With the fight over a federal clean energy funding freeze entering its second month, two of the biggest prizes in Illinois are emissions-reduction grants totaling more than $570 million. Now, the state appears closer to claiming both of them. In Illinois, which aims for 100% clean energy by 2050, the effects of the clean energy […]
Federal funding freeze lifted for some Illinois clean energy projects Read More »
Illinois is known for having some of the weakest environmental laws for concentrated animal feeding operations, with a lack of oversight and public transparency for the entire process. A coalition of rural landowners is working to change it. In Illinois, it is estimated there are more than 21,000 concentrated animal feeding operations. Chad Wallace, director of rural affairs
IL CAFOs on rise as industry remains underregulated Read More »
Join us for a panel discussion that will explore the impact of President Trump’s executive orders on key areas including LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and environmental issues. Experts will analyze how these actions are affecting local residents, communities, and businesses, offering insights into the evolving legal, economic, and social implications. This panel will address the immediate
Illinois is offering buyers an incentive of $4,000 per vehicle. But at the federal level, the Trump administration is not a fan of EVs. GUESTS: Karen Weigert, Reset sustainability contributor, director of Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, and Dany Robles, legislative relations director, Illinois Environmental Council “We need a lot more
Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, is one of those who has had an eye on the White House. “When we look at this administration’s view on climate change, we absolutely should be concerned,” Walling told WBBM. “There’s been a series of executive orders that have unwound the Inflation Reduction Act, investments
Local environmental advocates remain hopeful despite Trump’s recent executive orders Read More »
Environmental leaders believe grants and other sources of funding will allow them to continue cutting pollution, even if federal money isn’t available following the change in administration. Experts from the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), a Springfield-based public policy organization, believe the state will still commit to climate initiatives such as renewable energy, although Chicago will
Energy policy likely to be revisited in spring legislative session. Lawmakers this week passed a bill aimed at boosting the development of renewable energy generation, but its proponents said the final measure was a “skinny” version of what they had hoped to pass. “We’ve seen the effects of climate change. We’ve seen the effects on
Lawmakers give small boost to renewable developments, delay broader reform Read More »
As the new top environment cop in Illinois, James Jennings knew coming in his job would be challenging no matter who won the presidential election. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is rebuilding under Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker after more than a decade spent shedding inspectors, slowing the policing of air and water pollution and feuding with the
Pritzker EPA vows to step in as Trump calls for massive cuts to environmental protection Read More »
The deep blue state is preparing to protect climate and clean energy programs during a Trump administration, but uncertainty about federal incentives and environmental enforcement leaves questions. The last time President Donald Trump took office, Illinois had just passed the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), creating an ambitious renewable electricity mandate, solar incentive programs, green
Jennifer Walling runs an organization that speaks for over 100 environmental groups in Springfield. Marc Poulos is a political quarterback for organized labor. “I feel like we both understand that we’re going to get more done if we’re aligned,” said Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council. “We may as well be on the
Illinois environment and labor officials seek closer ties on climate action Read More »
Electric vehicle buying is expected to rise this winter as consumers look to take advantage of the $7,500 tax credit that President-elect Trump has threatened to repeal. Why it matters: EV tax credits represent just one of the green incentives introduced under President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act that could be removed under Trump. The big picture: “Illinois has received
Future of green incentives under Trump Read More »
Jen Walling with the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) said Trump’s win is a blow to climate action. “I definitely think that a national administration that doesn’t support what we’re doing is going to make our work harder.” She says IEC will have to prioritize issues most at risk, one of those being clean water. “There
Illinois climate activists say Trump’s win is a blow to climate action Read More »
The newly-formed Shoreline Advisory Board aims to protect Chicago’s majestic lakefront from erosion and other climate hazards. NBC Chicago’s Kate Chappell reports with Iyana Simba of IEC. The newly formed Chicago Shoreline Advisory Board is responsible for reviewing shoreline conservation management plans, facilitating public education, researching, assessing, and advising on plans to protect the shoreline,
Shoreline Advisory Board aims to protect Chicago’s lakefront Read More »
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 »
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 »
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