Illinois Environmental Council

We had a great time last week during our Civics for Environmentalists event! We hope everyone enjoyed learning about Illinois’ legislative landscape and acquiring essential skills that will make our environmental movement even stronger. We're so grateful to Environmental Law & Policy Center and David McEllis for co-hosting and being an incredible partner for this event. It's become increasingly evident that having a strong understanding of how the U.S. government works is key to states' environmental protection. Public support from all of you will help us get much farther. You can find this resource on our YouTube channel along with previous years' trainings and our Chicago-focused Civics for Environmentalists training! ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gad_sTFC

We're hiring! Are you passionate about using policy and education to create effective environmental change? Join our team. You'll bring together the Illinois environmental community to influence decision-makers and ensure clean air, clean water, and healthy communities. See our open positions below. 🌊 Sr. Policy Manager: Chicago office preferred; $65-$84,000 Manage a portfolio focused on plastics, Great Lakes, and clean drinking water. 🛶 Policy Manager: Springfield office preferred; $57-$64,000 Manage a portfolio focused on river access, nutrient pollution, landfill methane emissions and urban/rural flooding. Visit https://lnkd.in/eTAhMaU3 to apply or share with your networks! Applications must be received by Feb. 14. #Hiring #Policy #Rivers #Conservation

A coalition of consumer watchdog and environmental groups just released a new ad alerting viewers to take action against Peoples Gas rate hikes that could double utility bills as rates increase through 2040. The pipeline replacement program, originally budgeted at $2 billion in 2007, has already cost ratepayers $3.3 billion and wasted time, with less than half the work completed. Peoples Gas, meanwhile, continues to enjoy record profits at a time when methane gas emissions continue to pollute our health, our homes, and drive the climate crisis. We applaud IEC affiliates Citizens Utility Board (Illinois), Sierra Club Illinois Chapter, People for Community Recovery, and our partners Faith in Place Action Fund and the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition for putting this ad together to protect consumers' wallets and environmental health. Watch the ad: bit.ly/pgtvad

Rivers and streams connect us through geography, ecology, recreation, and conservation. Over 87,000 miles of rivers and streams flow through Illinois. Our conservation and agriculture team saw an opportunity in 2024 to highlight rivers and wetlands for legislators, sparking a record number of tours by boat and canoe. Along with our affiliates like The Nature Conservancy in Illinois and Friends of the Chicago River, we toured Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge, the Chicago River, DuPage River, and Cache River. Our DuPage River tour, with Sen. Laura Ellman and Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, aimed to showcase the importance of river access, clean water, and vibrant local habitat and ecosystems. The tour highlighted the river’s role as a vital waterway spanning approximately 28 miles through DuPage and Will Counties, providing habitat for native wildlife such as herons, turtles, and fish, as well as offering recreational opportunities for the community. The river faces challenges from urbanization, leading to increased stormwater runoff, pollution, and habitat loss. Conservation efforts along the DuPage River include the reintroduction of native freshwater mussels, which play a crucial role in maintaining water quality and ecosystem health. 🐸 Learn more about our tours: https://lnkd.in/gzXx5efF

Does the legislative process stress you out? We're here to help you launch your advocacy journey. Learn about civics and gain the skills to pass environmental policy in Illinois. 🚀 ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gZB45Nmx #Civics #Environment #Policy

From forest preserves in Cook County to farms in southern Illinois, Illinoisans are demonstrating environmental stewardship is alive and well. Empowering environmental champions in Illinois’ General Assembly requires building strong relationships with our legislators. These educational tours are a critical piece of that work. They're great opportunities to demonstrate the real-world impacts of their votes on the environment. We also enjoy highlighting the incredible work of our affiliates and partners. Discover the people, places and projects we shared with legislators in 2024. ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gzXx5efF #Illinois #Conservation #Policy

It's training season, and Civics for Environmentalists is back. 💪 Prepare to #ActOnClimate during the upcoming legislative session. Led by Jennifer Walling and David McEllis, you'll gain the best insider know-how and skills to advocate for all the environmental causes you care about. Our movement needs you. Are you in? ➡️ RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/dqPtbqsF Join us at ELPC's Chicago office or on Zoom Friday, January 24 12:00 PM-2:00 PM #Climate #Illinois #Policy #Webinar

"We’re setting up for a really big year for climate legislation," says Jennifer Walling. Advocates and supporters across Illinois are getting us there. With hundreds of Illinoisans rallying for climate action and the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition Platform, we demonstrated a desire for broad climate legislation in the spring. We're ready to electrify Illinois. #Illinois #ActOnClimate #ElectrifyIL ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dwf5dfj8

The clean energy future is here! Mayor Johnson's administration announced that all City-owned buildings—including O’Hare Airport, Midway Airport and Harold Washington Library—are now 100% sourced by renewable energy. IEC is pleased to see Chicago deliver on a promise sustained through three mayoral administrations. This is a major step forward in achieving the goals of the Chicago Climate Action Plan and reaffirms the City and advocates' commitment to building a sustainable, greener future. #Chicago #ClimateAction #CleanEnergy https://lnkd.in/gkditWMH

Did you miss Climate Day at the Capitol? Don't worry! You can use the links below to contact your legislators and urge them to #ActOnClimate! It’s time to pass the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition Platform and fight federal attempts to dismantle foundational environmental protections. #ElectrifyIL Take Action Here 📣: 🚌 The Clean & Equitable Transportation Act (CETA) is a comprehensive vision for a transformed transportation sector that electrifies transit and invests in sustainable, affordable, and equitable active modes of transportation. Send a note of support: https://lnkd.in/e7gXtsgF 🏢 The Clean and Healthy Buildings Act (CHBA) and other “clean buildings” policies will modernize the way we heat our buildings and power our appliances to make Illinoisans healthier and ensure we meet our climate goals. Ask your legislators to support: https://lnkd.in/enqTMRMM 🔋🔋 The Clean and Reliable Grid Act (CRGA) will prioritize clean energy solutions for our grid, improve transmission, & strengthen energy efficiency across the state. Urge your legislator to vote yes: https://lnkd.in/eYgg6kPD