Hundreds Rally for Passage of the Clean Energy Jobs Act, Toxic Lead Service Line Removal and New Air Permitting Reforms SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, 1,000 environmental justice leaders, renewable energy advocates, youth activists, faith leaders, business representatives and consumer groups from every part of Illinois met virtually with over 80 members of the Illinois General […]
Virtual Lobby Day made it onto TV! Watch WAND17’s clip on lobby day here.
Environmental justice rally draws support in Illinois Read More »
Reaching 30 x 30 in Illinois is a mighty, but worthy challenge.
30 x 30: An Opportunity for Illinois Read More »
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
2021 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
Agenda Tackles Clean Energy, Clean Water, Sustainable Agriculture, Wildlife Protections and More SPRINGFIELD, IL — On behalf of their over 100 member affiliate organizations, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) announced today Illinois’ annual environmental legislative agenda. The 2021 agenda tackles the environmental community’s priorities across a wide range of issues including clean energy, clean water,
Illinois Environmental Council Announces Illinois’ 2021 Environmental Legislative Agenda Read More »
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
Illinois’ 2021 Enviro Legislative Agenda Read More »
“‘What we’ve seen over the last two months is a weakening of an ordinance that, to begin with, was never developed with very meaningful input from most impacted communities,’ said Colleen Smith, deputy director of the Illinois Environmental Council. ‘We’re really relying on agencies that have failed in some of these decisions historically … to
“‘I think it could be harmful to pass something that seems like reform but it really isn’t,’ Ald. Maria Hadden (49th) said. Hadden, who voted against the measure, noted that environmental groups had soured on the mayor’s proposal. ‘Instead of developing a comprehensive air quality ordinance that seeks to truly address zoning’s impacts on communities
Air polluters would face more scrutiny under ordinance approved by Council committee Read More »
Learn more about Chicago’s proposed Managed Native Gardens Registry Ordinance with this FAQ document!
FAQs: Managed Native Gardens Registry Read More »
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
Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled his 2022 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
Analysis: Governor’s 2022 Budget Address Read More »
IEC’s environmental analysis of Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration midway through his first term.
Gov. Pritzker’s Mid-term Read More »
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!
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
Welcome Incoming Board Members Read More »
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
Chicago City Council to Take Up Native Gardens Protections Read More »
“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
Get the nuts and bolts of who and what environmentalists need to know about the new Biden-Harris administration appointees.
Top Picks in the Biden Admin: What Enviros Need to Know Read More »
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.
New House Speaker, New 2021 Legislative Session Begins Read More »
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
IEC Statement on Election of Emanuel “Chris” Welch as New Speaker of the Illinois House Read More »
Take Action to ask your lawmakers to pass legislation replacing all toxic lead-contaminated service lines.
Replace Toxic Lead Service Lines NOW Read More »
