Illinois Environmental Council

Still feeling the energy from a busy legislative session? You're not alone! Our movement’s biggest celebration of environmental policy, strong advocates, and the decision-makers who helped the environment win big begins Oct. 4 at 5:30 PM at the Hilton Chicago! 🦋 Get your #IECDinner tickets before they’re gone! ilenviro.org/dinner #Illinois #Climate #Policy #Conservation #CleanEnergy #CleanAir #CleanWater

I'm very proud that Chelsea Biggs recently launched IEC's first business council. We are bringing together environmentally conscious businesses to advise us on policies to ensure that sustainability practices thrive. This work will ensure that we are connecting environmental advocacy and equitable workforce development to economic development. Excited to work closely with new partners to grow our collective power! If you are with a business that might be interested, apply here! https://lnkd.in/git9-66t

It seems like everyone is talking about clean energy and its role in combating the climate crisis. If your decision-maker listened to the voices of Illinoisans fighting for the equitable transition to clean energy, celebrate your #GreenChampion! Use the tool linked here to send them a message thanking them for using their power to protect Illinois, its people and its natural resources with their votes. #IECScorecard ✍️ : https://lnkd.in/gGjt83Yb #Illinois #ClimateAction #CleanEnergy

Our team at IEC is thrilled to announce that Illinois’ most comprehensive tool to hold your decision-makers accountable for their votes on the environment is OUT NOW! In one glance, you’ll be able to tell if your elected officials in the state Senate and House used their power to protect the environment or sided with polluters. #IECScorecard Use this link to get your Scorecard sent right to your inbox! https://lnkd.in/dbqV5wN6 #Illinois #GreenChampion #Policy #ClimateAction

Yesterday, we joined Rep. Sean Casten, The Honorable Ali Zaidi, City of Chicago Chief Sustainability Officer Angela Tovar, League of Conservation Voters, Elevate, BlocPower, and electrified homeowner Ms. McGee to highlight how Illinois is leading the way on climate policy! "Thanks to the leadership of the Biden-Harris administration, Governor Pritzker, Mayor Johnson, and the countless advocates who call Illinois home, Illinois is a blueprint for clean energy progress nationwide," said our Executive Director Jen Walling. Following the press conference, we headed to North Lawndale to tour the home of Ms. McGee, who recently transitioned her appliances and heating and cooling systems to all-electric technologies that are better for our health, pocketbooks, and the planet. This is the IRA in action! #DNC2024 #CEJAworks #IRAworks

Hannah Lee Flath joined IEC in May 2024 as our Climate Communications Manager, a role in which she's been building and implementing communications plans focused on energy, transportation, and climate issues on the local, state, and federal level that help swing the pendulum increasingly in favor of clean energy and environmental justice. She is excited to have the opportunity to do the things she loves most–tell stories, work alongside movement partners across the state, and take action to protect our shared planet. She states, “we’re tackling massive challenges, but I have immense hope for our future because I believe that the world we’re fighting for already exists.” Hannah is motivated to fight for that world alongside colleagues and affiliates at IEC. Welcome, Hannah! #PowerUpIEC

In the summer of 1908, Springfield, Illinois witnessed a tragic racial conflict. This incident had profound implications for civil rights in America. The violence, ignited by accusations against two Black men, led to the destruction of homes and businesses in the Black community, and resulted in deaths and injuries. The response to the Springfield Race Massacre of 1908 spurred the creation of the NAACP in 1909, aimed at addressing racial injustices. Remembering and understanding this dark chapter in history is crucial for fostering racial equity and justice in the present, including environmental justice. We applaud the Biden-Harris administration for designating the site of the 1908 Springfield Race Riot as a National Monument, and commend our partners at the Springfield branch of the NAACP, Sierra Club Illinois Chapter, Faith Coalition for the Common Good, and countless local activists for their work to advocate for this designation. Read on: https://lnkd.in/gxQeaCXQ

Today, we’re celebrating the two-year anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act with a new video featuring our very own Energy Policy Director Samira Hanessian, the League of Conservation Voters, our friends at Hispanic American Construction Industry Association (HACIA), and climate champ Senator David Koehler! This landmark legislation, championed by the Biden-Harris administration, is the largest investment in clean energy in the history of the U.S. Illinois’ own Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which became law in 2021, proved to be a nation-leading policy that ensured Illinois was positioned to quickly bring the IRA’s huge clean energy investments to our state. “As we celebrate the anniversary of the Inflation Reduction Act, it’s clear that the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act and the Illinois Climate Bank have been pivotal for Illinois, helping us secure substantial federal funding and pushing our efforts in clean energy and job growth forward,” says Samira. With both climate policies at work, we are rapidly and equitably transitioning to clean energy, creating good-paying clean energy jobs and saving consumers money. #CEJAworks #IRAworks #Illinois #ClimateAction #Policy  https://lnkd.in/gPNjm3ty

Osita Achufusi joined IEC as a Clean Energy Intern. He analyzed clean energy data in Illinois with the goal of informing IEC’s Legislative Power Analysis and policy agenda for 2025. He enjoyed the opportunity to collaborate with so many inspiring minds at IEC and is so grateful for the chance to dive into energy policy and learn more about the ways we can all contribute to a net zero future for Illinois. Osita is majoring in Environment & Sustainability at Cornell University, graduating in 2025. He intends to work in a space where he can contribute to developing equitable upstream solutions to interdisciplinary environmental issues, such as working in climate change mitigation or environmental justice. He states, “we have a responsibility to take care of our natural environment and resources. Improving this relationship will not only create environmental benefits, but social and economic ones as well for everyone involved.” Thank you for bringing your enthusiasm for environmental policy work to IEC! #PowerUpIEC

Sofia Caracci joined IEC as our Transportation Policy Intern. Throughout her time in this position, she collected research to help further the development of equitable transportation policy within Chicago and the state of Illinois as a whole. She collaborated with community members to address where systems are currently lacking, and to approach issues in a way that works toward long-lasting change. Sofia graduated in 2021 as a Mellon Scholar with a concentration in Food Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Prior to this, the majority of her work has focused on food systems and sustainable agriculture. Having the opportunity to apply her knowledge of sustainability to a field she’s less familiar with is exciting for her to learn more about policy in both a local and regional context. She states, “While it can be easy to get overwhelmed, we cannot let perfection be the enemy of progress. Between monopolized sectors in agriculture, medicine, water, energy, and much more, it often feels as if autonomy is an illusion. Empowering communities and people is the only real way to build a holistic and equitable future.” Thank you for helping us envision an equitable future for transportation in Illinois rooted in collaboration and community! #PowerUpIEC