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Lawmakers, Advocates Introduce ‘Plastic-free Water for Illinois Platform’

Lawmakers, environmental groups, and consumer advocates bring the fight for plastic-free water to the General Assembly SPRINGFIELD, IL – Today, State Rep. Ann Williams, State Sen. Melinda Bush and the Illinois Environmental Council announced the introduction of a comprehensive package of legislation tackling the pervasive problem of plastic pollution from single-use plastics in Illinois waterways […]

Lawmakers, Advocates Introduce ‘Plastic-free Water for Illinois Platform’ Read More »

Broad Coalition Calls for Statewide Drug Take-back Program

Illinois legislators and advocates introduce The Illinois Drug Take-back Act CHICAGO – Today, state lawmakers, environmental and public health groups, along with business, public safety and local government voices, called for a statewide pharmaceutical drug take-back program funded by pharmaceutical companies. The coalition called the amount of  unused drugs in Illinois a public safety, public

Broad Coalition Calls for Statewide Drug Take-back Program Read More »

IEC Responds to Gov. Pritzker’s Climate Remarks

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director Jen Walling released the following statement in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s remarks regarding climate change and his decision to prioritize clean energy legislation during his 2020 State of the State address:  “At a time when the Trump administration is taking major steps backward on climate,

IEC Responds to Gov. Pritzker’s Climate Remarks Read More »

Advocates Introduce Chicago City Ordinance to Combat Plastic Pollution

Aldermen, environmental groups, and consumer advocates bring the fight for plastic-free water to the Chicago City Council CHICAGO –Today, Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward) announced the introduction of comprehensive legislation tackling the pervasive problem of plastic pollution in Chicago waterways and the Great Lakes. Alderman Waguespack was joined by organizations in support of the ordinance

Advocates Introduce Chicago City Ordinance to Combat Plastic Pollution Read More »

NEW REPORT: Illinois over 200 years from reaching nutrient pollution reduction goals

Conservation and Sustainable Agriculture Groups Respond to IEPA Agriculture Pollution Report​ SPRINGFIELD, IL —  Conservation and sustainable agriculture organizations working to reduce nutrient pollution in Illinois waterways have issued the following joint statement in response to the release of the Illinois Nutrient Loss Reduction Strategy (NLRS) Biennial Report by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA)

NEW REPORT: Illinois over 200 years from reaching nutrient pollution reduction goals Read More »

Legislators Stand Together to Introduce Legislation to Phase Out Ethylene Oxide Emissions

Statewide bill would protect communities from cancer-causing emissions CHICAGO – Today, state lawmakers were joined by Stop Sterigenics, Stop ETO, Clean Power Lake County, and The Illinois Environmental Council, to announce legislation that will protect the public from ethylene oxide (EtO) exposure through a complete phase out of EtO emissions.  HB3888 sponsored by Rep. Rita Mayfield, Rep.

Legislators Stand Together to Introduce Legislation to Phase Out Ethylene Oxide Emissions Read More »

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

Gov. Pritzker Signs Bill Repealing Kyoto Protocol Act Read More »

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

Gov. Pritzker Signs Bill Redefining ‘Local Food’ Read More »

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

General Assembly Repeals Act Preventing Greenhouse Gas Regulation Read More »

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

Hundreds Rally for Clean Energy in Springfield Read More »

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

Cannabis Legalization Bill Passes with Nation-leading Environmental Protections Read More »

‘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

‘Guilty by Association Bill’ Advances to House Floor Read More »

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,

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

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

Bill Prohibiting Illinois From Regulating Carbon Pollution Repealed Read More »

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

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

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