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In Illinois, an invisible boundary determines how dirty and costly your electricity is

The town of Ottawa lies in central Illinois 12 miles from a nuclear power plant and a wind turbine farm that stretches past the horizon. However, these facilities sit on the other side of an invisible boundary between two regional power grids.  By mutual agreement among utilities that own the grids and power plants, that […]

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After groundbreaking bills on jobs and solar, Illinois tackles the grid

State lawmakers are pushing for more grid-enhancing tech, gigawatts of new energy storage, and the creation of a virtual power plant program.Since 2017, sweeping legislation in Illinois has sparked a solar power boom and launched ambitious energy equity and green jobs programs. Now, for the third time in under a decade, state lawmakers, advocates, and industry groups have their sights set

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Lawmakers give small boost to renewable developments, delay broader reform

Energy policy likely to be revisited in spring legislative session. Lawmakers this week passed a bill aimed at boosting the development of renewable energy generation, but its proponents said the final measure was a “skinny” version of what they had hoped to pass. “We’ve seen the effects of climate change. We’ve seen the effects on

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Climate events outside the DNC campus in Chicago highlight progress — and call for action

The visuals were first-rate: an all-electric camper van customized with images of wind turbines turning against an orange sky. There was swag: postcards, fans, buttons and posters. And there was a passionate speech by a leading voice for climate action in the U.S. Congress: “There is a stark choice facing us,” said U.S. Rep. Kathy

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Local and National Leaders Laud Illinois Effort to Accelerate A Just Transition to Clean Energy

The Biden-Harris Affordable Clean Energy Plan and Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act work hand-in-hand to address the climate crisis  Chicago, IL. – As all eyes turn to Chicago and the historic events unfolding during the Democratic National Convention, state and federal leaders and environmental advocates gathered on Wednesday to highlight Illinois’ leadership on climate

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IL environmentalists hope federal grant lowers emissions

The fight against the effects of climate change in Illinois has more help. Under the Biden Administration’s pollution reduction plan, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will distribute $430 million to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grant will also accelerate clean energy and promote workforce training. Angela Xu, municipal engagement manager for the Illinois Environmental

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Pritzker signs bill requiring climate change education in Illinois public schools

A new law will require students in Illinois public schools to learn about climate change starting with the 2026 school year. The law calls for instruction on identifying environmental and ecological impacts of climate change on people and communities. It also requires education on solutions to address and mitigate the impacts of climate change. “Illinois continues its record

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Illinois Becomes Fifth State to Require Climate Change Education in Public Schools

Springfield, IL – On Friday, Governor JB Pritzker signed legislation requiring Illinois public schools to educate students on climate change starting in 2026. The law, which was championed by State Senator Adriane Johnson and State Representative Janet Yang Rohr, requires that students learn about the environmental and ecological impacts of climate change on individuals and

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Illinois Appellate Court Ruling Will Hinder Illinois’ Efforts to Deliver Affordable and Reliable Clean Energy

Illinois – The 5th District Appellate Court ruled today to overturn the Illinois Commerce Commission’s issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPNC) to the Grain Belt Express, a critical transmission line that would create 1,400 clean energy jobs and generate $1.3 billion in economic activity during construction in Illinois. The Illinois Commerce Commission’s unanimous approval

Illinois Appellate Court Ruling Will Hinder Illinois’ Efforts to Deliver Affordable and Reliable Clean Energy Read More »

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 preemptive local ordinances that outright ban local wind and solar projects, hindering the state’s new climate goals set forth in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The bill passed

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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 »

Secretary Buttigieg in Bloomington-Normal Celebrating New Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Investments

Illinois Uniquely Positioned to Create Jobs with Federal Investments BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL – Tomorrow, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will travel to the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area to highlight the Illinois Department of Transportation’s work to make electric vehicles more accessible to all Illinoisans. Secretary Buttigieg’s visit comes on the heels of yesterday’s announcement from President Biden’s Department

Secretary Buttigieg in Bloomington-Normal Celebrating New Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Investments Read More »

2021 Environmental Scorecard

IEC is back with our 2021 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

2021 Environmental Scorecard Read More »

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