DONATE
Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Youtube

tbarry

g4b8aa510d11e051ba29ea402a27ed1c5da939eb1b3f3883ff1e7260d130248eec68d3af4bc49d815dd1a8d910b7cd79bf0d9db7f542efbb2c45073ef7045ccd2_1280-7373844.jpg

ICJC Lauds $430 Million Award Illinois Climate Pollution Reduction Grants

Illinois – Today, the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) announced that Illinois will receive more than $430 million in Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) to tackle climate pollution, improve air quality, and advance environmental justice across the state. The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition submitted a letter of support to the USEPA early on in the CPRG application […]

ICJC Lauds $430 Million Award Illinois Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Read More »

2024 Environmental Legislative Update

Early Wednesday morning, days after its scheduled adjournment date of May 24, the Illinois General Assembly passed the state budget and concluded the Spring legislative session. Going into an election year with an expected budget deficit, we anticipated that it would be more challenging than usual to pass critical pieces of legislation this session. Despite

2024 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »

2024 Environmental Legislative Update

Today is the scheduled adjournment day of the regular legislative session. However, as of this morning, it became clear that leading members of the House and Senate are planning for state budget-centered discussions to carry on this evening and into the weekend. We are also seeing an increase in internal caucus meetings, which are causing

2024 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »

Plastic Pollution in Chicago

Over the past few years, Illinois has seen plastic waste reduction legislative victories in Springfield. Advocates in its largest city, Chicago, seek to implement similar legislation to protect Lake Michigan and other water resources from dangerous microplastic pollution.

Plastic Pollution in Chicago Read More »

2024 Environmental Legislative Update

Both the House and the Senate were in and conducting business this week as we move closer to the final weeks of this year’s regular legislative session. Many bills were granted extended deadlines for advancing through the legislative process, and some important pieces of the Illinois Environmental Legislative Agenda continue to move through the legislative

2024 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »

Hundreds Gather in Springfield to Advocate for Equitable Climate, Transportation, and Energy Legislation

Springfield, IL. – Hundreds of community leaders, environmental advocates, faith leaders, business representatives, consumer groups, students and state legislators rallied outside of the Illinois State Capitol Building today in support of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) Platform, a slate of legislation that would double down on Illinois’ bold climate policy and secure a more

Hundreds Gather in Springfield to Advocate for Equitable Climate, Transportation, and Energy Legislation Read More »

Illinois Environmental Council Applauds Milestone in Monarch Butterfly License Plate Specialty Decal Project

Monarch Decals to Soon Be in the Hands of Interested Illinois Drivers CHICAGO – Today, the Illinois Secretary of State’s Office, in a joint announcement with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, rolled out the brand new specialty Monarch Butterfly license plate decal after legislative approval seven years ago. Having played a key role in

Illinois Environmental Council Applauds Milestone in Monarch Butterfly License Plate Specialty Decal Project Read More »

State Legislators Earn Coveted Top Marks for Their Environmental Voting Record

Illinois Environmental Council Releases Annual Scorecard (SPRINGFIELD, IL) – The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released its 2023 Legislative Environmental Scorecard today. The scorecard, which is released annually, assigns a percentage score to legislators based on how they voted on bills affecting the environment. This year, 17 state representatives and 10 state senators received 100% scores

State Legislators Earn Coveted Top Marks for Their Environmental Voting Record Read More »

2023 Environmental Scorecard

IEC is proud to present our 2023 Environmental Scorecard for the Illinois General Assembly. Scores are based on the environmental impact of their voting record over the last legislative session.  We hope this will be a useful resource and allow you to see whether your legislators have used their power in the General Assembly to

2023 Environmental Scorecard Read More »

Governor Pritzker Vetoes Legislation That Would Have Allowed Ameren to Monopolize Transmission Projects

Illinois — Today, Governor JB Pritzker issued an amendatory veto on HB3445—legislation that would have given Ameren, the private utility company that serves much of Central and Southern Illinois, a “Right of First Refusal” to build regional transmission lines in Southern Illinois. Under this bill, Ameren would have been given first dibs on building new

Governor Pritzker Vetoes Legislation That Would Have Allowed Ameren to Monopolize Transmission Projects Read More »

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 »

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 »

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 »

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.

IEC Policy Platform Read More »

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 »

We advance equitable public policies that ensure a healthy environment across Illinois through collaboration, building power, and advocacy.

DONATE
SiGN UP

ABOUT

MEDIA & PRESS

ISSUES

ACTION CENTER

520 E Capitol, Springfield, IL 62701 | Phone: 217-544-5954 | Email: iec@ilenviro.org

© 2024 Illinois Environmental Council

Facebook-f Twitter Instagram Youtube