Chicago Government Affairs Internship
The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) is looking for a summer intern to join our amazing team.
Chicago Government Affairs Internship Read More »
Development Internship
The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) is looking for a summer intern to join our amazing team.
Development Internship Read More »
Clean Energy Policy Internship
The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) is looking for a summer intern to join our amazing team.
Clean Energy Policy Internship Read More »
Lobby Day Intern
The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) is looking for a Lobby Day Intern to join our amazing team.
5 Ways to Plug In To the Legislative Session
The legislative session has started! This guide breaks down how you can advocate for stronger environmental protection in Illinois.
5 Ways to Plug In To the Legislative Session Read More »
Illinois’ 2026 Environmental Legislative Agenda
Explore the environmental movement’s legislative agenda, including all of the most important environmental bills this session!
Illinois’ 2026 Environmental Legislative Agenda Read More »
Director of Policy, Energy
The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF) is looking for a Director of Policy, Energy to join our amazing team.
Director of Policy, Energy Read More »
The Environmental Impacts of the Illinois Budget (FY2027)
In his 2026 State of the State and Budget address, Governor JB Pritzker unveiled his administration’s proposed state budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) of $56 billion.
The Environmental Impacts of the Illinois Budget (FY2027) Read More »
Wild Ones: Building Power at Wild Things
Sergio Vargas represented IEC at the Wild Things Conference in Southern Illinois. He’s energized and optimistic about the state of conservation, knowing we have such a powerful community willing to join the fight.
Wild Ones: Building Power at Wild Things Read More »
What Illinois Animal are You?
Illinois is home to hundreds of iconic animals. Who are you? Find your birth month to discover more about your critter.
What Illinois Animal are You? Read More »
Illinois Wetlands Are At Risk As Federal Protections Vanish. Will State Move To Protect Them?
The Environmental Council’s conservation director Lindsay Keeney said despite opposition from the Farm Bureau, some Illinois farmers have expressed support for protections.
“Nature-based solutions – cheap, easily investible solutions, like wetlands – can store floodwater and maintain their soil health and keep their fields from flooding,”
Illinois Rewilding Law, first in US, a step toward state wetland protection
Lindsay Keeney, conservation director at the Illinois Environmental Council, explained that restoring native ecosystems helps Illinois weather more extreme and frequent flood events.
Illinois Rewilding Law, first in US, a step toward state wetland protection Read More »
IEC Legislator Tours 2025
Empowering environmental champions in Illinois’ General Assembly requires building strong relationships with our legislators. These educational tours are a critical piece of that work.
IEC Legislator Tours 2025 Read More »
WCPT 820 Interview: Jen Walling of Illinois Environmental Council
“It ended up being a really pretty good year for climate at the General Assembly. Both bills that had to do with climate, energy, and transit passed in a 24-hour period — the highlight of my life.” — Jen Walling, CEO of IEC Listen to the full interview here.
WCPT 820 Interview: Jen Walling of Illinois Environmental Council Read More »
Chicago Budget Analysis (FY26)
The FY2026 budget strengthened environmental permitting and inspection functions, returning those duties to the appropriate Department of Environment, a top budget priority for the environmental community.
Chicago Budget Analysis (FY26) Read More »
EPA plans to give 11 coal plants a free pass on toxic ash disposal
“By expanding a loophole created during the first Trump administration, EPA would allow coal plants to delay closure for at least three more years and potentially much longer,” says Cate Caldwell of the Illinois Environmental Council.
EPA plans to give 11 coal plants a free pass on toxic ash disposal Read More »
Environmentalists push back against US EPA plan to extend coal plant closings
For a state with some of the highest numbers of coal ash ponds, this decision threatens to reverse years of progress as Illinois has made strides away from reliance on coal-fired power, according to Cate Caldwell, senior policy director of the Illinois Environmental Council.
Environmentalists push back against US EPA plan to extend coal plant closings Read More »
Illinois among states with most cuts to environmental agencies, report shows
As the administration of President Donald Trump pushes for a 55% cut to the U.S. EPA for fiscal year 2026, these findings should raise alarms for states, said Jennifer Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, an organization that advocates for environmental policies.
Illinois among states with most cuts to environmental agencies, report shows Read More »
As SNAP Cuts Begin, A State Bill Can Shield Illinois Communities from Federal Fallout
Passing SB1398 is a chance to prove that Illinois can again turn words into action and policy into protection.
As SNAP Cuts Begin, A State Bill Can Shield Illinois Communities from Federal Fallout Read More »
What is Veto Session and Why Does it Matter?
It’s Veto Session season in Springfield! Find out what it is, why it matters, and how you can help IEC push for key environmental priorities.
What is Veto Session and Why Does it Matter? Read More »