Dear Supporter,
If you’ve been following our updates over the past several months, you already know that we expected the 2026 legislative session to be short on time and results. Unfortunately, those expectations were met. Despite strong support from the public and lawmakers, the General Assembly failed to enact critical guardrails for data centers, protect wetlands from development, and ban toxic polystyrene foam foodware–our top three priorities this session.
While 2025 was a banner year for Illinois climate policy, the 2026 session will be defined by small advances and defense against rollbacks and industrial polluters. Still, we did secure some important wins, including a few big “firsts.”
Defense Against Federal Rollbacks and Environmental Justice
Federal Rollbacks – Pritzker’s Illinois Environmental Protection Agency stepped up to protect Illinois’ environment amid the Trump administration’s ongoing rollbacks. HB5070 passed the House thanks to Leader Ann Williams and Senator Laura Ellman, ending the state’s automatic adoption of federal environmental rules when rollbacks would weaken in-state protections.
Environmental Justice – With the leadership of Rep. Lilian Jiménez and Sen. Celina Villanueva, the General Assembly passed SB3772, codifying for the first time in Illinois law a legal framework for addressing the cumulative impact of industrial air pollution in Illinois’ Environmental Justice communities. Click here to learn more.
Clean Energy
Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act Update – A follow-up to last year’s big climate bill, CRGA, passed both chambers (HB1700). The bill includes targeted improvements to battery storage incentives, protects funding for Illinois Solar for All, and clarifies energy efficiency provisions to expand consumer access and maintain agreements reached during CRGA negotiations. This landmark bill on affordability and renewable energy deployment will continue to benefit Illinois families who are feeling the impact of Big Tech on our utility bills and energy supply.
Data Centers – Over 600 people joined IEC and the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition from every corner of the state this past Saturday to urge lawmakers to pause tax incentives for unchecked data centers and to get to work to pass the POWER Act (SB4016/HB5513). This fight will carry on into the summer. Click here to read our full statement on the legislature’s failure to act and be ready to take action when we rally support at key moments in this campaign!
Equitable Transportation
Public Transit – Given that the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act was advanced in less than 24 hours last fall, some technical fixes were needed, and a trailer bill to NITA (HB2335) passed both chambers. IEC and our partners also had some concerns over changes to the NITA funding provided through the gas sales tax and road fund interest. Given that the gas sales tax varies with gas prices, advocates want to ensure stable, level funding. While this year’s budget met those needs, we’ll work to establish a floor for public transit funding in the future.
E-bikes – Low-speed electric bicycles are an affordable, zero-emission form of transportation that we’re happy to see Illinoisans embracing. However, rules of the road have not been updated to ensure safety for e-bikes and other growing electric mobility options. This bill (SB3484), which passed, provides education to the Secretary of State regarding vehicle classification on the road and other important safety measures.
Conservation
Wetlands Protections – Although we had strong public and legislative support to pass legislation protecting Illinois wetlands, we struggled to secure buy-in from state agencies and legislative leadership. We are continuing conversations with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and expect to finally get this priority bill (HB3596) across the finish line before the end of the year.
Mute Swans – With the Illinois Audubon Society, Senator Balkema and Representative Moeller advanced a bill (HB5309) that allows IDNR to differentiate between mute swans, which are invasive, and other swans, such as the native trumpeter swan, for management purposes.
Dark Sky & Outdoor Lighting – Senator Ellman advanced outdoor lighting legislation to support a growing dark sky movement. This bill will allow energy code updates to include important features that promote outdoor lighting, limit light trespass to support dark skies, and reduce the impact of outdoor lighting on wildlife.
Clean Water
PFAS – Two bills on PFAS and water passed the Illinois legislature. HB2955 will create a PFAS action task force to bring together water management organizations, advocates, and government to address this issue. SB3917 will set standards for PFAS in biosolids, important to keeping this chemical out of our food and water.
Lead Service Line Replacement Funding – The budget includes an increase of $190 million for lead service line replacement in Illinois. We are thrilled by the advocacy of leadership, including Senator Villivalam, to fund more replacement.
Sustainable Agriculture
Despite competing priorities, the FY27 budget ultimately delivered several important victories for conservation and sustainable agriculture. Among the most significant wins was the full restoration of funding for the Fall Covers for Spring Savings program. Earlier budget proposals reduced funding from $960,000 to $660,000, but thanks to strong support from our lawmakers and advocates, the program was restored to its full FY26 funding level. With this restored funding, Illinois is back on track to continue investing in conservation practices that deliver measurable benefits for farmers and local communities across 100 Illinois counties.
While funding didn’t increase significantly, Illinois’ Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) received $4.5 million in operational funding. SWCDs provide critical on-the-ground conservation technical assistance to farmers and landowners across our state. The budget also maintains $2 million for Local Food Infrastructure Grants supporting food processing and distribution to strengthen our local food supply chains and expand access to Illinois-grown food.
Zero Waste
Polystyrene Foam Foodware – The Illinois General Assembly failed to pass this extremely popular bill (SB1531) this session, but it remains a top priority, and we are pushing to have it called for a vote between now and January 2027.
Plastic Pellets Pollution – Illinois became the first state in the Great Lakes to address pre-production plastic pellets, requiring IEPA to include them in its stormwater pollution prevention plan. The passage of HB4418 marks the first time these pellets are recognized as a pollutant in Illinois state law!
Want the entire breakdown of what passed this session, what didn’t, how, and why? We’ve got you covered. Join us for our upcoming Members-Only Legislative Session Debrief. Click here to register for free as an IEC member or to become a member when you register.
In shared success,
Jen Walling
CEO
P.S. If you find this work valuable and worth supporting, please consider making a donation to IEC today. Your support helps fuel our big fights ahead.