Climate and Equitable Jobs Act

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 […]

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Illinois Environmental Groups Applaud Vetoes by Pritzker

The decisions underscore the governor’s commitment to “choose climate action, every time.” Environmental groups in Illinois are commending Gov. JB Pritzker for vetoing bills this month that would have expanded nuclear power, given a utility first dibs on new transmission line projects and advanced a controversial highway expansion project. This comes after little luck passing

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Governor Pritzker Vetoes Legislation That Would Have Allowed Ameren to Monopolize Transmission Projects

Illinois — Today, Governor JB Pritzker issued an amendatory veto on HB3445—legislation that would have given Ameren, the private utility company that serves much of Central and Southern Illinois, a “Right of First Refusal” to build regional transmission lines in Southern Illinois. Under this bill, Ameren would have been given first dibs on building new

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Moratorium on New Nuclear Remains in Place in Illinois Thanks to Governor Pritzker’s Veto

Illinois — Today, Governor JB Pritzker vetoed SB76—a bill that would have lifted Illinois’ decades-old moratorium on new nuclear power plants. Responding to growing concerns about safety, waste and cost associated with nuclear power generation, the Illinois General Assembly passed a moratorium on developing new nuclear facilities within the state in 1987. Those concerns remain

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Activists Rally at Illinois Capitol, Urging Lawmakers to Pass 9 Climate and Environmental Bills

Hundreds of environmental activists rallied at the Illinois State Capitol, urging legislators to support bills that advance environmental justice and protection and that address climate change. Advocates also delivered a letter to the governor’s office demanding tighter vehicle emissions rules. Dany Robles, climate policy director at the Illinois Environmental Council, said he’s noticed more environmental

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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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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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2022 Environmental Scorecard

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

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Secretary Buttigieg in Bloomington-Normal Celebrating New Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Investments

Illinois Uniquely Positioned to Create Jobs with Federal Investments BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL – Tomorrow, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg will travel to the Bloomington-Normal metropolitan area to highlight the Illinois Department of Transportation’s work to make electric vehicles more accessible to all Illinoisans. Secretary Buttigieg’s visit comes on the heels of yesterday’s announcement from President Biden’s Department

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Statement: Gov. Pritzker’s FY23 Budget Proposal a Historic Commitment to Climate Solutions

(Springfield, IL) – Today, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) reacted to Gov. JB Pritzker’s annual State of the State address and FY23 budget proposal issuing the following statement: “The Illinois Environmental Council applauds Gov. JB Pritzker for proposing a state budget that prioritizes resources for combatting climate change, a first in Illinois history. Never before

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48 State Legislators Score 100% on Illinois Environmental Council Scorecard

(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

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2021 Environmental Scorecard

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 »