A bill, newly passed by legislators, will expand the state’s capacity to enforce limits on health-harming emissions in overburdened communities.
In a Years-Long Fight, the Illinois Environmental Justice Movement Gets a Win Read More »
The FY2026 budget strengthened environmental permitting and inspection functions, returning those duties to the appropriate Department of Environment, a top budget priority for the environmental community.
Chicago Budget Analysis (FY26) Read More »
Chicago’s south and west sides continue to shoulder the burden of cumulative pollution CHICAGO — On Wednesday, President Trump’s Department of Housing and Urban Development announced it is dropping two cases in Chicago that spurred a civil rights agreement with the city to monitor and reform discriminatory zoning and land-use practices on the south and
Trump Admin Yet Again Rolls Out Red Carpet for Polluters, Environmentalists Respond Read More »
CHICAGO – The City of Chicago and environmental justice advocates today announced and rallied support for the Hazel Johnson Cumulative Impacts Ordinance (O2025-0016697), which was then introduced in Chicago City Council. The ordinance ensures zoning requirements consider cumulative health impacts so that new pollution sources don’t further exacerbate toxic industrial pollution. “The Hazel Johnson Cumulative
IEC City Programs Director, Iyana Simba, provides an in-depth analysis of Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed Chicago FY2025 budget.
IEC 2025 Chicago Budget Analysis Read More »
Over the past few years, Illinois has seen plastic waste reduction legislative victories in Springfield. Advocates in its largest city, Chicago, seek to implement similar legislation to protect Lake Michigan and other water resources from dangerous microplastic pollution.
Plastic Pollution in Chicago Read More »
Wetlands–home to a dazzling array of plants and animals–stand between us and some of the worst effects of climate change. Advocates in Chicago urge decision-makers to implement policy solutions to protect these incredible ecosystems.
Protecting Chicago’s Wetlands Read More »
For many Chicagoans, especially folks living on the City’s south and west sides, lead service line pollution is a daily reality. For households served by some of the city’s almost 400,000 lead service lines, this lack of access to clean water continues to be an environmental injustice.
Lead Service Line Replacement in Chicago Read More »
As the climate crisis looms and the unending pace of development threatens natural spaces across the country, it is imperative that green initiatives are advanced and that the benefits of those initiatives are shared among those who are already experiencing the impacts of the climate crisis.
Space to Grow: Greening Chicago One Playground At A Time Read More »
CHICAGO, IL – After over a decade without one, Chicago’s City Council today made the historic move to re-establish the city’s Department of Environment (DOE). With the passage of the 2024 Chicago Budget, the City Council voted to allocate $1.8 mil to re-establish the Department. The Illinois Environmental Council’s (IEC) City Programs Director Iyana Simba
IEC’s City Programs Director, Iyana Simba, provides an in depth analysis of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed budget for 2024, including the re-establishment of Chicago’s Department of Environment.
A Closer Look: Mayor Johnson’s FY2024 Chicago City Budget Read More »
IEC’s City Programs Director, Iyana Simba, provides an in depth analysis of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Transition Report, with attention to Environmental Justice goals for the city.
2023 Chicago Transition Report Analysis Read More »
By: Iyana Simba, City Programs Director The Illinois Environmental Council congratulates incoming Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson on their recent election victory. We are excited to begin working with you on building the sustainable and healthy environment that all Chicagoans deserve. Still on the heels of 2021’s Climate and Equitable Jobs Act passage in Illinois and
Congratulations, Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson Read More »
(CHICAGO) – Today, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released its 2023 Mayoral Report and 2023 Chicago City Council Environmental Scorecard. With a range of environmental issues arising throughout a Chicago mayoral term, IEC’s 2023 Mayoral Report lays out key recommendations across a wide range of environmental issues for the city’s leader during the next Mayoral
From clean energy to transportation to urban conservation, IEC’s Mayoral Report lays out both small & lofty objectives that the mayor ought to tackle to make Chicago a sustainable city.
2023 Chicago Environmental Mayor Report Read More »
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 duck legislative session. HB4412 was drafted to prevent counties from enacting preemptive local ordinances that outright ban local wind and solar projects, hindering the state’s new climate goals set forth
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 proposed FY2023 budget includes significant steps forward in staffing, resources, power and responsibility for the environment, environmental justice and climate projects at the City of Chicago. We urge alderpersons to
STATEMENT: IEC Voices Support for Chicago’s Proposed FY2023 Budget Read More »
Mayor Lori Lightfoot proposed her $16.7 billion FY2023 budget with a heavy focus on pensions, public safety, and reducing the city’s debt. Additionally, the Mayor announced the Office of Climate and Environmental Equity which will be funded at $640,056 for six positions.
What’s in Chicago’s proposed 2023 Budget? Read More »
On the heels of the release of Chicago’s Climate Action Plan, IEC will break down what’s in the plan, what’s not and what more needs to be done.
A Closer Look at Chicago’s Climate Action Plan Read More »
Lightfoot Administration Upholds Commitment to Environmental Justice and Public Health Note: This content was circulated exclusively on social media and not distributed to the press. IEC suggests reporters reach out to community groups who have led the General Iron fight. Should you need contact information for those leaders, IEC’s communications director, Tucker Barry, can put
