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Local environmental advocates remain hopeful despite Trump’s recent executive orders

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 »

Chicago and Illinois Remain Committed to Achieving Climate Goals Despite Threats to Federal Funding

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

Chicago and Illinois Remain Committed to Achieving Climate Goals Despite Threats to Federal Funding Read More »

Lawmakers give small boost to renewable developments, delay broader reform

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

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Pritzker EPA vows to step in as Trump calls for massive cuts to environmental protection

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

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Illinois confident it can continue clean energy progress under Trump, but path expected to be harder

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

Illinois confident it can continue clean energy progress under Trump, but path expected to be harder Read More »

Illinois environment and labor officials seek closer ties on climate action

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 »

Future of green incentives under Trump

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

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Illinois climate activists say Trump’s win is a blow to climate action

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 »

Shoreline Advisory Board aims to protect Chicago’s lakefront

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 »

Climate events outside the DNC campus in Chicago highlight progress — and call for action

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

Climate events outside the DNC campus in Chicago highlight progress — and call for action Read More »

LCV and IEC Celebrate the Designation of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot National Monument

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

LCV and IEC Celebrate the Designation of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot National Monument Read More »

IL environmentalists hope federal grant lowers emissions

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 »

Pritzker signs bill requiring climate change education in Illinois public schools

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 »

Illinois First Great Lakes State to Reduce Single-use Plastic Bottles in Hotels

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

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Illinois Becomes Fifth State to Require Climate Change Education in Public Schools

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

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Illinois Appellate Court Ruling Will Hinder Illinois’ Efforts to Deliver Affordable and Reliable Clean Energy

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

Illinois Appellate Court Ruling Will Hinder Illinois’ Efforts to Deliver Affordable and Reliable Clean Energy Read More »

Monarch butterfly license plates finally available in Illinois

After seven years in the making, the state has unveiled the monarch butterfly decal license plate. Proceeds from the decals will benefit the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ Monarch Habitat Fund, which fosters habitats that support the beloved orange butterflies’ migratory journey south to Mexico each fall. The organization has a goal of adding 150

Monarch butterfly license plates finally available in Illinois Read More »

Illinois Environmental Groups Applaud Vetoes by Pritzker

The decisions underscore the governor’s commitment to “choose climate action, every time.” Environmental groups in Illinois are commending Gov. JB Pritzker for vetoing bills this month that would have expanded nuclear power, given a utility first dibs on new transmission line projects and advanced a controversial highway expansion project. This comes after little luck passing

Illinois Environmental Groups Applaud Vetoes by Pritzker Read More »

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