With gas prices skyrocketing, the need for increased investment in clean energy has never been greater. To understand the current situation and what needs to happen next, let us take a look at history and how we got here.
A decade ago, the City of Chicago under the Emanuel administration dissolved its Department of Environment, leaving a broad range of environmental issues to be dealt with across scattered and, at times, understaffed city departments. It’s long past time to reestablish Chicago’s Department of Environment, read our blog to learn why.
Join IEC and the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition for a Lunch & Learn focused on the current landscape of energy efficiency in Illinois. This Lunch & Learn is part of a new series of Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) implementation seminars and will cover various topics at an advanced level. Speakers: Laura Goldberg, NRDC …
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled his 2023 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
https://youtu.be/89azoPc5kh8 Part of our series of CEJA Implementation Lunch & Learns, this webinar focuses on all things IPA. Co-hosted by IEC and the Clean Jobs Coalition and featuring Melena Hessel of the Environmental Law & Policy Center.
Springfield, IL — The Illinois Environmental Council issued the following statement in response to the passage of historic climate legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives: “Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the strongest climate bill in United States history. Thank you Reps. Bustos, Casten, Davis, Foster, Garcia, Kelly, Krishnamoorthi, Newman, Quigley, Rush, Schakowsky, …
Springfield, IL — Today, following President Biden’s announcement of a new framework for his Build Back Better Act, the Illinois Environmental Council issued the following statement of support: “Today, after thousands of Illinoisans and millions across the nation called, knocked on doors, and demanded action, President Biden has finally announced a framework for the strongest …
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 …
Statement: Illinois Environmental Council Applauds Chicago’s Approved FY2022 Budget Read More »
Call on Governor to Next Tackle Polluting Emissions from Large Trucks CHICAGO– The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) and other environmental organizations noted below issued the following statement in response to Governor JB Pritzker joining Midwest governors in signing on to the Regional Electric Vehicle for the Midwest Memorandum of Understanding (REV Midwest MOU): “The Illinois …
(SPRINGFIELD, IL) – The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released its 2021 Legislative Environmental Scorecard today. The scorecard, which is released annually, assigns a percentage score to legislators based on how they voted on bills affecting the environment. This year, 38 state representatives and 10 state senators received 100% scores based on their record on 16 …
48 State Legislators Score 100% on Illinois Environmental Council Scorecard Read More »
Learn what our 100% clean energy future will look like with the implementation of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act!
Mayor Lightfoot unveiled her 2022 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
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
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 …
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 …
“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 »
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 …
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 »
Don’t wait on leadership to act on climate– here are some simple ways to start decarbonizing your own home!
Congress must pass once-in-a-generation investments in clean energy and infrastructure necessary to tackle the climate crisis.
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.
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 …
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 …
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
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
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 …
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
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 »
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled his 2022 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
IEC’s environmental analysis of Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration midway through his first term.
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.
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.
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 …
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!
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 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 …
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
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
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 …
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
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
During this session, IEC focused on demonstrating public support for the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) and addressing ethylene oxide pollution.
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, …
Highlighting the environmental successes and some notable missed opportunities during Governor Pritzker’s First Year
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