By Iyana Simba | IEC Clean Water Advocate When it came to light in 2014 that residents of Flint, Michigan were exposed to elevated lead levels in their drinking water, the issue dominated headlines. Since then, cities like Newark, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., Pittsburgh, Milwaukee, and Chicago have also found elevated lead levels in schools, childcare
Lead Poisoning Awareness Week Read More »
By Crystal Kern | IEC Finance Director I grew up on a self-sufficient farm in central Kentucky. We had a diverse garden with more plant varieties than I can recall along with several animals. Everything produced on the farm solely supported our family. If we had an abundance of produce, we would invite neighbors over to
Reclaimed Heritage: How Simple Appreciation is Better for Us and the Planet Read More »
Apply to join the IEC team! About the Organization The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF), and its affiliate the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), are 44 year-old organizations that promote sound environmental laws and policies, provide a forum for environmentalists and facilitate a statewide activist network. IECEF engages in legislative monitoring and analysis; outreach, organizing
Position Description: Policy Director Read More »
Get to know IEC while picking up a few tips and tricks for protecting the environment Historically, our blog has been a place for IEC staff to share our environmental policy expertise and educational updates on the latest issues facing Illinois. However, we’ve been looking for new ways to connect with other environmentalists like you
Introducing IEC Staff Picks Read More »
Midwestern farmers are paying the price of climate change
The Price of Climate Change Read More »
2019 Annual Report Introduction Strategic Plan Board & Staff Highlights Impact Finances Donors From the Executive Director Dear Supporter, The Illinois Environmental Council embarked on 2019 excited by the promise of many new decision makers taking office in Illinois, including a new governor, attorney general and many new lawmakers. On the heels of our candidate
2019 Annual Report Read More »
While a majority of our work at the Illinois Environmental Council is focused on passing and implementing environmental policies here in Illinois, we also engage with our state’s congressional delegation to influence federal environmental priorities as well. Recently, our team traveled to Washington D.C. where we met with congressional staff, several members of Congress and
Team IEC on Capitol Hill Read More »
Illinois EPA gains tools to increase regulations on Ethylene Oxide emissions
Gov. Pritzker Signs Bills Protecting Illinoisans from Cancer-causing Chemicals Read More »
To educate lawmakers on the importance of agriculture and natural resource conservation practices, we connect them with experiences that demonstrate the real-world impacts of their votes in the legislature.
Bringing Lawmakers Out of Their Office Buildings and into Nature Read More »
The General Assembly has passed a Fiscal Year 2020 budget, as well as a $40 billion capital budget. As always, we’re here to break it all down and fill you in on the most important budget items impacting the environment. Overall, this is an exciting opportunity for environmental projects and clean jobs throughout Illinois. Highlights
FY2020 Budget, Capital Plan and the Environment Read More »
The 2019 Illinois General Assembly legislative session ended on Sunday, June 2. IEC is proud to announce it was one of the most successful ever for the environmental community.
2019 End of Session Update Read More »
IEC is pleased to release our 2019 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.
2019 IEC Legislative Report Read More »
With input from the environmental community, Illinois is about to become the national leader for environmental protection in the cannabis industry. Earlier this year, Governor Pritzker along with members of the Illinois General Assembly, including chief sponsor Senator Heather Steans, introduced legislation to legalize recreational cannabis cultivation, sale and use in Illinois. For many this
Illinois Has the Greenest Cannabis Bill in the Country Read More »
The Governor of Illinois has significant influence over environmental programs and policy, as well as if, and how, the state leads on these issues. This being the case, IEC welcomed the election of Governor Pritzker, whose campaign promised 100% renewable energy, clean air protections and recognized the importance of our water resources. Now that we
Governor Pritzker’s First 100 Days Read More »
It is past time for dedicated capital funding for water infrastructure to ensure every Illinoisan has access to clean, affordable water.
The Critical Need for Water Infrastructure Funding Read More »
Get the list of the top bills IEC will be working on during the 2019 legislative session.
IEC 2019 Priority Legislation Read More »
Governor Pritzker recently introduced his FY20 Budget Proposal in an address to the General Assembly. IEC is pleased that this budget reflects many of our community’s priorities, and will help advance clean energy, preserve natural resources, and protect our air and water. Over the past 4 years, severe budget cuts to agencies and environmental programs resulted in
FY20 Budget and the Environment Read More »
IEC is pleased to release our 2019 Chicago Environmental Mayor Report, which includes policy recommendations for improving the City’s environment and livability. The document represents the work of experts from 22 IEC affiliate organizations. Read the document below or click here to download it.
Chicago Environmental Mayor Report Read More »
Governor Pritzker recently released reports from each of his administration’s 11 transition committees. Included in those reports is that of the Powering Illinois’ Future Committee, which IEC’s Executive Director Jen Walling co-chaired. You can read that committee’s entire report here: Click here to view the report if the document fails to load.
Powering Illinois’ Future Read More »
As one of his first acts, Governor Pritzker signed Illinois onto the US Climate Alliance
What joining the US Climate Alliance means for Illinois Read More »
Advantage News “Advocates and residents from across Illinois gathered in Springfield on Tuesday for a fourth hearing before the Illinois Pollution Control Board to testify in opposition to the latest proposal to increase dangerous air pollution from the Central and Southern Illinois coal fleet operated by Texas-based Vistra Energy. Illinois residents who have been affected
Civic leaders, residents call for stricter pollution regulations Read More »
