5 Ways to Plug In To the Legislative Session
The legislative session has started! This guide breaks down how you can advocate for stronger environmental protection in Illinois.
5 Ways to Plug In To the Legislative Session Read More »
Clean Water
Illinois’ 2026 Environmental Legislative Agenda
Explore the environmental movement’s legislative agenda, including all of the most important environmental bills this session!
Illinois’ 2026 Environmental Legislative Agenda Read More »
The Environmental Impacts of the Illinois Budget (FY2027)
In his 2026 State of the State and Budget address, Governor JB Pritzker unveiled his administration’s proposed state budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) of $56 billion.
The Environmental Impacts of the Illinois Budget (FY2027) Read More »
Wild Ones: Building Power at Wild Things
Sergio Vargas represented IEC at the Wild Things Conference in Southern Illinois. He’s energized and optimistic about the state of conservation, knowing we have such a powerful community willing to join the fight.
Wild Ones: Building Power at Wild Things Read More »
What Illinois Animal are You?
Illinois is home to hundreds of iconic animals. Who are you? Find your birth month to discover more about your critter.
What Illinois Animal are You? Read More »
Illinois Wetlands Are At Risk As Federal Protections Vanish. Will State Move To Protect Them?
The Environmental Council’s conservation director Lindsay Keeney said despite opposition from the Farm Bureau, some Illinois farmers have expressed support for protections.
“Nature-based solutions – cheap, easily investible solutions, like wetlands – can store floodwater and maintain their soil health and keep their fields from flooding,”
Illinois Rewilding Law, first in US, a step toward state wetland protection
Lindsay Keeney, conservation director at the Illinois Environmental Council, explained that restoring native ecosystems helps Illinois weather more extreme and frequent flood events.
Illinois Rewilding Law, first in US, a step toward state wetland protection Read More »
IEC Legislator Tours 2025
Empowering environmental champions in Illinois’ General Assembly requires building strong relationships with our legislators. These educational tours are a critical piece of that work.
IEC Legislator Tours 2025 Read More »
In Wake of New Federal Rollbacks of Clean Water Protections, IEC Calls on Governor Pritzker to Respond
Illinois — On Monday, the Trump Administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Army Corps of Engineers announced the Polluted Water Rule, which further restricts which bodies of water are protected from pollution and destruction under the Clean Water Act. In response, Illinois Environmental Council Chief Program Officer Lindsay Keeney released the following statement: “Pollution flows
Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s Letter to the EPA on Replacing Lead Service Lines with Iyana Simba
Iyana Simba: “One-eighth of all the lead service lines in the nation are here in Illinois. So we have about 667,000 that are accounted for. And that’s in addition to hundreds of thousands that are unknown material. Um, that puts about 350,000 children at risk of lead exposure today in Illinois.” (0:42-1:01) “We cannot delay
2025 Clean Water Townhall
Is Illinois on the right track? Help shape IEC’s Clean Water policy priorities as we head into 2026.
2025 Clean Water Townhall Read More »
Keep Your Eyes Open for Invasive Species This Halloween
Ghosts, Ghouls…..and Invasive Species? Learn about some of the spookiest invasive species in Illinois.
Keep Your Eyes Open for Invasive Species This Halloween Read More »
A Guide to Water Policy Terminology
From safe drinking water in Chicago to clean rivers downstate, Illinois water policy shapes our daily lives. Understanding the language behind it helps every community advocate for a healthier future.
A Guide to Water Policy Terminology Read More »
Analysis: Understand the Federal Government Shutdown and Its Impact on Illinois
Congress failed to meet its October 1 deadline to pass a funding bill, triggering a government shutdown that has suspended key environmental programs, furloughed government employees, closed national parks, and stopped non-essential services.
Analysis: Understand the Federal Government Shutdown and Its Impact on Illinois Read More »
2025 Environmental Scorecard
IEC’s state legislative team has published our 2025 Environmental Scorecard evaluating the performance of every Illinois state legislator based on their environmental voting record.
2025 Environmental Scorecard Read More »
2025 Chicago City Council Scorecard
IEC’s city programs team has published our 2025 Chicago City Council Environmental Scorecard evaluating the performance of alderpersons based on their environmental voting record.
2025 Chicago City Council Scorecard Read More »
With Gov. Pritzker’s Signature, Illinois Moves to Phase Out Toxic Forever Chemicals
SLegislature successfully tackles several common “PFAS”-polluted household products Springfield, IL – Governor JB Pritzker, on Friday, August 15, signed legislation that the state’s clean water advocates are hailing as a significant step forward in tackling the growing threat of toxic water pollution. Sponsored by Senator Julie Morrison and Representative Abdelnasser Rashid, HB2516 phases out the
With Gov. Pritzker’s Signature, Illinois Moves to Phase Out Toxic Forever Chemicals Read More »
Clean water advocates say new law will protect drinking water from PFAS contamination
Gov. JB Pritzker has signed legislation that clean water advocates say will reduce toxic water pollution. The PFAS Reduction Act will phase out the use of manufactured per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, better known as PFAS, by 2032. The bill was sponsored by state Sen. Julie Morrison and Rep. Abdelnasser Rashid. The new law targets PFAS in children’s products, cosmetics,
Clean water advocates say new law will protect drinking water from PFAS contamination Read More »
Protect families from lead contamination
Opinion by Jen Walling Illinois is home to more than one million lead service lines, the highest state total in the nation. While efforts to replace these aging and harmful pipes are underway, completing such a massive undertaking will take years. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has set a national deadline of 2037 for full
Protect families from lead contamination Read More »
Analysis: Trump’s Big “Ugly” Bill
H.R. 1 drastically cuts key clean energy tax credits, chipping away at Illinois’ progress toward a clean energy economy and threatening to cut as many as 52,000 manufacturing and energy jobs in the state.
Analysis: Trump’s Big “Ugly” Bill Read More »