2024 Legislative Report
IEC’s state legislative team has published our 2024 Legislative Report detailing environmental wins and setbacks during this year’s legislative session.
2024 Legislative Report Read More »
IEC’s state legislative team has published our 2024 Legislative Report detailing environmental wins and setbacks during this year’s legislative session.
2024 Legislative Report Read More »
Over the past few years, Illinois has seen plastic waste reduction legislative victories in Springfield. Advocates in its largest city, Chicago, seek to implement similar legislation to protect Lake Michigan and other water resources from dangerous microplastic pollution.
Plastic Pollution in Chicago Read More »
Wetlands–home to a dazzling array of plants and animals–stand between us and some of the worst effects of climate change. Advocates in Chicago urge decision-makers to implement policy solutions to protect these incredible ecosystems.
Protecting Chicago’s Wetlands Read More »
For many Chicagoans, especially folks living on the City’s south and west sides, lead service line pollution is a daily reality. For households served by some of the city’s almost 400,000 lead service lines, this lack of access to clean water continues to be an environmental injustice.
Lead Service Line Replacement in Chicago Read More »
While both the House and the Senate were in this week, both chambers have until Friday, May 3, to vote bills out of committee. (Unofficially – they may extend the deadline until next week!) Some important pieces of the Illinois Environmental Legislative Agenda continue to move through the legislative process. We had some key wins
2024 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
Legislators were back in session again this week to conduct business, and pieces of the Illinois Environmental Legislative Agenda continue to move through the legislative process. Additionally, we enjoyed being joined this week by University of Illinois students advocating for environmental bills, including one of their own! Protecting Illinois’ Wetlands Protecting wetlands remains a top
2024 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
Legislators are getting to business this session, and pieces of the Illinois Environmental Legislative Agenda are starting to move through the legislative process.
2024 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
See Illinois’ 2024 Environmental Legislative Agenda, including all of the most important environmental bills this session!
Illinois’ 2024 Environmental Legislative Agenda Read More »
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2024 Zero Waste Lobby Day Read More »
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2024 Conservation Day at the Capitol Read More »
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2024 Soil Health Lobby Day Read More »
IEC is unveiling our new Five-Year Strategic Plan. After a robust internal planning period, with distinct attention to equity, diversity & inclusion, we’re proud to launch our update mission, vision and strategic plan.
IEC Five-Year Strategic Plan Read More »
IEC’s City Programs Director, Iyana Simba, provides an in depth analysis of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed budget for 2024, including the re-establishment of Chicago’s Department of Environment.
A Closer Look: Mayor Johnson’s FY2024 Chicago City Budget Read More »
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
2023 Environmental Scorecard Read More »
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.
2023 Chicago Transition Report Analysis Read More »
IEC’s state policy team has published our 2023 Legislative Report detailing environmental wins and setbacks during this year’s legislative session.
2023 Legislative Report Read More »
As global plastic treaty negotiations conclude, stakeholders from the Alliance for the Great Lakes, Ocean Conservancy, and Illinois Environmental Council celebrate local action on plastic pollution in Illinois, look to continue momentum.
Important deadlines this week and big updates on priority bills
2023 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
Important deadlines this week and big updates on priority bills
2023 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois General Assembly passed legislation this week to reduce plastic pollution and promote access to clean drinking water. Once signed by Governor Pritzker, SB1715 will require that, in settings where the plumbing code already calls for drinking fountains, the installation of new drinking fountains must include a water bottle filling station.
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
Important deadlines this week and big updates on priority bills
2023 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
Illinois needs to break up with plastic. For decades, we’ve known that single-use plastic items, including polystyrene foam cups, plates, and containers are among the most common and harmful forms of pollution found in the environment. So, what are Illinois’ plans to eliminate outdated foam foodware?
Breaking Free from Foam: How Illinois and Chicago Can Reduce Plastic Waste Read More »
Important deadlines this week and big updates on priority bills
2023 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
Important deadlines this week and big updates on priority bills
2023 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
Illinois’ 2023 Enviro Legislative Priorities Read More »
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.
2023 Chicago Environmental Mayor Report Read More »
We convened 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.
IEC Policy Platform Read More »
Tuesday, November 22 | 6-7:30 pm | Register via Zoom using the form below IEC is hosting a series of three town halls for our supporters. At the Clean Water and Waste Town Hall, participants will hear from IEC and our partners on the most pressing issues facing Illinois and our current advocacy plans. We’re
Water and Waste Town Hall Read More »
IEC is back with our 2022 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 protect
2022 Environmental Scorecard Read More »
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
Illinois’ 2022 Enviro Legislative Agenda Read More »
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.
A Look at Chicago’s Environmental Justice Battles, Impacts and Solutions Read More »
Get a peek behind the scenes during some of our farm and conservation tour stops with Illinois legislators and decision makers.
From the Halls of Government to Some of Illinois’ Most Beautiful Places Read More »
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 »
(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 »
IEC is back with our 2021 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 protect
2021 Environmental Scorecard Read More »
New law requires replacement of lead lines, prompts calls for federal funds from Congress CHICAGO (August 30, 2021) – Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act, making Illinois the third state in the nation to require full replacement of lead drinking water pipes, which can deliver toxic lead
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Signs Bill to Replace Toxic Lead Service Lines Read More »
Congress must pass once-in-a-generation investments in clean energy and infrastructure necessary to tackle the climate crisis.
Meeting the Moment on Federal Climate Action Read More »
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.
2021 IEC Legislative Report Read More »
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
IEC Summer 2021 Newsletter Read More »
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
2021 End of Session Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
Bill requires replacement of lead lines, and establishes state grant and technical assistance program to support communities in this effort (SPRINGFIELD, IL) –Following a concurring House vote late last night in favor of the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (HB 3739), both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly have approved the bill, which
Illinois General Assembly Approves Bill That Will Eliminate Toxic Lead Service Lines Read More »
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
2021 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
Bill would protect public health, safe drinking water for millions of Illinoisans SPRINGFIELD, IL (May 13, 2021) – Following bipartisan passage by the Illinois House of Representatives of the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (HB 3739), which would require all water utilities statewide to replace all lead service lines, Senate action is needed
These tongue-twister chemicals pose a danger to us, wildlife and our water resources.
PFAS: A Toxic Legacy Building in Illinois Read More »
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.
2021 Environmental Legislative Update Read More »
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.
Illinois’ 2021 Enviro Legislative Agenda Read More »
State legislators and advocates introduce legislation that would create a plan, funding, and timeline for the removal of all lead service lines in Illinois SPRINGFIELD, IL (Feb. 22, 2021) — Illinois Rep. Lamont J. Robinson (D-Chicago) has introduced the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act (HB 3739), a bill creating a feasible and equitable