2023 Chicago Transition Report Analysis
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.
Chicago
Congratulations, Chicago Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson
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 …
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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 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 …
2023 Chicago Environmental Mayor Report
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.
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 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 …
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 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 …
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What’s in Chicago’s proposed 2023 Budget?
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.
A Closer Look at Chicago’s Climate Action Plan
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.
Statement: Illinois Environmental Council Applauds Southeast Side Community in General Iron Victory
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 …
A Look at Chicago’s Environmental Justice Battles, Impacts and Solutions
Though Chicago has recently made historic climate and environmental justice budget investments, the city still has much to do in the way of ensuring equitable public health and environmental protections in our EJ communities.
Environmental Organizations Call on the City of Chicago to do Right by Southeast Siders
As disrespectful text messages surface, environmental groups back Southeast Side residents CHICAGO – Yesterday, reporting by the Chicago Tribune uncovered an alarming series of text messages between Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Alderperson Sue Garza regarding the ongoing fight for clean air on Chicago’s Southeast Side. In response, the Illinois Environmental Council and the Sierra Club …
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Statement: Illinois Environmental Council Applauds Chicago’s Approved FY2022 Budget
CHICAGO — The Illinois Environmental Council issued the following statement of support following Chicago’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget vote: “The Illinois Environmental Council applauds Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago City Council Alderpersons who voted in support of the FY2022 budget for passing the single largest environmental investment in Chicago’s history. This historic investment in …
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Chicago Environmental Justice Network Puts Forward Proposal to Address Cumulative Pollution Impact on Environmental Justice Communities
Bill would protect environmental justice communities from further industrial pollution (SPRINGFIELD, IL) – The Chicago Environmental Justice Network and the Pritzker administration today reaffirmed their commitment to community-based environmental justice efforts. HB4093, introduced by Rep. Sonya Harper, creates an enhanced community engagement process when considering permits for new, large air pollution sources in environmental justice …
Civics: Chicago City Council Edition
This Lunch & Learn serves as a crash course on Chicago’s City Council and city government. Presenter: Tiffany Sanders-Sostrin, Director of Legislative & Community Affairs at the Chicago Park District.
FAQs: Managed Native Gardens Registry
Learn more about Chicago’s proposed Managed Native Gardens Registry Ordinance with this FAQ document!
Chicago City Council to Take Up Native Gardens Protections
New Native Garden Registry to Curb Discriminatory Crackdown, Protect the Environment CHICAGO — Today, advocates joined Alderman Brian Hopkins (2nd Ward-Chicago) and a dozen other aldermen to introduce the Native Plants Gardens Registry Ordinance (O2021-362) for consideration by the Chicago City Council. The proposal would create a new Managed Native Garden Registry, protecting citizens who …
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IEC Statement on Trump Admin’s Pending Deployment of Federal Officers in Chicago
The Illinois Environmental Council issued the following statement regarding the Trump admin’s pending deployment of federal officers in Chicago: CHICAGO – The continued uprisings following the murder of George Floyd have demonstrated yet again that while the right to protest may be granted to all, it is a privilege for only some in this country. …
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General Iron’s Pollution Doesn’t Belong Here
Take action to stop serial polluter, General Iron, from moving to the southeast side of Chicago!
Advocates Introduce Chicago City Ordinance to Combat Plastic Pollution
Aldermen, environmental groups, and consumer advocates bring the fight for plastic-free water to the Chicago City Council CHICAGO –Today, Alderman Scott Waguespack (32nd Ward) announced the introduction of comprehensive legislation tackling the pervasive problem of plastic pollution in Chicago waterways and the Great Lakes. Alderman Waguespack was joined by organizations in support of the ordinance …
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