RSVP: 2020 Civics for Environmentalists
If you’re in need of a brush up on how state government works, how bills become laws and how you can participate in the process, this program is for you!
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Cover Crops and the 200 Year Nutrient Pollution Gap
Nutrient pollution from excess fertilizer carried downstream by water and erosion is poisoning our drinking water, feeding toxic algal blooms and contributing to a massive deadzone in the Gulf of Mexico.
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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)
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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.
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 JB Pritzker signed legislation that immediately repealed the Kyoto Protocol Act of 1998, a law prohibiting the state from creating restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change.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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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
Bill to Protect Monarch Habitat Passes Senate
SPRINGFIELD – HB685 is on its way to Governor Rauner’s desk today after passing the Senate. Senator Melinda Bush (D-Grayslake) and Representative Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) sponsored the legislation, which provides that counties and municipalities may not classify milkweed as a noxious or exotic weed. The bill passed the House back in March. Over the last 20 years
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