman, Quigley, Rush, Schakowsky,
Statement: Illinois Environmental Council Issues Statement on President Biden’s Build Back Better Act Framework Announcement
Springfield, IL — Today, following President Biden’s announcement of a new framework for his Build Back Better Act, the Illinois Environmental Council issued the following statement of support: “Today, after thousands of Illinoisans and millions across the nation called, knocked on doors, and demanded action, President Biden has finally announced a framework for the strongest
Statement: Illinois Environmental Council Applauds Chicago’s Approved FY2022 Budget
CHICAGO — The Illinois Environmental Council issued the following statement of support following Chicago’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget vote: “The Illinois Environmental Council applauds Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago City Council Alderpersons who voted in support of the FY2022 budget for passing the single largest environmental investment in Chicago’s history. This historic investment in
Statement: Illinois Environmental Council Applauds Chicago’s Approved FY2022 Budget Read More »
48 State Legislators Score 100% on Illinois Environmental Council Scorecard
(SPRINGFIELD, IL) – The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released its 2021 Legislative Environmental Scorecard today. The scorecard, which is released annually, assigns a percentage score to legislators based on how they voted on bills affecting the environment. This year, 38 state representatives and 10 state senators received 100% scores based on their record on 16
48 State Legislators Score 100% on Illinois Environmental Council Scorecard Read More »
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act: What it Means for You, Illinois and Our Planet
Learn what our 100% clean energy future will look like with the implementation of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act!
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act: What it Means for You, Illinois and Our Planet Read More »
Analysis: Mayor’s 2022 Budget Address
Mayor Lightfoot unveiled her 2022 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
Analysis: Mayor’s 2022 Budget Address Read More »
Transportation Agencies, Budget Allocation & Civics
This Lunch & Learn explores the state of transportation in Illinois and opportunities to clean up our transportation sector. Presenters: Tom Kotarac, Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago Audrey Wennink, Metropolitan Planning Council Jacky Grimshaw, Center for Neighborhood Technology Mayor Chris Koos of Normal, IL
Transportation Agencies, Budget Allocation & Civics Read More »
Illinois Environmental Council Celebrates Final Passage of Nation-leading Comprehensive and Equitable Climate Legislation in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, IL (September 13, 2021) – Following is a statement from the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) Executive Director Jen Walling on today’s historic Senate vote on SB2408, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act: “This is a story about the power of people and the environmental movement in Illinois standing up to big fossil fuel and
Illinois Environmental Council statement on today’s Senate vote on Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
Statement from Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) ahead of today’s Senate energy vote: “IEC is cheering the Senate on today as they convene to cast a historic vote on the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, legislation that will have a lasting legacy on the future of our state, our most
Statement: Illinois Environmental Council on latest energy bill agreement
“Representing more than 100 Illinois environmental organizations, we stand in support of SB2408, the comprehensive climate and equitable jobs act that will tackle the climate crisis at the scale science demands, and that aligns with our values of equity and accountability. “We are proud to support this bill, which includes a specific timeline for decarbonization
Statement: Illinois Environmental Council on latest energy bill agreement Read More »
Illinois Environmental Council celebrates house passage of Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
Springfield, IL (September 9, 2021) — The Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director Jen Walling issued the following statement on the House passage of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act SB2408: “We are closer than ever before to passing the nation’s most comprehensive, equitable climate bill. The passage of SB2408 today in the House of Representatives
Statement: Illinois Environmental Council on latest version of energy bill
CHICAGO (August 30, 2021)–Following is a statement from Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, on the latest climate and energy bill released today: “We stand on the precipice of passing comprehensive climate and equitable jobs legislation in Illinois. This moment comes after a years-long campaign, and our even longer strategic effort to
Statement: Illinois Environmental Council on latest version of energy bill Read More »
Decarbonizing your home: Making your contribution to Zero Net Carbon
Don’t wait on leadership to act on climate– here are some simple ways to start decarbonizing your own home!
Decarbonizing your home: Making your contribution to Zero Net Carbon Read More »
Meeting the Moment on Federal Climate Action
Congress must pass once-in-a-generation investments in clean energy and infrastructure necessary to tackle the climate crisis.
Meeting the Moment on Federal Climate Action Read More »
2021 IEC Legislative Report
IEC is pleased to release our 2021 Legislative Report. We are proud to report that we advanced a broad and ambitious agenda, defeated potentially damaging legislation and secured important appropriations in the state budget.
2021 IEC Legislative Report Read More »
New Law Will Preserve Homeowners’ Solar Rights
Gov. Pritzker’s signature provides needed protections against solar access restrictions. SPRINGFIELD, IL (July 28, 2021) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation protecting Illinoisans’ right to clean energy and access to solar power. A revision to the Homeowners’ Energy Policy Statement Act, HB 644 will guarantee homeowners’ rights to place solar on their home without major
New Law Will Preserve Homeowners’ Solar Rights Read More »