Coal has had a permanent impact on the state of Illinois. Join IEC and Prairie Rivers Network to discuss the way that coal has influenced Illinois’ environment and economy through a historical lens, ranging from the 1800s to a modern day case study. Presenters: Andrew Rehn, Prairie Rivers Network Pam Richart, Eco Justice Collaborative Brian […]
Coal in Illinois with Prairie Rivers Network Read More »
The Illinois Environmental Council issued the following statement regarding the Trump admin’s pending deployment of federal officers in Chicago: CHICAGO – The continued uprisings following the murder of George Floyd have demonstrated yet again that while the right to protest may be granted to all, it is a privilege for only some in this country.
IEC Statement on Trump Admin’s Pending Deployment of Federal Officers in Chicago Read More »
https://youtu.be/uJR77BBut8I This year, amidst a respiratory health pandemic and urgent calls for racial justice, we have seen the importance of government agencies charged with combating threats to our health and lifting up communities that have been harmed most by pollution, economic inequality, and racism. We’ve also seen how our broken tax system has badly eroded
The Environmental Case for the Fair Tax Read More »
“Over time, long-term benefits also accrue. ‘My tile waters are clear, with lower levels of nitrates, due to cereal rye uptake,’  says Dick Lyons of Harvel, Illinois, who started no-tilling corn in 1976 and soybeans in 1996. He’s on year seven of blanketing all his acres with cover crops. Lyons also variable-rate applies fertilizer. Besides
For this session, IEC will be joined by NRDC to discuss the Endangered Species Act and the way that it is used to protect wildlife in Illinois and all over the United States. Presenters: Lucas Rhoads, Attorney at NRDC
Endangered Species Act Read More »
“Protecting less advantaged communities is complicated further in Illinois by a law that prohibits the state Environmental Protection Agency from considering the cumulative effect of multiple industry permits, says Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council. The effect of the prohibition is that a neighborhood might be beset by various types of pollution
Rich or poor, every Chicagoan deserves to live in an environmentally safe neighborhood Read More »
Jennifer Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, concurs. “The Governor’s approach to safely reopening has been wisely based on the wisdom of scientists and public health officials, and his policy regarding reusable bags should be no different,” she said in a statement. “Repeated scientific studies have shown that clean, reusable containers do not
How To Avoid Plastic Grocery Bags During Illinois’ Reusable Bag Ban Read More »
Many people overlook our natural areas as a major highlight of things Illinois has to offer, but that’s a mistake: Illinois is beautiful.
Jen Walling’s List of Must-see Treasures in Southern Illinois Read More »
Our work expanding access to open spaces and public lands isn’t done until everyone can safely access these spaces free from discrimination and harassment.
Green Profiling: When Open Spaces Aren’t Open for All Read More »
The LWCF has had an outstanding, though often unrecognized, impact on some of Illinois’ most significant places, from historically meaningful sites to a myriad of recreational spaces including national refuges and urban open spaces.
10 Great Illinois Spots and the Land and Water Conservation Fund Read More »
“Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director Jen Walling, who was also involved in the fight over EtO last year, she wished the Pritzker administration could have strengthened regulations with General Iron as it did in the case of Sterigenics. “I look at Sterigenics and the IEPA did things they’ve never done there,” Walling said. “I definitely
For energy companies, the goal is to always sell more product – more energy – which usually means more dangerous emissions. Anne McKibbin of Elevate Energy will talk about the laws that incentivize utility companies to use less energy, particularly for low income customers. Resources: Elevate Energy
Energy Efficiency Policy: How laws can save you energy and money Read More »
This webinar will explore how the Covid-19 pandemic exposed fractures within our food chain, and how shifting towards a decentralized food system that strengthens local food infrastructure and increases accessibility can create a much more resilient agricultural system. Presenters: Liz Stelk of Illinois Stewardship Alliance Rodger Cooley of Chicago Food Policy Action Council Sean Ruane
Our Food System and COVID: How to Improve Security and Resilience Read More »
The Illinois Attorney General’s Environmental Enforcement Division plays a critical role in the enforcement of our civil environmental laws. Assistant Attorney General Daniel Rottenberg from the Office of Attorney General Kwame Raoul will review the role of the Environmental Division.
The Role of the Attorney General in Environmental Protection Read More »
Take action to stop serial polluter, General Iron, from moving to the southeast side of Chicago!
General Iron’s Pollution Doesn’t Belong Here Read More »
The work for racial justice continues until all Black, brown & indigenous people are free & equal in this country. We are all called to do what we can to help in this fight. IEC compiled this resource list for those looking to help.
Black Lives Matter Resource Page Read More »
For this session, we are excited to hear from Illinois youth climate activists working to deal with the climate-based anxieties of today while fighting to protect their futures. Presenters: Ella Barry, Illinois Youth Climate Movement Claire Rychlewski, Sunrise Movement Xavier Colon, International Indigenous Youth Council Resources: Illinois Youth Climate Movement Sunrise Movement International Indigenous Youth
Illinois Youth Leading on Climate Action Read More »
An update on how environmental priorities fared in the 2021 fiscal year budget
FY21 Budget and the Environment Read More »
Mike Stephen discusses the racial disparity of COVID-19 with Duaa Eldeib of ProPublica Illinois, learns about the impact of the pandemic on the state’s environmental policy with Jen Walling of the Illinois Environmental Council, and chats about the pandemic’s effects on small business and self-employed workers with Dan Cooper of the Metropolitan Planning Council. Listen
Who is left behind during the pandemic?, COVID-19’s impact on IL environmental policy Read More »
We haven’t done right by the communities most impacted—Black, brown and low income communities—until we’ve guaranteed this vital resource regardless of zipcode, race or ability to pay.
Life Without Running Water During COVID-19 Read More »
