FAQs: Managed Native Gardens Registry
Learn more about Chicago’s proposed Managed Native Gardens Registry Ordinance with this FAQ document!
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New Bill Would Eliminate Toxic Lead Service Lines in Illinois, Protect Drinking Water Standards and Public Health
State legislators and advocates introduce legislation that would create a plan, funding, and timeline for the removal of all lead service lines in Illinois SPRINGFIELD, IL (Feb. 22, 2021) — Illinois Rep. Lamont J. Robinson (D-Chicago) has introduced the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (HB 3739), a bill creating a feasible and equitable
Analysis: Governor’s 2022 Budget Address
Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled his 2022 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
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Gov. Pritzker’s Mid-term
IEC’s environmental analysis of Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration midway through his first term.
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From Toxic Fluff in Lincoln Park, to the Smoke that Blanketed Little Village: A Snapshot of Environmental Justice Issues in Chicago
Start learning up on what’s happening in Environmental Justice communities across the city– and we’ve just released a great blog to get you started!
Welcome Incoming Board Members
The Illinois Environmental Council is thrilled to welcome five new board members to our organization. Their expertise and experiences are as broad as they are impressive. We look forward to their contributions as we build power for people and for the environment. Reverend Darnell Johnson, IEC Darnell Johnson is the CEO and President of Urban
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Chicago City Council to Take Up Native Gardens Protections
New Native Garden Registry to Curb Discriminatory Crackdown, Protect the Environment CHICAGO — Today, advocates joined Alderman Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward-Chicago) and a dozen other aldermen to introduce the Native Plants Gardens Registry Ordinance (O2021-362) for consideration by the Chicago City Council. The proposal would create a new Managed Native Garden Registry, protecting citizens who
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‘Huge.’ ‘Amazing.’ As Biden delivers ambitious plan for environment, Illinois should join in
“Elated environmentalists had a lot to say after President Joe Biden unveiled the environmental executive orders he signed on Wednesday. ‘Huge.’ ‘Amazing.’ ‘Exciting.’ ‘A whole new day in every way.’ ‘So great.’ ‘A historic commitment.’ ‘Super exciting.’ ‘Thrilled.’ ‘This is definitely the biggest day for climate action in 10 years,’ Jennifer Walling, executive director for
Top Picks in the Biden Admin: What Enviros Need to Know
Get the nuts and bolts of who and what environmentalists need to know about the new Biden-Harris administration appointees.
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New House Speaker, New 2021 Legislative Session Begins
As we look ahead to the spring session, we will be working with the new General Assembly on key environmental priorities, while protecting environmental programs from budget cuts against a challenging fiscal environment.
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IEC Statement on Election of Emanuel “Chris” Welch as New Speaker of the Illinois House
The Illinois Environmental Council released the following statement regarding the election of State Representative Emanuel “Chris” Welch as the new speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives: SPRINGFIELD, IL — “The Illinois Environmental Council congratulates Emanuel “Chris” Welch on his election as house speaker and looks forward to our continued partnership in advancing protections for
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Replace Toxic Lead Service Lines NOW
Take Action to ask your lawmakers to pass legislation replacing all toxic lead-contaminated service lines.
Replace Toxic Lead Service Lines NOW Read More »
In Solidarity with the Legislative Black Caucus Agenda
The Illinois Environmental Council stands in strong support of the Black Caucus in these efforts, and encourages the General Assembly to take up this legislative agenda in the coming lame duck session.
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Align Your Investing with Your Values
A Lunch & Learn panel on socially responsible investing. Our talented panelists cover the basics of investing with the environment in mind, provide tips to look at your own investments, and share insight into what government can do to make more sustainable investments. Presenters: Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs Amanda Hanley, Climate Solutions Funder Sylvia
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New Report Examines Law at Center of ComEd Bribery Scheme
It comes as clean energy advocates are also pressing for a massive energy package to prop up renewable energy. The Illinois Environmental Council’s Jennifer Walling says that would help to address the multifold crises of the ComEd corruption issues, climate change, high unemployment and a cliff for jobs in the solar industry giving funding gaps
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2020 Post-election Environmental Analysis
The 2020 election was absolutely critical for gaining ground on a couple key environmental priorities: combating climate change, reducing pollution and protecting vulnerable habitats. It was certainly one of the most important elections in our lifetime and a true test of our commitment to our enduring call to form a more perfect union. Here you
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A Threat to our Democracy is a Threat to our Environment
It’s probably no surprise to you that here at IEC, we believe government is meant to play a primary role in improving the quality of life for all– our communities, plants, animals and ecosystems. As imperfect as it is at the federal, state and municipal levels, and although governments cannot solve all of our problems,
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The Environmental Case for Voting in the 2020 Election
By: Jen Walling, Executive Director People often ask for advice on ways that the everyday person can actually make a difference for our environment. Voting always makes my top five list. Here’s why: Elections deeply impact environmental policy. So I hope that you have already voted or plan to cast your vote before the polls
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Op-ed: Investing in a safer world: international conservation programs and COVID-19
The Illinois Environmental Council works across our state to promote land protection and restoration, supporting local governments to combat the effects of environmental degradation and protect our open spaces. Across the United States, the work of like minded organizations has helped our country chart a more sustainable path to growth, supporting the long-term survival of
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Transportation Advocates Seek Guarantee Transit Won’t Shut Down In Event of Post-Election Unrest
“Black and Brown communities are disproportionately reliant on public transportation, specifically buses, and so are disproportionately harmed when service is abruptly changed or stopped without warning,” the petition reads. “Shutting down transportation is not the solution and creates undue hardships, especially for essential workers and Black and Brown Chicago residents. Transit is a public good and