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.
In Solidarity with the Legislative Black Caucus Agenda Read More »
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
Align Your Investing with Your Values Read More »
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
New Report Examines Law at Center of ComEd Bribery Scheme Read More »
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
2020 Post-election Environmental Analysis Read More »
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,
A Threat to our Democracy is a Threat to our Environment Read More »
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
The Environmental Case for Voting in the 2020 Election Read More »
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
Op-ed: Investing in a safer world: international conservation programs and COVID-19 Read More »
“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
By Crystal Kern, Finance Director This year hasn’t been quite what I had in mind when I was saying goodbye to 2019. I’m sure a lot of folks feel the same. It has only been a year since the last blog about my farm, Reclaimed Heritage. We had well organized plans of planting various crops
Reclaimed Heritage Farm: A year later and a flock larger Read More »
https://youtu.be/PH_nsZJ0HT4 As part of Chicago Water Week, please join IEC and our panel of experts to discuss shoreline erosion in the Great Lakes. Recently, Great Lake water levels have been historically high, threatening beaches, homes, businesses and infrastructure along the shores. Solutions like the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative have supported shoreline restoration jetports but there are also international and
https://youtu.be/iP5sn2tfsrU A discussion on the recent nesting success of Monty and Rose, the now famous Chicago Piping Plover power couple. We’ll cover some natural history about Piping Plovers and why they are listed as endangered in the Great Lakes region. One part of this pair’s success has been the huge volunteer effort headed by the
Applications for the “Fall Covers for Spring Savings Program” will be available on the IDOA website in December 2020.
2020 Cover Crops Premium Discount Program Read More »
“The 21st was joined by the organizer of Black in National Parks Week and the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition Administrator for the Illinois Environmental Council to hear more about Black people and people of color are underrepresented in the outdoor industry. Guests: Nicole Jackson, Organizer of Black in National Parks Week, Co-organizer of #BlackBirdersWeek, and
Black in National Parks: How Black People & POC Are Underrepresented in the Outdoors Read More »
IEC’s Communications director, Tucker Barry, hosted a small training session for folks interested in learning about how they can encourage their friends and neighbors to support the Clean Energy Jobs Act through the opinion section in their local newspaper! In the session, we discussed how to talk about CEJA, what makes a good Letter to
CEJA Opinion Media Workshop Read More »
“‘The climate crisis is longer-term,” said Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, “but if we can’t handle this…’ Walling and Sen. Cristina Castro of Elgin, a lead CEJA sponsor, took part Wednesday in a webinar sponsored by the Chicago Area Public Affairs Group on the topic of ‘Environmental Concerns in the Midst
CEJA pushed to back burner by COVID Read More »
The Livestock Facilities Management Act regulates large animal facilities that house thousands of hogs, chicken, or cows. It is also used to actively supersede local control of the siting and construction of these types of facilities. Danielle Diamond from the Socially Responsible Agriculture Project and Albert Ettinger, attorney, will review the laws concerning livestock operations.
Livestock Operations Read More »
https://youtu.be/L2ZrVAr6fFQ Residential and commercial buildings use almost 30% of the electricity supply in the US. As we invest in renewable energy and move toward decarbonization, we must critically examine the role that buildings play in meeting our climate goals. Katie Kaluzny, from the Illinois Green Alliance, will review energy efficiency and building decarbonization policies that
Buildings & Climate Change Read More »
