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Gov. Pritzker Signs Bill Repealing Kyoto Protocol Act

Illinois now clear to reduce carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions, act on climate change SPRINGFIELD — Today, Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation that immediately repealed the Kyoto Protocol Act of 1998, a law prohibiting the state from creating restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. House Bill 3481, sponsored by State Sen. Laura […]

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Gov. Pritzker Signs Bill Redefining ‘Local Food’

New law positions local businesses for success SPRINGFIELD, IL — On Friday, Aug. 9, 2019, Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation redefining what shall be considered “local” food in the state of Illinois, making it easier for Illinois-based food producers and manufacturers to compete for state procurement contracts that prioritize “local foods.”  Prior to the governor

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Milestone Bill to Clean Up Coal Ash Pollution in Illinois Becomes Law

The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act is a critical step in fixing Illinois’ coal ash problem SPRINGFIELD, IL—Today, bipartisan legislation to protect Illinois’ citizens and the environment from the effects of toxic coal ash became law. The  Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act will result in stronger rules for coal ash cleanup and fund cleanup programs through permit

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Why Are Unions Joining Conservative Groups to Protect Pipelines?

“According to Jennifer Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, its senate sponsor, Michael Hastings (D–19), plans to discuss elements of the bill with her organization, the AFL-CIO, and the IMA over the summer, which suggests it may be reintroduced the next legislative session in a revised form…Its passage would mean that “if a

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coal ash pollution

Illinois House and Senate Pass Landmark Legislation to Clean up Coal Ash

Bill addresses coal ash impoundments plaguing the state for decades Springfield, IL — Yesterday, the Illinois Legislature passed SB9, The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, which now heads to the Governor’s desk. The groundbreaking bill addresses the many waste pits filled with coal ash, the toxic byproduct of burning coal, located all over the state. Illinois is

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General Assembly Sends Water Jobs Infrastructure Bill to Governor’s Desk

Clean Water Jobs for All Legislation Lays Groundwork for Thousands of New Jobs SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, the Illinois State House of Representatives voted to approve Clean Water Jobs for All legislation (SB 2146/HB 3349), which creates the Clean Water Workforce Pipeline Program. The program provides training and resources for careers in water infrastructure and

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General Assembly Repeals Act Preventing Greenhouse Gas Regulation

HB3481 heading to governor’s desk for signature SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, the Illinois State Senate voted to repeal the Kyoto Protocol Act of 1998, a law prohibiting the state from creating restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. House Bill 3481, which is sponsored by State Sen. Laura Ellman (D – Naperville), passed

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Hundreds Rally for Clean Energy in Springfield

Over 500 gather to support the Clean Energy Jobs Act, protecting communities from coal ash and opposing ratepayer-funded bailouts SPRINGFIELD, IL —  Today, hundreds of community leaders, environmental and renewable energy advocates, faith leaders, business representatives, consumer groups and students from around Illinois gathered at the Illinois State Capitol for Clean Energy Lobby Day. Participants

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Cannabis Legalization Bill Passes with Nation-leading Environmental Protections

Illinois Poised to Enact the ‘Greenest’ Cannabis Legislation in U.S. SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, the Illinois State House of Representatives voted to pass HB1438, a bill legalizing the regulated, recreational use of cannabis that now includes nation-leading environmental and public health protections. The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) partnered with the University of Chicago’s Abrams Environmental

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‘Guilty by Association Bill’ Advances to House Floor

Constituents Raise Objections Citing Concerns Over Intimidation and Special Interests SPRINGFIELD, IL.– Today, legislation known as the ‘Guilty by Association bill’ advanced out of the State House Judiciary Criminal Committee. Citizens across Illinois are raising concerns about HB 1633, sponsored by Rep. Jay Hoffman (D – Belleville), citing concerns that the bill is heavily influenced

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Bill Helping Farmers Reduce Costly Erosion and Runoff Advances to State Senate

Expands Soil Water Conservation Districts Ability to Assist Illinois Farmers (SPRINGFIELD, IL) — A bill green-lighting the inclusion of soil health best practices among the list of resources that local Soil Water Conservation Districts are allowed to provide Illinois farmers advanced out of the Illinois State House chamber yesterday by a unanimous vote. HB 2737,

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Bill Prohibiting Illinois From Regulating Carbon Pollution Repealed

State can now go beyond the federal government to take action on climate change SPRINGFIELD — On Thursday, March 28th, the Illinois State House of Representatives voted to repeal the Kyoto Protocol Act of 1998, a law prohibiting the state from creating restrictions for the “purpose of addressing the adverse effects of climate change which in

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State Legislators, Stakeholders Announce Major Milestone for “Clean Water Jobs for All” Legislation

SPRINGFIELD — Today, State Sen. Ram Villivalam and State Rep. Justin Slaughter were joined by environmental and labor leaders from across Illinois to announce support for their Clean Water Jobs for All legislation (SB 2146/HB 3349). Sen. Ram Villivalam, sponsor of SB 2146, said, “With the Clean Water Jobs for All legislation, we aren’t just

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An Illinois bill leans into the most contentious part of the Green New Deal

An amendment outlining the key provisions of the Clean Energy Jobs Act mentions “environmental justice” at least 30 times. “We are getting pushback from communities that have coal plants that would be predicted to close under this,” said Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, a group promoting the Clean Energy Jobs Act.

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New Illinois Bill Targets 100% Renewable—Not Just Clean—Electricity by 2050

“It’s important that not just the six-county area around Chicago benefits. We need the benefits to reach all 102 counties, and every part of the state,” said Jen Walling, coalition member and executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council. “This bill does exactly that.” Read the Full Article Here

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With signature, Pritzker commits Illinois to U.S. Climate Alliance

“Speaking at a news conference in Springfield’s eco-friendly Southwind Park, Pritzker joined officials from the Illinois Environmental Council and the Illinois chapter of the Sierra Club, emphasizing the need to take local action to address climate change while also taking a few verbal jabs at the president.” Read Entire Article Here.

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City Expects To Rake In $5.9M From Chicagoans Paying For Plastic, Paper Bags Next Year

Heather CheroneThe city’s just-approved $10.67 billion 2019 spending plan estimates that the city will rake in $5.9 million from people who don’t bother — or forget — to bring reusable bags when shopping. Jen Walling, the executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, which pushed for the tax, said the group “would expect the city

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Alderman, advocates push for recycling reform in Chicago

Katie PyzykChicago Alderman John Arena is calling for the city to consider eliminating its flat $9.50 per household waste collection fee in exchange for a volume-based rate, giving residents a financial incentive to recycle. Following a recent council hearing on the topic, Arena released a statement saying, “The city’s recycling program has failed its residents.”

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