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Illinois Landfill Methane Emissions are the Ninth Worst in the Country

6 out of 10 of the Largest Industrial Methane Emitters in Illinois are Landfills CHICAGO (May 31, 2023)— Industrious Labs released a new analysis today that shows how Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) landfills in all fifty states compare to other large industrial methane emitters. Illinois ranks ninth among states in harmful methane emissions from MSW …

Illinois Landfill Methane Emissions are the Ninth Worst in the Country Read More »

Illinois General Assembly Fails to Act on Accumulated Air Pollution in EJ Communities this Session, Advances New Pollution in Vulnerable Areas

SPRINGFIELD, IL — After missing multiple opportunities this Spring to protect environmental justice communities across Illinois, the Illinois General Assembly yesterday passed HB2878 and HJR23. These bills give broad permission for public-private partnership (P3) funding of large transportation projects like widening I-55. This legislation will bring new vehicle traffic and even more diesel emissions into …

Illinois General Assembly Fails to Act on Accumulated Air Pollution in EJ Communities this Session, Advances New Pollution in Vulnerable Areas Read More »

Earth Month at IEC: Environmentalists advocate slate of bills– What to know

Happy Earth Day from IEC! This year, we’re celebrating Earth Month by highlighting the incredible people power of our team here at IEC.  Each week this month, we’re introducing you to a hardworking IEC staff member who represents the incredible, dedicated folks on our team. Below you’ll find coverage in the State Journal Register of …

Earth Month at IEC: Environmentalists advocate slate of bills– What to know Read More »

400+ Illinoisans Advocate for Slate of Legislation Promoting Environmental Protection and Climate Justice

Springfield, IL. — More than 400 Illinoisans mobilized today to urge their representatives in the Illinois General Assembly to pass bills that protect the environment and address climate injustices impacting historically marginalized communities across Illinois. At a rally outside of the Capitol Building and during meetings with legislators, advocates and activists called for the legislature …

400+ Illinoisans Advocate for Slate of Legislation Promoting Environmental Protection and Climate Justice Read More »

Congratulations, Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson

By: Iyana Simba, City Programs Director The Illinois Environmental Council congratulates incoming Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson on their recent election victory. We are excited to begin working with you on building the sustainable and healthy environment that all Chicagoans deserve.  Still on the heels of 2021’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act passage in Illinois and …

Congratulations, Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson Read More »

Earth Month at IEC: Legislators in the Wild

In June 2019, I wrote a blog post introducing readers to one of the Illinois Environmental Council’s most successful programs, legislative tours. Since then, we’ve conducted dozens of informative “tours” with legislators and local officials, taking them out of their office buildings and into the natural areas we need their help to protect.

Priceless Bell Bowl Prairie Demolished in Rockford, IL

Advocates respond, calling the destruction ‘devastating’ Rockford, IL – Much of the ancient Bell Bowl Prairie was demolished this morning as bulldozers for the Greater Rockford Airport Authority (GRAA) rolled through the most pristine acres of the ancient prairie land following Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) clearance. “The destruction of Bell Bowl Prairie is nothing short …

Priceless Bell Bowl Prairie Demolished in Rockford, IL Read More »

The Decisive Decade

IEC recently had the pleasure of hosting President Biden’s National Climate Advisor, Ali Zaidi, for a breakfast with leaders from Illinois’ environmental community.

Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Protecting Clean Energy Projects

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation protecting Illinois-based clean energy projects from a growing number of local bans. HB4412 prevents counties from enacting preemptive local ordinances that outright ban local wind and solar projects, hindering the state’s new climate goals set forth in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The bill passed …

Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Protecting Clean Energy Projects Read More »

2023 Chicago City Council Scorecard

Below you will find IEC’s 2023 Environmental Scorecard for the Chicago City Council, calculating each City Council alderperson’s average environmental score. Scores are based on the environmental impact of their voting record over the last two years.  That means you can see whether your alderperson has used their power in the City Council to protect …

2023 Chicago City Council Scorecard Read More »

Ahead of 2023 municipal election, the Illinois Environmental Council Releases Alderpersons’ Environmental Voting Records, Recommendations for Chicago’s Next Mayoral Term

(CHICAGO) – Today, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released its 2023 Mayoral Report and 2023 Chicago City Council Environmental Scorecard. With a range of environmental issues arising throughout a Chicago mayoral term, IEC’s 2023 Mayoral Report lays out key recommendations across a wide range of environmental issues for the city’s leader during the next Mayoral …

Ahead of 2023 municipal election, the Illinois Environmental Council Releases Alderpersons’ Environmental Voting Records, Recommendations for Chicago’s Next Mayoral Term Read More »

2023 Chicago Environmental Mayor Report

From clean energy to transportation to urban conservation, IEC’s Mayoral Report lays out both small & lofty objectives that the mayor ought to tackle to make Chicago a sustainable city.

IEC Policy Platform

We convened town halls open to the public, all of our 100+ affiliate organizations, our individual members and our staff to deliberate and develop the policy solutions endorsed by our Illinois environmental movement.

Bill Defending CEJA and Protecting Local Clean Energy Projects Passes During Lame Duck Session

SPRINGFIELD, IL – A bill protecting Illinois-based clean energy projects from a growing number of local bans passed today during the Illinois General Assembly’s lame duck legislative session. HB4412 was drafted to prevent counties from enacting preemptive local ordinances that outright ban local wind and solar projects, hindering the state’s new climate goals set forth …

Bill Defending CEJA and Protecting Local Clean Energy Projects Passes During Lame Duck Session Read More »

STATEMENT: IEC Voices Support for Chicago’s Proposed FY2023 Budget

CHICAGO – Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director Jen Walling released the following statement in anticipation of today’s City Council budget consideration: “The City of Chicago’s proposed FY2023 budget includes significant steps forward in staffing, resources, power and responsibility for the environment, environmental justice and climate projects at the City of Chicago. We urge alderpersons to …

STATEMENT: IEC Voices Support for Chicago’s Proposed FY2023 Budget Read More »

Energy and Transportation Town Hall

Wednesday, November 16 | 6-7:30 pm | Register via Zoom using the form below IEC is hosting a series of three town halls for our supporters. At the Energy and Transportation Town Hall, participants will hear from IEC and our partners on the most pressing issues facing Illinois and our current advocacy plans. We’re reserving …

Energy and Transportation Town Hall Read More »

The Illinois is Beautiful Initiative

From our conversations in Illinois communities and the surveys we collected, it is clear there is overwhelming support for an increase and acceleration of conservation in Illinois. Over 85% of respondents believe that 4% of Illinois land in protection is not enough.

IEC Statement on President Biden Signing the Inflation Reduction Act into Law

Springfield, IL – Today, in response to President Biden signing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released the following statement from Executive Director Jen Walling: “With President Biden’s signature, we are stepping into a new future, one that works for everyone in Illinois. The Inflation Reduction Act is the …

IEC Statement on President Biden Signing the Inflation Reduction Act into Law Read More »

IEC Statement on U.S. House Passage of Historic Climate Action Investments in the Inflation Reduction Act

Springfield, IL – Today, in response to the U.S. House of Representatives’ passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released the following statement from Executive Director Jen Walling: “Since learning that Sens. Schumer and Manchin reached a deal on the climate provisions within the Inflation Reduction Act, IEC has engaged …

IEC Statement on U.S. House Passage of Historic Climate Action Investments in the Inflation Reduction Act Read More »

2021 Annual Report

Read the 2021 IEC and IECEF Annual Report to learn more about the state of our organizations and the progress we made in 2021.

IEC Statement on Senate Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act

Springfield, IL – Today, in response to Senate passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released the following statement from Executive Director Jen Walling: “It’s a historic day. The Inflation Reduction Act is the single biggest thing our nation has ever done to confront the climate crisis. The IRA will …

IEC Statement on Senate Passage of the Inflation Reduction Act Read More »

Send Us Your Resume

The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF) is always looking for talented folks to join our amazing team.

IEC’s Statement on Senator Manchin’s Refusal to Support Climate Action

Springfield, IL – In response to the news that Senator Manchin will not support climate action in the Senate reconciliation deal, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released the following statement: “The climate provisions in President Biden’s Build Back Better plan are, in no uncertain terms, our last chance to prevent the most catastrophic and costly …

IEC’s Statement on Senator Manchin’s Refusal to Support Climate Action Read More »

League of Conservation Voters 2021 National Scorecard Shows Illinois Delegation Strongly Support Our Environment and Democracy

Springfield, IL – Today, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), state affiliate of the League of Conservation Voters (LCV), announced the Illinois congressional delegation’s scores on LCV’s 2021 National Environmental Scorecard. The Scorecard is the primary yardstick for evaluating the environmental records of members of Congress since 1970 and is available for download in English here, …

League of Conservation Voters 2021 National Scorecard Shows Illinois Delegation Strongly Support Our Environment and Democracy Read More »

500+ Illinoisans Mobilize in Support of Environmental Justice Legislation

Hundreds Rally for Passage of Industrial Permitting Reform, Protections for Power Plant Communities, Voting Rights and more SPRINGFIELD, IL – More than 500 Illinoisans mobilized today for an environmental justice-focused lobby day and rally. Participants urged their legislators to pass bills that address environmental injustices impacting historically marginalized communities across Illinois. The environmental justice movement …

500+ Illinoisans Mobilize in Support of Environmental Justice Legislation Read More »

Statement: Illinois Environmental Council Applauds Southeast Side Community in General Iron Victory

Lightfoot Administration Upholds Commitment to Environmental Justice and Public Health Note: This content was circulated exclusively on social media and not distributed to the press. IEC suggests reporters reach out to community groups who have led the General Iron fight. Should you need contact information for those leaders, IEC’s communications director, Tucker Barry, can put …

Statement: Illinois Environmental Council Applauds Southeast Side Community in General Iron Victory Read More »

Secretary Buttigieg in Bloomington-Normal Celebrating New Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Investments

Illinois Uniquely Positioned to Create Jobs with Federal Investments BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL – Tomorrow, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will travel to the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area to highlight the Illinois Department of Transportation’s work to make electric vehicles more accessible to all Illinoisans. Secretary Buttigieg’s visit comes on the heels of yesterday’s announcement from President Biden’s Department …

Secretary Buttigieg in Bloomington-Normal Celebrating New Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Investments Read More »

Statement: Gov. Pritzker’s FY23 Budget Proposal a Historic Commitment to Climate Solutions

(Springfield, IL) – Today, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) reacted to Gov. JB Pritzker’s annual State of the State address and FY23 budget proposal issuing the following statement: “The Illinois Environmental Council applauds Gov. JB Pritzker for proposing a state budget that prioritizes resources for combatting climate change, a first in Illinois history. Never before …

Statement: Gov. Pritzker’s FY23 Budget Proposal a Historic Commitment to Climate Solutions Read More »

Environmental Organizations Call on the City of Chicago to do Right by Southeast Siders

As disrespectful text messages surface, environmental groups back Southeast Side residents CHICAGO – Yesterday, reporting by the Chicago Tribune uncovered an alarming series of text messages between Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Alderperson Sue Garza regarding the ongoing fight for clean air on Chicago’s Southeast Side. In response, the Illinois Environmental Council and the Sierra Club …

Environmental Organizations Call on the City of Chicago to do Right by Southeast Siders Read More »

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