MEDIA & PRESS
Contact
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Breaking Free from Foam: How Illinois and Chicago Can Reduce Plastic Waste
Illinois needs to break up with plastic. For decades, we’ve known that single-use plastic items, including polystyrene foam cups, plates, and containers are among the most common and harmful forms of pollution found in the environment. So, what are Illinois’ plans to eliminate outdated foam foodware?

The Decisive Decade
IEC recently had the pleasure of hosting President Biden’s National Climate Advisor, Ali Zaidi, for a breakfast with leaders from Illinois’ environmental community.

A Southeast Side Story: A Closer look at Environmental Justice, Resistance and Sustainability on the East Side
Illinois is home to a diverse range of natural landscapes: from native prairie lands to forest preserves and state parks to marshes, rivers, and other iconic waterways. A large part of IEC’s mission is preserving these natural spaces and building healthy environments for the communities who call them home; however, this mission cannot be approached in the same exact way for each and every community across the state.

2022 Legislative Tours: Legislators in the Wild
In June 2019, I wrote a blog post introducing readers to one of the Illinois Environmental Council’s most successful programs, legislative tours. Since then, we’ve conducted dozens of informative “tours” with legislators and local officials, taking them out of their office buildings and into the natural areas we need their help to protect.

Leaving a Sustainable Legacy for Generations to Come When We Die
End of life planning is not the most exciting subject for many people. Folks tend to avoid it whenever they can! But not having the conversation means people are unaware of their potential opportunities.

The Illinois is Beautiful Initiative
From our conversations in Illinois communities and the surveys we collected, it is clear there is overwhelming support for an increase and acceleration of conservation in Illinois. Over 85% of respondents believe that 4% of Illinois land in protection is not enough.
IN THE MEDIA

Only Two States Have Passed ‘Right to Garden’ Laws. Will Others Follow?
In 2018, a friend who owned a nearby garden store connected Virgil with a state senator. That introduction planted a seed of an idea: what

Climate cash coming to Illinois
“This week President Biden is expected to sign the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), which includes an unprecedented $370 billion for climate change mitigation. Why it matters: Much of

‘A year head start’: How advocates say Illinois is in a good position for federal climate spending
Rather than each state receiving a formula-driven amount of funds — much like how last year’s major infrastructure law operates — the states that will

Greenhouse Rebellion with Brian Gill
Brian is the Federal Policy Director for the Illinois Environmental Council. He’s just the person to talk to about how Illinois might benefit. Before the

What does the Inflation Reduction Act do for Illinois?
This investment is part of the $369 billion in clean energy investments, said Jennifer Walling, executive director at the Illinois Environmental Council. For the state,

Watch IEC Federal Policy Director, Brian Gill, on Chicago Tonight
“Could Indiana’s business loss be Illinois’ gain? Plus, the outgoing local head of the FBI, a local congressman just back from a controversial visit to
PRESS RELEASES
Priceless Bell Bowl Prairie Demolished in Rockford, IL
Advocates respond, calling the destruction ‘devastating’ Rockford, IL – Much of the ancient Bell Bowl Prairie was demolished this morning as bulldozers for the Greater
Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Protecting Clean Energy Projects
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation protecting Illinois-based clean energy projects from a growing number of local bans. HB4412 prevents counties from enacting
Ahead of 2023 municipal election, the Illinois Environmental Council Releases Alderpersons’ Environmental Voting Records, Recommendations for Chicago’s Next Mayoral Term
(CHICAGO) – Today, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released its 2023 Mayoral Report and 2023 Chicago City Council Environmental Scorecard. With a range of environmental
Bill Defending CEJA and Protecting Local Clean Energy Projects Passes During Lame Duck Session
SPRINGFIELD, IL – A bill protecting Illinois-based clean energy projects from a growing number of local bans passed today during the Illinois General Assembly’s lame
STATEMENT: IEC Voices Support for Chicago’s Proposed FY2023 Budget
CHICAGO – Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director Jen Walling released the following statement in anticipation of today’s City Council budget consideration: “The City of Chicago’s
IEC Statement on President Biden Signing the Inflation Reduction Act into Law
Springfield, IL – Today, in response to President Biden signing the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) into law, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released the following