DONATE
Facebook-f X-twitter Instagram Youtube Linkedin

Climate Change

In Illinois, an invisible boundary determines how dirty and costly your electricity is

The town of Ottawa lies in central Illinois 12 miles from a nuclear power plant and a wind turbine farm that stretches past the horizon. However, these facilities sit on the other side of an invisible boundary between two regional power grids.  By mutual agreement among utilities that own the grids and power plants, that […]

In Illinois, an invisible boundary determines how dirty and costly your electricity is Read More »

Clock counting down to secure state funding before drastic service cuts to CTA, Metra, Pace

A warning has been issued to anyone who takes public transportation in Chicago — with drastic service cuts looming, Illinois legislators only have until the end of the month to decide what to do and how to address it. Transit advocates are taking to the streets every week to warn riders. They say the cuts are as

Clock counting down to secure state funding before drastic service cuts to CTA, Metra, Pace Read More »

Legislative Champions, Consumer and Environmental Advocates Urge Passage of Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act

(SPRINGFIELD, IL)—Today, legislative champions joined consumer and environmental advocates to urge the Illinois General Assembly to pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (SB2473/HB3779) amidst surging energy demand sparked by data centers and unprecedented threats to consumers, our grid, and our climate. “Three years ago, Illinois passed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which

Legislative Champions, Consumer and Environmental Advocates Urge Passage of Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act Read More »

After groundbreaking bills on jobs and solar, Illinois tackles the grid

State lawmakers are pushing for more grid-enhancing tech, gigawatts of new energy storage, and the creation of a virtual power plant program.Since 2017, sweeping legislation in Illinois has sparked a solar power boom and launched ambitious energy equity and green jobs programs. Now, for the third time in under a decade, state lawmakers, advocates, and industry groups have their sights set

After groundbreaking bills on jobs and solar, Illinois tackles the grid Read More »

City Club of Chicago: Navigating Change: The Local Impact of President Trump’s Early Days in Office

Join us for a panel discussion that will explore the impact of President Trump’s executive orders on key areas including LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, and environmental issues. Experts will analyze how these actions are affecting local residents, communities, and businesses, offering insights into the evolving legal, economic, and social implications. This panel will address the immediate

City Club of Chicago: Navigating Change: The Local Impact of President Trump’s Early Days in Office Read More »

What’s next for electric vehicles as Pritzker, Trump move in opposite directions on EV policy?

Illinois is offering buyers an incentive of $4,000 per vehicle. But at the federal level, the Trump administration is not a fan of EVs. GUESTS: Karen Weigert, Reset sustainability contributor, director of Loyola University Chicago’s Baumhart Center for Social Enterprise and Responsibility, and Dany Robles, legislative relations director, Illinois Environmental Council “We need a lot more

What’s next for electric vehicles as Pritzker, Trump move in opposite directions on EV policy? Read More »

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

Local environmental advocates remain hopeful despite Trump’s recent executive orders Read More »

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

Chicago and Illinois Remain Committed to Achieving Climate Goals Despite Threats to Federal Funding Read More »

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

Lawmakers give small boost to renewable developments, delay broader reform Read More »

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

Pritzker EPA vows to step in as Trump calls for massive cuts to environmental protection Read More »

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 confident it can continue clean energy progress under Trump, but path expected to be harder Read More »

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

Illinois environment and labor officials seek closer ties on climate action Read More »

2024 Environmental Scorecard

Here you will find IEC’s 2024 Environmental Scorecard for the Illinois General Assembly. Scores are based on the environmental impact of each legislator’s voting record over the last legislative session. Not only is IEC’s scorecard one of the most effective measurements of our movement’s growing environmental power, but it’s also a powerful accountability tool as

2024 Environmental Scorecard Read More »

Climate events outside the DNC campus in Chicago highlight progress — and call for action

The visuals were first-rate: an all-electric camper van customized with images of wind turbines turning against an orange sky. There was swag: postcards, fans, buttons and posters. And there was a passionate speech by a leading voice for climate action in the U.S. Congress: “There is a stark choice facing us,” said U.S. Rep. Kathy

Climate events outside the DNC campus in Chicago highlight progress — and call for action Read More »

We advance equitable public policies that ensure a healthy environment across Illinois through collaboration, building power, and advocacy.

DONATE
SiGN UP

ABOUT

MEDIA & PRESS

ISSUES

ACTION CENTER

520 E Capitol, Springfield, IL 62701 | Phone: 217-544-5954 | Email: iec@ilenviro.org

© 2025 Illinois Environmental Council

Facebook-f X-twitter Instagram Youtube Linkedin