Dany Robles speaks to the amount of microplastics ingested by each person in a week — one credit card’s worth. Escuche esto: si le dijera que esta semana comió y bebió la cantidad de plástico que vale esta tarjeta de crédito, ¿qué pensaría? En este investigación especial, conocemos lo microplásticos como un contaminante invisible que
Microplásticos: Contaminantes Invisibles Read More »
IEC’s Danny Collins shares some of the exciting items generously donated for the 22nd annual Environmental Leadership Dinner silent auction.
5 Things I’m Excited for in IEC’s Silent Auction Read More »
Illinois wetlands are vulnerable because unlike Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, Illinois lacks a comprehensive state wetlands program. Illinois has already lost 90% of the state’s wetlands since the 1800s.
Illinois Wetlands Protection Act Letter to Gov. Pritzker Read More »
The visuals were first-rate: an all-electric camper van customized with images of wind turbines turning against an orange sky. There was swag: postcards, fans, buttons and posters. And there was a passionate speech by a leading voice for climate action in the U.S. Congress: “There is a stark choice facing us,” said U.S. Rep. Kathy
Springfield, IL. — In response to the Biden-Harris administration’s designation of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot National Monument, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released the following statements: “Thanks to the tireless advocacy of the Springfield branch of the NAACP and local advocates and activists, the Biden-Harris administration has established
The fight against the effects of climate change in Illinois has more help. Under the Biden Administration’s pollution reduction plan, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will distribute $430 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will also accelerate clean energy and promote workforce training. Angela Xu, municipal engagement manager for the Illinois Environmental
IL environmentalists hope federal grant lowers emissions Read More »
A new law will require students in Illinois public schools to learn about climate change starting with the 2026 school year. The law calls for instruction on identifying environmental and ecological impacts of climate change on people and communities. It also requires education on solutions to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change. “Illinois continues its record
Pritzker signs bill requiring climate change education in Illinois public schools Read More »
Chicago, IL – On Friday, Governor Pritzker signed the Small Single-Use Plastic Bottle Act (SB2960) into law, which requires hotels with 50 or more rooms to eliminate the use of small, single-use plastic bottles containing personal care products in individual rooms and public bathrooms beginning July 1, 2025. By Jan. 1, 2026, all hotels are
Illinois First Great Lakes State to Reduce Single-use Plastic Bottles in Hotels Read More »
Springfield, IL – On Friday, Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation requiring Illinois public schools to educate students on climate change starting in 2026. The law, which was championed by State Senator Adriane Johnson and State Representative Janet Yang Rohr, requires that students learn about the environmental and ecological impacts of climate change on individuals and
Illinois Becomes Fifth State to Require Climate Change Education in Public Schools Read More »
Illinois – The 5th District Appellate Court ruled today to overturn the Illinois Commerce Commission’s issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPNC) to the Grain Belt Express, a critical transmission line that would create 1,400 clean energy jobs and generate $1.3 billion in economic activity during construction in Illinois. The Illinois Commerce Commission’s unanimous approval
Aly Mejia has been working at IEC since May of 2021 as the Office Administrator at the Springfield office. Her responsibilities are managing the day-to-day operations of the office, organizing the workflow and providing an efficient and organized office environment. She is dedicated to providing support for staff and enjoys the administrative challenges of supporting
Max Touchette joined IEC in June 2023 as an Agriculture Intern, was renewed in January 2024 as a Conservation Intern, and joined full-time staff as a Communications Associate in June 2024. Their responsibilities include event coordination, graphic design, copywriting, outreach, event documentation, and overseeing the IEC’s Community Council. Prior to joining IEC, Max earned their
Meredith Lukow joined the Illinois Environmental Council as Grants Manager in summer 2023. In this position, she is responsible for managing, strategizing, and tracking IEC’s robust grant portfolio—which totals more than $3 million annually and spans 25 active funders—and seeking new funding opportunities. Before coming to IEC, Meredith honed her project management and communications expertise
Hannah Flath joined the Illinois Environmental Council in May of 2024 and serves as the Climate Communications Manager. She has seen firsthand how traditional and digital media can be used to make bold progress in the clean energy transition and is excited to work to ensure Illinois remains a national leader in equitable climate policy
Danny Collins joined the Illinois Environmental Council in early 2023 as the Development Associate, where they help develop, streamline, and maintain key fundraising practices. Danny is passionate about ensuring our dedicated community of supporters receive the highest-quality experience in their partnership with IEC. Prior to coming to IEC, Danny served as the Database & Development
Paloma Campillo serves as a Digital Engagement Manager at IEC after having entered as an intern and Special Events Coordinator in October 2019. Alongside strategic communications and educational work, Paloma oversees and coordinates IEC’s community council, a collective of community-based organizations from across the state. Paloma knows that political participation, education and advocacy are essential
Tucker Barry has served as the Communications Director for the Illinois Environmental Council since early 2019, where he directs the organization’s traditional and digital communications strategy. Tucker knows that, like the sound of a falling tree in an old wood forest, people can’t know about the good work nonprofits do if they don’t hear about
Chad Wallace currently serves as the Rural Affairs Director at the Illinois Environmental Council. In this role, he meets and strategizes with rural landowners and residents throughout Illinois who are impacted by the adverse effects of industrialized agriculture. In addition, he works closely with the Illinois Stewardship Alliance and currently serves as their Executive Board
Chicagoland Conservation Manager Sergio Vargas joined the Illinois Environmental Council in the Summer of 2022. He develops and maintains partnerships with volunteers, individual supporters, affiliate organizations, partners, and ally organizations to further IEC’s climate and conservation goals in Chicagoland. In 2022, Sergio joined the massively successful Vote Yes Campaign that resulted in an annual increase
Iyana currently serves as the City Government Affairs Director at the Illinois Environmental Council, where she oversees advocacy, coalition building, aldermanic relationships and organizing related to environmental issues before the City of Chicago. In this role, she led a successful two-year campaign to re-establish the City of Chicago’s Department of Environment and also supported the
