We convened town halls open to the public, all of our 100+ affiliate organizations, our individual members and our staff to deliberate and develop the policy solutions endorsed by our Illinois environmental movement.
IEC Policy Platform Read More »
That manatees still swim along Florida’s coast, grizzly bears still roam the west and bald eagles still fly in North American skies is due, in large part, to the Endangered Species Act of 1973 — once described by the Supreme Court as “the most comprehensive legislation for the preservation of endangered species enacted by any nation.”
Illinois is home to a diverse range of natural landscapes: from native prairie lands to forest preserves and state parks to marshes, rivers, and other iconic waterways. A large part of IEC’s mission is preserving these natural spaces and building healthy environments for the communities who call them home; however, this mission cannot be approached in the same exact way for each and every community across the state.
In June 2019, I wrote a blog post introducing readers to one of the Illinois Environmental Council’s most successful programs, legislative tours. Since then, we’ve conducted dozens of informative “tours” with legislators and local officials, taking them out of their office buildings and into the natural areas we need their help to protect.
2022 Legislative Tours: Legislators in the Wild Read More »
Monday, November 14 | 6-7:30 pm | Register via Zoom using the form below IEC is hosting a series of three town halls for our supporters. At the Conservation and Agriculture Town Hall, participants will hear from IEC and our partners on the most pressing issues facing Illinois and our current advocacy plans. We’re reserving
Conservation and Agriculture Town Hall Read More »
End of life planning is not the most exciting subject for many people. Folks tend to avoid it whenever they can! But not having the conversation means people are unaware of their potential opportunities.
Leaving a Sustainable Legacy for Generations to Come When We Die Read More »
From our conversations in Illinois communities and the surveys we collected, it is clear there is overwhelming support for an increase and acceleration of conservation in Illinois. Over 85% of respondents believe that 4% of Illinois land in protection is not enough.
The Illinois is Beautiful Initiative Read More »
A decade ago, the City of Chicago under the Emanuel administration dissolved its Department of Environment, leaving a broad range of environmental issues to be dealt with across scattered and, at times, understaffed city departments. It’s long past time to reestablish Chicago’s Department of Environment, read our blog to learn why.
Why Chicago needs Department of Environment and why we need one now Read More »
In December of 2021, Lindsay Keeney and Eliot Clay of the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) sat down with Mike Chandler and Bob Caveny of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to discuss the department’s agriculture lease program. Mike Chandler is the Agricultural Lease Manager for the IDNR and has been with the department for 29 years. Bob Caveny is the Farm Programs Manager and has been with IDNR for 10 years.
Agriculture Lease Agreements with Illinois Department of Natural Resources Read More »
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
Illinois’ 2022 Enviro Legislative Agenda Read More »
Though Chicago has recently made historic climate and environmental justice budget investments, the city still has much to do in the way of ensuring equitable public health and environmental protections in our EJ communities.
A Look at Chicago’s Environmental Justice Battles, Impacts and Solutions Read More »
Get a peek behind the scenes during some of our farm and conservation tour stops with Illinois legislators and decision makers.
From the Halls of Government to Some of Illinois’ Most Beautiful Places Read More »
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,
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
CHICAGO — The Illinois Environmental Council issued the following statement of support following Chicago’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget vote: “The Illinois Environmental Council applauds Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago City Council Alderpersons who voted in support of the FY2022 budget for passing the single largest environmental investment in Chicago’s history. This historic investment in
Statement: Illinois Environmental Council Applauds Chicago’s Approved FY2022 Budget Read More »
https://youtu.be/AvK-0N3M1O8 This Lunch & Learn explores the global 30×30 initiative, and how Illinois can plug in and preserve more of our precious natural spaces.
(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
48 State Legislators Score 100% on Illinois Environmental Council Scorecard Read More »
Mayor Lightfoot unveiled her 2022 budget proposal. Check it out to see how and which environmental priorities will be funded next year.
Analysis: Mayor’s 2022 Budget Address Read More »
CHICAGO (Sept. 14, 2021) — Today, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) issued the following statement on the unanimous passage of the Native Plants Gardens Registry Ordinance (O2021-362) during today’s Chicago City Council meeting: “While Chicago has long emphasized the importance of native plants within their own messaging and institutions, policies in the city have not
CHICAGO (Sept. 13, 2021) — Today, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) issued the following statement on the passage of the Native Plants Gardens Registry Ordinance (O2021-362) during today’s Chicago City Council Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy meeting: “Today, the City moved an important step closer to cultivating native plants and sustainable landscapes for Chicagoans
Statement Celebrating the Committee Passage of the Native Gardens Registry Ordinance Read More »
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