Solar Power Archives - Illinois Environmental Council

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

May 13, 2025

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 […]

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

March 3, 2025

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

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Out of Office: Looking Back on the 2023 Legislative Tour Season

November 16, 2023

Our 2023 Legislative Tour season has come to an end, which means it’s time to take a look back on all the amazing places we took legislators and other key decision-makers to over the past few months.

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New Law Will Preserve Homeowners’ Solar Rights

July 28, 2021

Gov. Pritzker’s signature provides needed protections against solar access restrictions. SPRINGFIELD, IL (July 28, 2021) — Gov. JB Pritzker signed legislation protecting Illinoisans’ right to clean energy and access to solar power. A revision to the Homeowners’ Energy Policy Statement Act, HB 644 will guarantee homeowners’ rights to place solar on their home without major

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IEC Newsletter Vol. 6 No. 7

December 15, 1980

Find the full PDF online here or scroll down to read. Override sets nuclear waste policy IEC’s 1981 Action Agenda Citizen action brings PCB cleanup Report on the I & M Canal Review of annual meeting Court strikes down logging operation in Pere Marquette State Park List of upcoming events

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IEC Newsletter Vol. 5 No. 6

October 1, 1979

Find the full PDF online here or scroll down to read. Waste and wildlife bills vetoed Update on Illinois Beach State Park Report on bottle bill Middle Fork nominated for Scenic River System Profile on J. Theodore Meyer List of upcoming events

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IEC Newsletter Vol. 4 No. 2

March 1, 1978

Find the full PDF online here or scroll down to read. Goals were drafted at the annual IEC meeting Pictures from annual meeting Student environmentalists from coalition List of upcoming events

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IEC Newsletter Vol. 4 No. 1

February 1, 1978

Find the full PDF online here or scroll down to read. Proposal to have solar power at two new prisons The Citizens Advisory Group formed in response to strip mining Fight over Locks and Dam 26 continues Xylene spill pollutes air, land, and water List of legislations and hearings

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IEC Newsletter Vol. 3 No. 6

April 15, 1977

Find the full PDF online here or scroll down to read. Two nature preserves under attack from recreational groups Action needed to stop hunting in Illinois state parks Comments needed on scenic rivers in Illinois List of legislation and hearings

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IEC Newsletter Vol. 3 No. 5

April 1, 1977

Find the full PDF online here or scroll down to read. IEC Board reorganization and fund raising Question of motorcycles in the Sand Ridge State Forest Updating the Illinois Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) Update on energy shortages NI-GAS backs down on solar penalty New bills to build Alton Lock and Dam 26 List

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IEC Newsletter Vol. 3 No. 4

March 21, 1977

Find the full PDF online here or scroll down to read. Introduction of new bottle bill Drafting of state energy legislation Development on federal strip mining bill List of legislations and hearings

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