The Illinois Environmental Council released the following statement regarding the election of State Representative Emanuel “Chris” Welch as the new speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives:
SPRINGFIELD, IL — “The Illinois Environmental Council congratulates Emanuel “Chris” Welch on his election as house speaker and looks forward to our continued partnership in advancing protections for people and the environment in his new role,” said Jen Walling, IEC executive director. “It is monumental to have Speaker Welch, a champion for environmental justice and Clean Energy Jobs Act co-sponsor, who has earned a lifetime score of 98% on our Environmental Scorecard, holding the gavel. His speakership is historic as the first Black speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives, and we are eager to work with him in further tackling pollution, climate change and the other environmental challenges before us.”