Analysis: Governor’s FY2026 Budget Address
Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled his 2026 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
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Climate Action
Local environmental advocates remain hopeful despite Trump’s recent executive orders
Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, is one of those who has had an eye on the White House. “When we look at this administration’s view on climate change, we absolutely should be concerned,” Walling told WBBM. “There’s been a series of executive orders that have unwound the Inflation Reduction Act, investments
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Chicago and Illinois Remain Committed to Achieving Climate Goals Despite Threats to Federal Funding
Environmental leaders believe grants and other sources of funding will allow them to continue cutting pollution, even if federal money isn’t available following the change in administration. Experts from the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), a Springfield-based public policy organization, believe the state will still commit to climate initiatives such as renewable energy, although Chicago will
Lawmakers give small boost to renewable developments, delay broader reform
Energy policy likely to be revisited in spring legislative session. Lawmakers this week passed a bill aimed at boosting the development of renewable energy generation, but its proponents said the final measure was a “skinny” version of what they had hoped to pass. “We’ve seen the effects of climate change. We’ve seen the effects on
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Pritzker EPA vows to step in as Trump calls for massive cuts to environmental protection
As the new top environment cop in Illinois, James Jennings knew coming in his job would be challenging no matter who won the presidential election. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is rebuilding under Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker after more than a decade spent shedding inspectors, slowing the policing of air and water pollution and feuding with the
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Illinois confident it can continue clean energy progress under Trump, but path expected to be harder
The deep blue state is preparing to protect climate and clean energy programs during a Trump administration, but uncertainty about federal incentives and environmental enforcement leaves questions. The last time President Donald Trump took office, Illinois had just passed the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), creating an ambitious renewable electricity mandate, solar incentive programs, green
Illinois environment and labor officials seek closer ties on climate action
Jennifer Walling runs an organization that speaks for over 100 environmental groups in Springfield. Marc Poulos is a political quarterback for organized labor. “I feel like we both understand that we’re going to get more done if we’re aligned,” said Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council. “We may as well be on the
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Illinois Voters Armed with Legislator’s Environmental Voting Scores Ahead of Elections
Illinois Environmental Council Releases Annual Scorecard (SPRINGFIELD, IL)—The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released its 2024 Legislative Environmental Scorecard today. The scorecard, which is released annually, assigns legislators a percentage score based on how they voted on bills affecting the environment. This year, 64 state representatives and 27 state senators received 100% scores based on their
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Local and National Leaders Laud Illinois Effort to Accelerate A Just Transition to Clean Energy
The Biden-Harris Affordable Clean Energy Plan and Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act work hand-in-hand to address the climate crisis Chicago, IL. – As all eyes turn to Chicago and the historic events unfolding during the Democratic National Convention, state and federal leaders and environmental advocates gathered on Wednesday to highlight Illinois’ leadership on climate
Analysis: Governor’s FY2025 Budget Address
Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled his 2025 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
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Environmentalists advocate slate of bills: What to know
Ahead of Earth Day, environmentalists rallied at the state Capitol to push lawmakers to act on bills they say will make Illinois more green. The crowd of a few hundred met outside the Lincoln statue before heading to Gov. JB Pritzker’s capitol office to deliver a letter requesting his signature on the legislation if it
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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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Analysis: Governor’s FY2024 Budget Address
Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled his 2024 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
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The Decisive Decade
IEC hosted President Biden’s National Climate Advisor, Ali Zaidi, at a breakfast with leaders from Illinois’ environmental community.
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Gov. Pritzker Signs Legislation Protecting Clean Energy Projects
SPRINGFIELD, IL – Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation protecting Illinois-based clean energy projects from a growing number of local bans. HB4412 prevents counties from enacting preemptive local ordinances that outright ban local wind and solar projects, hindering the state’s new climate goals set forth in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The bill passed
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Global Crises and Pain at the Pump: A Clean Solution to Rising Energy Prices
With gas prices skyrocketing, the need for increased investment in clean energy has never been greater. To understand the current situation and what needs to happen next, let us take a look at history and how we got here.
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Why Chicago Needs A Department of Environment
A decade ago, the Emanuel administration dissolved Chicago’s Department of Environment. It’s time to bring it back.
Why Chicago Needs A Department of Environment Read More »
Analysis: Governor’s FY2023 Budget Address
Gov. JB Pritzker unveiled his 2023 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
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Statement on U.S. House Passage of the Build Back Better Act, Once-in-a-Generation Climate Legislation
Springfield, IL — The Illinois Environmental Council issued the following statement in response to the passage of historic climate legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives: “Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the strongest climate bill in United States history. Thank you Reps. Bustos, Casten, Davis, Foster, Garcia, Kelly, Krishnamoorthi, Newman, Quigley, Rush, Schakowsky,
Statement: Illinois Environmental Council Issues Statement on President Biden’s Build Back Better Act Framework Announcement
Springfield, IL — Today, following President Biden’s announcement of a new framework for his Build Back Better Act, the Illinois Environmental Council issued the following statement of support: “Today, after thousands of Illinoisans and millions across the nation called, knocked on doors, and demanded action, President Biden has finally announced a framework for the strongest