Send Us Your Resume
The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund (IECEF) is always looking for talented folks to join our amazing team.
Send Us Your Resume Read More »
Chicago Releases First City Plan in More Than 50 Years
Iyana Simba, city programs director with the Illinois Environmental Council was the co-chair of environment, climate and energy for We Will Chicago. She said the plan recognizes a disinvestment in equitable policy and how that translates to health impacts, like the impact of industry and pollution, especially on Black, Latino and low-income communities. “We really [honed] in
Chicago Releases First City Plan in More Than 50 Years Read More »
IEC’s Statement on Senator Manchin’s Refusal to Support Climate Action
Springfield, IL – In response to the news that Senator Manchin will not support climate action in the Senate reconciliation deal, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released the following statement: “The climate provisions in President Biden’s Build Back Better plan are, in no uncertain terms, our last chance to prevent the most catastrophic and costly
IEC’s Statement on Senator Manchin’s Refusal to Support Climate Action Read More »
Why state parks will stop offering plastic flatware and cups
Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, said that though the new law is just one step forward, it’s an important one. “It’s definitely not enough. It’s not the end, but I think it’s a pilot in the most sensitive areas,” Walling said. “Our state parks are where we really don’t want plastic
Why state parks will stop offering plastic flatware and cups Read More »
Reaction to SCOTUS EPA Decision
One of the 18 decisions released by the US Supreme Court in June 2022: West Virginia vs. Environmental Protection Agency. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of West Virginia, limiting the EPA of its power to regulate carbon emissions from existing power plants. The ruling raises more questions than answers about the future of the
Reaction to SCOTUS EPA Decision Read More »
Illinois leads on climate action
“While CEJA shoots for a 46% reduction in statewide emissions from 2005 levels by 2030, the RMI modeling estimates the state is on track to achieve just about 22%. What they’re saying: “The scorecard … reminds us of the importance of emissions limits and holding industry accountable,” Samira Hanessian of the Illinois Environmental Council, which pushed
Illinois leads on climate action Read More »
EXPLAINER: Why Court’s EPA-Climate Change Ruling Matters
Jeffrey Trevino, an EPA lawyer and Steward of the AFGE Local 704 — that’s the union that represents local EPA Workers; Phillip Braun, a Clinical Professor of Finance at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University; James Taylor, President of the Heartland Institute, and Jennifer Walling, the Executive Director of the Illinois Environmental Council
EXPLAINER: Why Court’s EPA-Climate Change Ruling Matters Read More »
IEC Statement Regarding SCOTUS Decision on West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency
The Supreme Court put profits before people. Illinois must quickly implement CEJA to cut costs, create jobs, and protect our communities.
IEC’s Statement on The Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Decision
IEC stands today in frustration, sadness and solidarity with all Americans who need accessible abortion healthcare. One of the core goals of our work as an organization is to build power for Illinois’ people and environment, however, today’s US Supreme Court decision comes as a clear obstruction to that work. Reproductive Justice, like many other
IEC’s Statement on The Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Decision Read More »
A Closer Look at Chicago’s Climate Action Plan
On the heels of the release of Chicago’s Climate Action Plan, IEC will break down what’s in the plan, what’s not and what more needs to be done.
A Closer Look at Chicago’s Climate Action Plan Read More »
2022 Environmental Scorecard
IEC is back with our 2022 Environmental Scorecard for the Illinois General Assembly. Scores are based on the environmental impact of their voting record over the last legislative session. We hope this will be a useful resource and allow you to see whether your legislators have used their power in the General Assembly to protect
2022 Environmental Scorecard Read More »
2022 Legislative Report
The Illinois Environmental Council releases a report on the 2022 legislative session, highlighting some wins as well as the fights we’ll continue to work on in the next one. Click here if the report fails to load.
2022 Legislative Report Read More »
IEC’s Statement on Uvalde & Gun Violence
Chicago, IL – Jen Walling, Executive Director of the Illinois Environmental Council released the following statement on the tragedy in Uvalde, TX: “It is beyond time for meaningful gun control reform. What happened yesterday has happened before and will again if obstructionists in power do nothing. It’s clear to me that our vision for a safe
IEC’s Statement on Uvalde & Gun Violence Read More »
Global Crises and Pain at the Pump: A Clean Solution to Rising Energy Prices
With gas prices skyrocketing, the need for increased investment in clean energy has never been greater. To understand the current situation and what needs to happen next, let us take a look at history and how we got here.
Global Crises and Pain at the Pump: A Clean Solution to Rising Energy Prices Read More »
Why Chicago Needs A Department of Environment
A decade ago, the Emanuel administration dissolved Chicago’s Department of Environment. It’s time to bring it back.
Why Chicago Needs A Department of Environment Read More »
Legislating for Climate Justice Starts With Listening
“Jennifer Walling, Executive Director of the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), told me that, without any other offer of resources, expecting feedback on a 500-page draft bill was an unrealistic ask. As a result, FEJA did not include potential insights from community members that could have strengthened the equity and justice provisions and ensured programs reached
Legislating for Climate Justice Starts With Listening Read More »
Energy Efficiency Opportunities & Programs
Join IEC and the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition for a Lunch & Learn focused on the current landscape of energy efficiency in Illinois. This Lunch & Learn is part of a new series of Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) implementation seminars and will cover various topics at an advanced level. Speakers: Laura Goldberg, NRDC
Energy Efficiency Opportunities & Programs Read More »
Bill aims to give communities a voice during EPA permitting process
Lawmakers that are pushing for this bill say it’ll give people more of a say on how facilities are handling pollution in their communities. However, lawmakers that voted against the bill said the new updates could put harsh restrictions on smaller businesses. Ariel Hampton with the Illinois Environmental Council said this legislation would hold facilities
Bill aims to give communities a voice during EPA permitting process Read More »
Agriculture Lease Agreements with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Lindsay Keeney and Eliot Clay sit down with Mike Chandler and Bob Caveny of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to discuss the department’s agriculture lease program.
Agriculture Lease Agreements with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Read More »
Expanding Democracy with Chicago Votes
IEC is joined by Alexandria Boutros of Chicago Votes to discuss the bill SB828 which would restore voting rights to Illinoisans currently incarcerated in Prisons. Watch to learn how allowing voting in Prisons is not only good for all Illinoisans but for our state’s environment as well.
Expanding Democracy with Chicago Votes Read More »