Analysis: Mayor’s 2022 Budget Address
Mayor Lightfoot unveiled her 2022 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
clean energy
Transportation Agencies, Budget Allocation & Civics
This Lunch & Learn explores the state of transportation in Illinois and opportunities to clean up our transportation sector. Presenters: Tom Kotarac, Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago Audrey Wennink, Metropolitan Planning Council Jacky Grimshaw, Center for Neighborhood Technology Mayor Chris Koos of Normal, IL
Illinois Environmental Council Celebrates Final Passage of Nation-leading Comprehensive and Equitable Climate Legislation in Illinois
SPRINGFIELD, IL (September 13, 2021) – Following is a statement from the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) Executive Director Jen Walling on today’s historic Senate vote on SB2408, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act: “This is a story about the power of people and the environmental movement in Illinois standing up to big fossil fuel and …
Illinois Environmental Council statement on today’s Senate vote on Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
Statement from Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) ahead of today’s Senate energy vote: “IEC is cheering the Senate on today as they convene to cast a historic vote on the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, legislation that will have a lasting legacy on the future of our state, our most …
Statement: Illinois Environmental Council on latest energy bill agreement
“Representing more than 100 Illinois environmental organizations, we stand in support of SB2408, the comprehensive climate and equitable jobs act that will tackle the climate crisis at the scale science demands, and that aligns with our values of equity and accountability. “We are proud to support this bill, which includes a specific timeline for decarbonization …
Statement: Illinois Environmental Council on latest energy bill agreement Read More »
Illinois Environmental Council celebrates house passage of Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
Springfield, IL (September 9, 2021) — The Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director Jen Walling issued the following statement on the House passage of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act SB2408: “We are closer than ever before to passing the nation’s most comprehensive, equitable climate bill. The passage of SB2408 today in the House of Representatives …
Statement: Illinois Environmental Council on latest version of energy bill
CHICAGO (August 30, 2021)–Following is a statement from Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, on the latest climate and energy bill released today: “We stand on the precipice of passing comprehensive climate and equitable jobs legislation in Illinois. This moment comes after a years-long campaign, and our even longer strategic effort to …
Statement: Illinois Environmental Council on latest version of energy bill Read More »
Decarbonizing your home: Making your contribution to Zero Net Carbon
Don’t wait on leadership to act on climate– here are some simple ways to start decarbonizing your own home!
Meeting the Moment on Federal Climate Action
Congress must pass once-in-a-generation investments in clean energy and infrastructure necessary to tackle the climate crisis.
2021 IEC Legislative Report
IEC is pleased to release our 2021 Legislative Report. We are proud to report that we advanced a broad and ambitious agenda, defeated potentially damaging legislation and secured important appropriations in the state budget.
New Law Will Preserve Homeowners’ Solar Rights
Gov. Pritzker’s signature provides needed protections against solar access restrictions. SPRINGFIELD, IL (July 28, 2021) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation protecting Illinoisans’ right to clean energy and access to solar power. A revision to the Homeowners’ Energy Policy Statement Act, HB 644 will guarantee homeowners’ rights to place solar on their home without major …
IEC Summer 2021 Newsletter
It’s been a busy year for team IEC, so we’ve put together a quick roundup of some of the work that we’ve been doing so far in Springfield, Chicago and now at the federal level in D.C. too! Check out some of our recent wins, and the ongoing work we’re engaged in building power for …
Intro to Energy Law
https://youtu.be/K4uCDVIJDe4 This Lunch & Learn serves as a crash course on energy policy in Illinois. Presenters: Cary Shepherd, Bluhm Legal Clinic at Northwestern School of Law Nancy Loeb, Director, Environmental Advocacy Clinic at Bluhm Legal Clinic
2021 End of Session Environmental Legislative Update
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
2021 Environmental Legislative Update, May 14
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
1,000 Illinoisans Urge Lawmakers to Back Environmental Justice Bills at Virtual Lobby Day
Hundreds Rally for Passage of the Clean Energy Jobs Act, Toxic Lead Service Line Removal and New Air Permitting Reforms SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, 1,000 environmental justice leaders, renewable energy advocates, youth activists, faith leaders, business representatives and consumer groups from every part of Illinois met virtually with over 80 members of the Illinois General …
2021 Environmental Legislative Update, April 16
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
Illinois Environmental Council Announces Illinois’ 2021 Environmental Legislative Agenda
Agenda Tackles Clean Energy, Clean Water, Sustainable Agriculture, Wildlife Protections and More SPRINGFIELD, IL — On behalf of their over 100 member affiliate organizations, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) announced today Illinois’ annual environmental legislative agenda. The 2021 agenda tackles the environmental community’s priorities across a wide range of issues including clean energy, clean water, …
Illinois Environmental Council Announces Illinois’ 2021 Environmental Legislative Agenda Read More »
Illinois’ 2021 Enviro Legislative Agenda
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
Analysis: Governor’s 2022 Budget Address
Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled his 2022 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
Gov. Pritzker’s Mid-term
IEC’s environmental analysis of Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration midway through his first term.
2021 IEC Policy Platform
We convened seven town halls open to the public, all of our 100+ affiliate organizations, our individual members and our staff to deliberate and develop the policy solutions endorsed by our Illinois environmental movement.
New House Speaker, New 2021 Legislative Session Begins
As we look ahead to the spring session, we will be working with the new General Assembly on key environmental priorities, while protecting environmental programs from budget cuts against a challenging fiscal environment.
CEJA Opinion Media Workshop
IEC’s Communications director, Tucker Barry, hosted a small training session for folks interested in learning about how they can encourage their friends and neighbors to support the Clean Energy Jobs Act through the opinion section in their local newspaper! In the session, we discussed how to talk about CEJA, what makes a good Letter to …
CEJA Opinion Media Workshop
We are hosting a small training session for folks interested in learning about how they can encourage their friends and neighbors to support the Clean Energy Jobs Act through the opinion section in their local newspaper!
Buildings & Climate Change
https://youtu.be/L2ZrVAr6fFQ Residential and commercial buildings use almost 30% of the electricity supply in the US. As we invest in renewable energy and move toward decarbonization, we must critically examine the role that buildings play in meeting our climate goals. Katie Kaluzny, from the Illinois Green Alliance, will review energy efficiency and building decarbonization policies that …
Coal in Illinois with Prairie Rivers Network
Coal has had a permanent impact on the state of Illinois. Join IEC and Prairie Rivers Network to discuss the way that coal has influenced Illinois’ environment and economy through a historical lens, ranging from the 1800s to a modern day case study. Presenters: Andrew Rehn, Prairie Rivers Network Pam Richart, Eco Justice Collaborative Brian …
Energy Efficiency Policy: How laws can save you energy and money
https://youtu.be/ZAi60EpzbCs For energy companies, the goal is to always sell more product – more energy – which usually means more dangerous emissions. Anne McKibbin of Elevate Energy will talk about the laws that incentivize utility companies to use less energy, particularly for low income customers. Resources: Elevate Energy
Investing in New Clean Energy Technologies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn4-P7u8-OI In the 22nd installment of the IEC Lunch and Learn Series, IEC is joined by Ian Adams from the Clean Energy Trust to discuss investing in clean energy technologies and business. Find links and resources from the session below: Clean Energy Trust
How Illinois Gets Renewable Energy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uyhLE0JBJhE In the 13th edition of the IEC Lunch & Learn Series, Brian Granahan of the Illinois Power Agency discuss how Illinois procures renewable energy and the Future Energy Jobs Act. Find links and resources from the session below: Illinois Power Agency’s website The Adjustable Block Program was established by the Future Energy Jobs Act …
Clean Energy & Utility Bills
In the tenth installment of IEC’s Lunch & Learn Series, Sarah Moskowitz from the Citizens Utility Board joins us to discuss how clean energy policies affects consumers and saves us money! Find links and resources from the session below: Citizens Utility Board website
Clean Energy Workforce Development
In the fifth installment of IEC’s Lunch & Learn Series, Elevate Energy’s Chief Operating Office Delmar Gillus joins us to discuss clean energy workforce development, the Future Energy Jobs Act, and the Clean Energy Jobs Act. Delmar also serves as Treasurer on the IEC Board of Directors. Links and Resources: Elevate Energy designs and implements …
Electric Vehicles in Illinois
In the fourth installment of IEC’s Lunch & Learn Series, IEC’s Energy Policy Director Gavin Taves is joined by Respiratory Health Association’s Director of Environmental Health Programs Brian Urbaszewski and Will County’s Recycling Specialist Marta Keane. Links & Resources Respiratory Health Association Website Chicago Area Clean Cities is a nonprofit coalition of stakeholders from government, …
Overview of the Clean Energy Jobs Act
Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Share on email In the first edition of the IEC Lunch & Learn Series, Andrew Barbeau from the Environmental Defense Fund provides an overview of the Clean Energy Jobs Act. IEC is proud to make these sessions open to the public as we all do our …
Hundreds Rally for Clean Energy in Springfield
Over 700 gather to call for the Clean Energy Jobs Act SPRINGFIELD, IL – Today, over 700 hundred community leaders, environmental and renewable energy advocates, youth activists, faith leaders, business representatives, and consumer groups from around Illinois – all representing the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition – gathered in the Illinois State Capitol in support of …
Illinois’ 2020 Enviro Legislative Agenda
During this session, IEC focused on demonstrating public support for the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) and addressing ethylene oxide pollution.
IEC Responds to Gov. Pritzker’s Climate Remarks
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director Jen Walling released the following statement in response to Gov. JB Pritzker’s remarks regarding climate change and his decision to prioritize clean energy legislation during his 2020 State of the State address: “At a time when the Trump administration is taking major steps backward on climate, …
Governor Pritzker’s First Year
Highlighting the environmental successes and some notable missed opportunities during Governor Pritzker’s First Year
IEC 2019 Veto Session Review
During this session, IEC focused on demonstrating public support for the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) and addressing ethylene oxide pollution.
Gov. Pritzker Signs Bill Repealing Kyoto Protocol Act
Illinois now clear to reduce carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions, act on climate change SPRINGFIELD — Today, Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation that immediately repealed the Kyoto Protocol Act of 1998, a law prohibiting the state from creating restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. House Bill 3481, sponsored by State Sen. Laura …
Gov. Pritzker Signs Bill Repealing Kyoto Protocol Act Read More »
FY2020 Budget, Capital Plan and the Environment
The General Assembly has passed a Fiscal Year 2020 budget, as well as a $40 billion capital budget. As always, we’re here to break it all down and fill you in on the most important budget items impacting the environment. Overall, this is an exciting opportunity for environmental projects and clean jobs throughout Illinois. Highlights …
2019 IEC Legislative Report
IEC is pleased to release our 2019 Legislative Report. We are proud to report that we advanced a broad and ambitious agenda, defeated potentially damaging legislation and secured important appropriations in the state budget.
Illinois Has the Greenest Cannabis Bill in the Country
With input from the environmental community, Illinois is about to become the national leader for environmental protection in the cannabis industry. Earlier this year, Governor Pritzker along with members of the Illinois General Assembly, including chief sponsor Senator Heather Steans, introduced legislation to legalize recreational cannabis cultivation, sale and use in Illinois. For many this …
Illinois Has the Greenest Cannabis Bill in the Country Read More »
Illinois House and Senate Pass Landmark Legislation to Clean up Coal Ash
Bill addresses coal ash impoundments plaguing the state for decades Springfield, IL — Yesterday, the Illinois Legislature passed SB9, The Coal Ash Pollution Prevention Act, which now heads to the Governor’s desk. The groundbreaking bill addresses the many waste pits filled with coal ash, the toxic byproduct of burning coal, located all over the state. Illinois is …
Illinois House and Senate Pass Landmark Legislation to Clean up Coal Ash Read More »
General Assembly Repeals Act Preventing Greenhouse Gas Regulation
HB3481 heading to governor’s desk for signature SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, the Illinois State Senate voted to repeal the Kyoto Protocol Act of 1998, a law prohibiting the state from creating restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change. House Bill 3481, which is sponsored by State Sen. Laura Ellman (D – Naperville), passed …
General Assembly Repeals Act Preventing Greenhouse Gas Regulation Read More »
Hundreds Rally for Clean Energy in Springfield
Over 500 gather to support the Clean Energy Jobs Act, protecting communities from coal ash and opposing ratepayer-funded bailouts SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, hundreds of community leaders, environmental and renewable energy advocates, faith leaders, business representatives, consumer groups and students from around Illinois gathered at the Illinois State Capitol for Clean Energy Lobby Day. Participants …
Cannabis Legalization Bill Passes with Nation-leading Environmental Protections
Illinois Poised to Enact the ‘Greenest’ Cannabis Legislation in U.S. SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, the Illinois State House of Representatives voted to pass HB1438, a bill legalizing the regulated, recreational use of cannabis that now includes nation-leading environmental and public health protections. The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) partnered with the University of Chicago’s Abrams Environmental …
Cannabis Legalization Bill Passes with Nation-leading Environmental Protections Read More »
Bill Prohibiting Illinois From Regulating Carbon Pollution Repealed
State can now go beyond the federal government to take action on climate change SPRINGFIELD — On Thursday, March 28th, the Illinois State House of Representatives voted to repeal the Kyoto Protocol Act of 1998, a law prohibiting the state from creating restrictions for the “purpose of addressing the adverse effects of climate change which in …
Bill Prohibiting Illinois From Regulating Carbon Pollution Repealed Read More »
Powering Illinois’ Future
Governor Pritzker recently released reports from each of his administration’s 11 transition committees. Included in those reports is that of the Powering Illinois’ Future Committee, which IEC’s Executive Director Jen Walling co-chaired. You can read that committee’s entire report here: Click here to view the report if the document fails to load.