The pilot program would help determine the future of autonomous vehicles in the state
Bill aims to study how self-driving vehicles can be integrated into Illinois transit Read More »
The upcoming overhaul of the Chicago region’s transit system shows how potent organizing around public services can be.
Massive Public Transit Win in Chicago Shows the Power of Grassroots Coalitions Read More »
One year ago, the Illinois Environmental Council warned that H.R.1, dubbed the “Big Ugly Bill,” would impact Illinois’ clean energy economy, weaken environmental protections, and make it harder for families and communities to thrive. One year later, we revisited those projections by reviewing updated economic analyses, federal implementation, and conversations with our partners across Illinois to understand what has changed and what challenges remain.
From Warning to Reality: One Year After the “Big Ugly Bill” Read More »
Quick look at what did and didn’t pass this session.
Capitol Dispatch 6.1.26: That’s a wrap on the 2026 Spring Legislative Session Read More »
We’ve reached another important deadline as we move into the final week of session. Learn more about the current status of important bills.
Where environmental priorities stand now Read More »
We’ve reached an important deadline in both chambers. Learn more about where important bills stand now as we move further into the final weeks of the regular legislative session.
What you might have missed in Springfield at Third Reading Deadline Read More »
Our legislative team at IEC has been hard at work making sure bill sponsors have the tools and public support they need to move our environmental priorities forward this session.
Legislative Business is Heating Up in the Halls of the State Capitol Read More »
The legislative session has started! This guide breaks down how you can advocate for stronger environmental protection in Illinois.
5 Ways to Plug In To the Legislative Session Read More »
Explore the environmental movement’s legislative agenda, including all of the most important environmental bills this session!
Illinois’ 2026 Environmental Legislative Agenda Read More »
In his 2026 State of the State and Budget address, Governor JB Pritzker unveiled his administration’s proposed state budget for Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) of $56 billion.
The Environmental Impacts of the Illinois Budget (FY2027) Read More »
It’s Veto Session season in Springfield! Find out what it is, why it matters, and how you can help IEC push for key environmental priorities.
What is Veto Session and Why Does it Matter? Read More »
More than a third of state lawmakers scored 100 percent on IL Environmental Council scorecard. The Illinois Environmental Council is out with its 2025 legislative scorecard. “This year we saw 39 state representatives and 25 state senators receive 100 percent scores based on sixteen bills,” said the council’s executive director, Jen Walling, “and over fifty percent of sitting state
The grades are out on legislators and the environment Read More »
IEC’s city programs team has published our 2025 Chicago City Council Environmental Scorecard evaluating the performance of alderpersons based on their environmental voting record.
2025 Chicago City Council Scorecard Read More »
The Illinois Environmental Council [IEC] is a nonprofit organization working to make sure environmental and climate communities are heard in public policy and legislative affairs. IEC published its own analysis of the bill, claiming it would set back environmental progress, jobs and initiatives across Illinois. The organization is worried how the law will affect the wallets
Renewable and clean energy sector faces uncertainty amid federal tax incentive cuts Read More »
Jennifer Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, which represents 100 environmental groups, considers Pritzker surprisingly forward-thinking on climate. “I’ve been doing this for 15 years and I’ve been through, even before this, almost four different governors’ administrations. Governor Pritzker has been the absolute best on environment and climate,” she said. “He blends an
Illinois’ Governor Has Led on Climate Policy. Here’s How Experts Assess His Work So Far Read More »
The recently passed One Big Beautiful Bill Act includes significant changes to the way we create and pay for energy. The legislation rolls back investment in clean energy, aiming to return the focus to oil and natural gas. How might these moves impact the wallet of the average Illinoisan? The non-partisan think tank Energy Innovation found that in
How does ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ impact energy sector? Read More »
Illinois Environmental Council senior policy manager Cate Caldwell said the state has “long led” on environmental issues and that lawmakers should act in their shortened October legislative session. “While this federal budget threatens to reverse that progress, Illinois can instead double down on its climate commitments and invest in real, bold climate solutions that modernize
Among those who want to respond to the Trump bill with strong state action is Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, which advocates for more than 100 organizations. Illinois environmentalists have been pushing for the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, which would expand energy efficiency in Illinois and encourage renewable energy
What they’re saying: “Lowering families’ energy costs and making our air cleaner should be something we all agree on, and yet Trump and his cronies would rather gut clean energy and pollution reduction programs to fund tax breaks for billionaires,” Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, said in a statement. Read the full
How Trump’s megabill affects Illinois’ environment Read More »
“Really, really dramatic impacts with these cuts,” said Chelsea Biggs of the Illinois Environmental Council. In Illinois, the League of Conservation Voters is estimating that homeowners will pay $168 more in energy bills a year — with a 21% increase in commercial and industrial energy bills. But Biggs said this won’t just cost consumers. “These
