Media & Press
IEC Media Contact
tucker@ilenviro.org
IEC in the Media
Letters: Elwood gas plant demonstrates the need to replace fossil fuel plants with renewable energy sources
Until data center developers are required to bring their own clean energy and capacity resources and are held accountable for their outsized impact on the grid, the strain on our power grid will be untenable. It’s time to pass the POWER Act (SB4016/HB5513) and ensure the new energy era builds on CEJA, delivering a clean energy future for Illinois communities, consumers, businesses and even data centers.
Plea for Black farmers
Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) -Agriculture is yet another area in which Black leaders say they are denied access. “For too long, Black farmers and growers have faced systemic barriers from land loss, discrimination in lending, equitable access to state and federal programs, and the erosion of community welfare that comes with it. These are not just agriculture issues,” said Cate Caldwell (pictured, left), a senior policy manager at the Illinois Environmental Council. “Hear me clearly: they are environmental justice issues, they are economic justice issues, they are civil rights issues.”
Data centers are cropping up all over Illinois. How do they work?
“There are a number of folks who are really concerned that the influx of data centers will make it harder for us to achieve the clean energy goals we set in [Illinois’s 2021 climate bill] because of how much electricity they require and also how much demand they put on our grid,” said Hannah Flath, director of communications at Illinois Environmental Council. “We’d like to see them be held accountable to the goals that our state has set, and they certainly have enough money to do so.”
Illinois launches paint recycling program
“The Paint Stewardship Act was negotiated over a number of years and we’re excited to see it working,” Jen Walling, CEO of the Illinois Environmental Council, told Illinois Times. “It’s a common-sense solution that keeps hazardous waste out of our landfills and waterways while making it easier for Illinois residents and businesses to responsibly recycle leftover paint. We’re proud of the work happening across the state including expanded collection sites, public education and partnership with local governments.”
Hundreds gather in Springfield to push environmental bills on wetlands, plastics and data centers
More than 200 Illinois residents gathered in Springfield on Wednesday for Environmental Lobby Day, joining lawmakers and advocates in the Illinois Capitol rotunda to push for a trio of environmental bills aimed at curbing pollution and protecting natural resources.
IEC Press Releases
Advocates Celebrate Step Forward for Wetlands Protection
Strong Support Turns Out for Today’s House Committee Vote
Illinois Moves Forward on Climate Action While the Federal Government Falls Behind
Illinois — Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act into law, continuing Illinois’ legacy as a leader on clean
Illinois Environmental Council Applauds Governor Pritzker for Investing in Public Transit
Illinois — Today, Governor JB Pritzker signed the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act into law, investing $1.5 billion annually in public transit and ensuring
In Wake of New Federal Rollbacks of Clean Water Protections, IEC Calls on Governor Pritzker to Respond
Illinois — On Monday, the Trump Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers announced the Polluted Water Rule, which further restricts which
Illinois Environmental Council Lauds Biggest 24 Hours in State Climate Action in State History
Springfield, IL — Today, following months of negotiations and mere hours after the passage of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, which accelerates Illinois’
Illinois Environmental Council Applauds Passage of Next-Generation Climate Policy
Springfield, IL — Today, after passage in the State House yesterday, the Illinois State Senate passed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (SB25), which