clean energy

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

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Hundreds Gather in Springfield to Advocate for Equitable Climate, Transportation, and Energy Legislation

Springfield, IL. – Hundreds of community leaders, environmental advocates, faith leaders, business representatives, consumer groups, students and state legislators rallied outside of the Illinois State Capitol Building today in support of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) Platform, a slate of legislation that would double down on Illinois’ bold climate policy and secure a more

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2023 Environmental Scorecard

IEC is proud to present our 2023 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

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Governor Pritzker Vetoes Legislation That Would Have Allowed Ameren to Monopolize Transmission Projects

Illinois — Today, Governor JB Pritzker issued an amendatory veto on HB3445—legislation that would have given Ameren, the private utility company that serves much of Central and Southern Illinois, a “Right of First Refusal” to build regional transmission lines in Southern Illinois. Under this bill, Ameren would have been given first dibs on building new

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400+ Illinoisans Advocate for Slate of Legislation Promoting Environmental Protection and Climate Justice

Springfield, IL. — More than 400 Illinoisans mobilized today to urge their representatives in the Illinois General Assembly to pass bills that protect the environment and address climate injustices impacting historically marginalized communities across Illinois. At a rally outside of the Capitol Building and during meetings with legislators, advocates and activists called for the legislature

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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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