Springfield, IL. — In response to the Biden-Harris administration’s designation of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot National Monument, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released the following statements: “Thanks to the tireless advocacy of the Springfield branch of the NAACP and local advocates and activists, the Biden-Harris administration has established […]
President Biden should designate the site of the 1908 Springfield Race Massacre in Illinois’ capital with a National Monument.
Facing Our Past to Change Our Future Read More »
IEC’s state legislative team has published our 2024 Legislative Report detailing environmental wins and setbacks during this year’s legislative session.
2024 Legislative Report Read More »
IEC is unveiling our new Five-Year Strategic Plan. After a robust internal planning period, with distinct attention to equity, diversity & inclusion, we’re proud to launch our update mission, vision and strategic plan.
IEC Five-Year Strategic Plan Read More »
CHICAGO, IL – After over a decade without one, Chicago’s City Council today made the historic move to re-establish the city’s Department of Environment (DOE). With the passage of the 2024 Chicago Budget, the City Council voted to allocate $1.8 mil to re-establish the Department. The Illinois Environmental Council’s (IEC) City Programs Director Iyana Simba
IEC’s City Programs Director, Iyana Simba, provides an in depth analysis of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s proposed budget for 2024, including the re-establishment of Chicago’s Department of Environment.
A Closer Look: Mayor Johnson’s FY2024 Chicago City Budget Read More »
IEC’s City Programs Director, Iyana Simba, provides an in depth analysis of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s Transition Report, with attention to Environmental Justice goals for the city.
2023 Chicago Transition Report Analysis Read More »
IEC’s state policy team has published our 2023 Legislative Report detailing environmental wins and setbacks during this year’s legislative session.
2023 Legislative Report Read More »
SPRINGFIELD, IL — After missing multiple opportunities this Spring to protect environmental justice communities across Illinois, the Illinois General Assembly yesterday passed HB2878 and HJR23. These bills give broad permission for public-private partnership (P3) funding of large transportation projects like widening I-55. This legislation will bring new vehicle traffic and even more diesel emissions into
Several pieces of environmental legislation are making their way through the Illinois General Assembly on what was scheduled to be the final week of the spring legislative session. The proposals range from shifting the state’s procurement requirements to a measure aimed at improving soil health on Illinois farms. But environmental advocates gave mixed reviews on
See the top environmental bills being considered by the Illinois General Assembly this year.
Illinois’ 2023 Enviro Legislative Priorities Read More »
From clean energy to transportation to urban conservation, IEC’s Mayoral Report lays out both small & lofty objectives that the mayor ought to tackle to make Chicago a sustainable city.
2023 Chicago Environmental Mayor Report Read More »
Mayor Lori Lightfoot proposed her $16.7 billion FY2023 budget with a heavy focus on pensions, public safety, and reducing the city’s debt. Additionally, the Mayor announced the Office of Climate and Environmental Equity which will be funded at $640,056 for six positions.
What’s in Chicago’s proposed 2023 Budget? Read More »
Inspired by her parents’ work ethic and commitment to community and family, Cook County Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago Commissioner (MWRD) Kim Du Buclet is on a mission to protect the county’s fresh water systems, save monarch butterflies and fight the effects of climate change. Though she has no direct role in the delivery
Water Commissioner Du Buclet says water is the ‘new gold’ Read More »
On the heels of the release of Chicago’s Climate Action Plan, IEC will break down what’s in the plan, what’s not and what more needs to be done.
A Closer Look at Chicago’s Climate Action Plan Read More »
The Illinois Environmental Council releases a report on the 2022 legislative session, highlighting some wins as well as the fights we’ll continue to work on in the next one. Click here if the report fails to load.
2022 Legislative Report 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 »
Hundreds Rally for Passage of Industrial Permitting Reform, Protections for Power Plant Communities, Voting Rights and more SPRINGFIELD, IL – More than 500 Illinoisans mobilized today for an environmental justice-focused lobby day and rally. Participants urged their legislators to pass bills that address environmental injustices impacting historically marginalized communities across Illinois. The environmental justice movement
500+ Illinoisans Mobilize in Support of Environmental Justice Legislation 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 »
As disrespectful text messages surface, environmental groups back Southeast Side residents CHICAGO – Yesterday, reporting by the Chicago Tribune uncovered an alarming series of text messages between Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Alderperson Sue Garza regarding the ongoing fight for clean air on Chicago’s Southeast Side. In response, the Illinois Environmental Council and the Sierra Club
Environmental Organizations Call on the City of Chicago to do Right by Southeast Siders Read More »
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