2026 Legislative Report
IEC’s state legislative team has published our 2026 Legislative Report detailing environmental wins and setbacks during this year’s legislative session.
2026 Legislative Report Read More »
Clean Water
Gov. Pritzker pauses data center subsidies
The POWER Act, which would have regulated data centers in Illinois, failed to advance before the legislative deadline, leaving pending projects without new state guardrails. Meanwhile, Gov. J.B. Pritzker has paused data center tax incentives and is pushing for stricter standards on energy use, water consumption and community impact. Joining us to discuss the implications is Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council.
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Gov. JB Pritzker suspends tax breaks for data centers, urges more discussion
In a surprise move, Gov. JB Pritzker announced Friday that he is putting a pause on all new state tax incentives for data centers and calling on lawmakers to pass new data center reforms during the fall veto session.
Gov. JB Pritzker suspends tax breaks for data centers, urges more discussion Read More »
In a Years-Long Fight, the Illinois Environmental Justice Movement Gets a Win
A bill, newly passed by legislators, will expand the state’s capacity to enforce limits on health-harming emissions in overburdened communities.
In a Years-Long Fight, the Illinois Environmental Justice Movement Gets a Win Read More »
Illinois regulates AI safety but not data centers
Illinois lawmakers passed one of the nation’s strictest AI safety policies last week, but the state still lags behind Florida and Tennessee when it comes to regulating the buildings that make AI use possible: data centers.
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POWER Act data center regulation won’t move forward this spring
“The ICJC supports continued education (about the POWER Act), but communities around the state have spoken and are demanding action from lawmakers to address the impact the influx of data centers has on our utility bills, water resources, and communities,” said Hannah Flath, a spokesperson for the Illinois Environmental Council, on behalf of the Clean Jobs Coalition. “We’re calling on legislative leaders to convene a negotiating table by the end of June to negotiate and work toward passing the POWER Act.”
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Capitol Dispatch 6.1.26: That’s a wrap on the 2026 Spring Legislative Session
Quick look at what did and didn’t pass this session.
Capitol Dispatch 6.1.26: That’s a wrap on the 2026 Spring Legislative Session Read More »
Illinois’ Natural Resources and Climate Goals At Risk Amid Legislature’s Inaction on the POWER Act
Illinois – Today, the Illinois General Assembly adjourned without taking action on the POWER Act (SB4016/HB5513) – commonsense legislation that would enact nation-leading guardrails on data centers. Instead, state lawmakers opted to continue doling out tax dollars to subsidize Big Tech. “The longer state leadership waits to enact the commonsense protections the POWER Act
600 Illinoisans Rally at the State Capitol As Lawmakers Appear Poised to Leave Springfield Without Enacting Data Center Guardrails
Illinois – Over 600 Illinoisans rallied at the Illinois State Capitol today for the Illinois Environmental Council’s POWER Act Lobby Day and met with their legislators to urge passage of the POWER Act (SB4016/HB5513). This nation-leading legislation would enact guardrails to protect our water, energy, ratepayers, and frontline communities from data center impacts. Despite the
STATEMENT: Bill to address plastic pellet pollution heads to Gov. Pritzker’s desk
Illinois to officially recognize plastic pellets as a pollutant under state law
STATEMENT: Bill to address plastic pellet pollution heads to Gov. Pritzker’s desk Read More »
IL Legislature Makes Historic Progress on Environmental Justice Policy
Stage Now Set for Chicago’s Comprehensive Cumulative Impact Ordinance
IL Legislature Makes Historic Progress on Environmental Justice Policy Read More »
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.
Illinois Weighs Early Warning System For Pesticide Spraying Near Parks, Schools Read More »
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.
What you might have missed in Springfield at Third Reading Deadline Read More »
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.
Remembering the honorable Barbara Flynn Currie Read More »
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
Advocates Celebrate Step Forward for Wetlands Protection Read More »