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 »
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 »
Is Illinois on the right track? Help shape IEC’s Food Systems policy priorities as we head into 2026.
2025 Food Systems Townhall Read More »
Is Illinois on the right track? Help shape IEC’s Clean Water policy priorities as we head into 2026.
2025 Clean Water Townhall Read More »
Is Illinois on the right track? Help shape IEC’s Clean Energy policy priorities as we head into 2026.
2025 Clean Energy Townhall Read More »
Is Illinois on the right track? Help shape IEC’s Zero Waste policy priorities as we head into 2026.
2025 Zero Waste Townhall Read More »
Is Illinois on the right track? Help shape IEC’s Open Space and Conservation policy priorities as we head into 2026.
2025 Conservation & Open Space Townhall Read More »
Is Illinois on the right track? Help shape IEC’s Equitable Transportation policy priorities as we head into 2026.
2025 Equitable Transportation Townhall Read More »
Ghosts, Ghouls…..and Invasive Species? Learn about some of the spookiest invasive species in Illinois.
Keep Your Eyes Open for Invasive Species This Halloween Read More »
From safe drinking water in Chicago to clean rivers downstate, Illinois water policy shapes our daily lives. Understanding the language behind it helps every community advocate for a healthier future.
A Guide to Water Policy Terminology Read More »
Congress failed to meet its October 1 deadline to pass a funding bill, triggering a government shutdown that has suspended key environmental programs, furloughed government employees, closed national parks, and stopped non-essential services.
Analysis: Understand the Federal Government Shutdown and Its Impact on Illinois Read More »
The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF) is looking for a Legislative Affairs Associate to join our amazing team.
Legislative Affairs Associate Read More »
H.R. 1 drastically cuts key clean energy tax credits, chipping away at Illinois’ progress toward a clean energy economy and threatening to cut as many as 52,000 manufacturing and energy jobs in the state.
Analysis: Trump’s Big “Ugly” Bill Read More »
Our team has been on the ground at the Capitol for the last five months, all the way up until the final moments this evening. And you’ve been right there with us.
Wrapping Up the 2025 Illinois Legislative Session Read More »
Illinois General Assembly misses opportunity to deliver cleaner, lower-cost, more reliable energy amidst rising costs, increasingly extreme weather, and federal mismanagement. ILLINOIS — Today, just one day before energy bills are expected to spike across Illinois, the General Assembly failed to pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act, which would have taken critical
Illinois’ Climate Goals and Consumers At Risk Amidst Legislature’s Inaction Read More »
With two full weeks of the legislative session left before the May 31 deadline, IEC is working overtime to ensure our priorities cross the finish line.
A Sprint to Accelerate Illinois’ Clean Energy Progress Read More »
We can’t count on Washington to do right for the environment. Good thing Illinois’ environmental movement is on top of it.
Illinois Has Your Back, Mother Earth Read More »
Cate Caldwell joined the Illinois Environmental Council as a Senior Policy Manager in March of 2025. In this role, Cate coordinates and communicates with IEC staff and member affiliates primarily on federal efforts, maintaining relationships with elected officials and agencies, while also supporting the Agriculture and Conservation program team in developing legislative strategies. Cate’s leadership
Stella Younkin joined the Illinois Environmental Council in Spring 2025 as a Government Affairs Fellow. Stella supports IEC’s legislative and advocacy work, advancing environmental progress by implementing IEC’s policy and advocacy priorities with the state legislature. In this role, she contributes to lobbying efforts, helps track legislation, and advocates for IEC’s environmental positions. She works
Facing federal funding cuts impacting our state’s environment, we immediately determined we could help IEC members sift through the federal chaos and grow our federal advocacy presence.
Defining Illinois’ Federal Strategy for Environmental Advocacy Read More »
