IL Legislature Makes Historic Progress on Environmental Justice Policy
Stage Now Set for Chicago’s Comprehensive Cumulative Impact Ordinance
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Clean Water
Illinois Weighs Early Warning System For Pesticide Spraying Near Parks, Schools
What makes Illinois’ bill distinct is the parks provision within the spray area, as studies point to particle drift and widespread injury across non-target public and private lands.
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Plea for Black farmers
Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) -Agriculture is yet another area in which Black leaders say they are denied access. “For too long, Black farmers and growers have faced systemic barriers from land loss, discrimination in lending, equitable access to state and federal programs, and the erosion of community welfare that comes with it. These are not just agriculture issues,” said Cate Caldwell (pictured, left), a senior policy manager at the Illinois Environmental Council. “Hear me clearly: they are environmental justice issues, they are economic justice issues, they are civil rights issues.”
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Where environmental priorities stand now
We’ve reached another important deadline as we move into the final week of session. Learn more about the current status of important bills.
Where environmental priorities stand now Read More »
Illinois launches paint recycling program
“The Paint Stewardship Act was negotiated over a number of years and we’re excited to see it working,” Jen Walling, CEO of the Illinois Environmental Council, told Illinois Times. “It’s a common-sense solution that keeps hazardous waste out of our landfills and waterways while making it easier for Illinois residents and businesses to responsibly recycle leftover paint. We’re proud of the work happening across the state including expanded collection sites, public education and partnership with local governments.”
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What you might have missed in Springfield at Third Reading Deadline
We’ve reached an important deadline in both chambers. Learn more about where important bills stand now as we move further into the final weeks of the regular legislative session.
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Remembering the honorable Barbara Flynn Currie
The Honorable Barbara Flynn Currie remains an inspiration to all of us at the Illinois Environmental Council. Learn more about her lasting environmental legacy today.
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Hundreds gather in Springfield to push environmental bills on wetlands, plastics and data centers
More than 200 Illinois residents gathered in Springfield on Wednesday for Environmental Lobby Day, joining lawmakers and advocates in the Illinois Capitol rotunda to push for a trio of environmental bills aimed at curbing pollution and protecting natural resources.
Our Chicago: How data centers could positively, negatively impact you
Jen Walling is the Chief Executive Officer of the Illinois Environmental Council.
She wrote in Crain’s that “Big Tech” is coming to Illinois and that the state isn’t ready.
“We don’t have the guardrails in place that are going to be necessary to protect our environment, to keep our rates low, to protect our communities and most importantly, protect our water,” Walling said.
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Court orders oil company to finish cleaning up asphalt spilled in Chicago canal more than a year ago
“This injunction affirms what locals and experts already know: This spill is not over, and the job is not done,” said Illinois Environmental Council CEO Jen Walling.
Advocates Celebrate Step Forward for Wetlands Protection
Strong Support Turns Out for Today’s House Committee Vote
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Legislative Business is Heating Up in the Halls of the State Capitol
Our legislative team at IEC has been hard at work making sure bill sponsors have the tools and public support they need to move our environmental priorities forward this session.
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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.
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Illinois’ 2026 Environmental Legislative Agenda
Explore the environmental movement’s legislative agenda, including all of the most important environmental bills this session!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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