Illinois Environmental Council

Feeling curious about the future of environmental policy in Illinois? Come down to the Climate Action Museum in Chicago for our annual Member Meeting! On December 13, join us in person to establish our policy platform for 2025, elect board members, and review our 2025 legislative priorities! You'll also enjoy panel discussions on how Illinois is plugging into the IRA through the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant and observations from some of Illinois' top environmental and political reporters. Grab your spot! https://lnkd.in/gDfch_dQ

Today I had the pleasure of attending the unveiling of the first EV charging port funded from the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act here in #Illinois at the Inwood Athletic Club in Joliet. This is the first installment of high speed chargers every 50 miles on all IL highways - part of the $70M EV allocation in #CEJA. The installation was done with the Joliet Parks Department in partnership with Veterans Energy Team, a local and emerging veteran-owned business. One that will thrive with continued commitment to sustainable energy. This is what makes our state so great!! Investments like these support a clean energy future while also supporting job growth and important economic development that will keep our state and our country on the cutting edge of this fast growing sector. Thank you Illinois Environmental Council (and all of ICJC) for your advocacy for CEJA and thank you to our fearless leader Governor JB Pritzker for ensuring execution. Truly enjoyed attending the event with a few of my team members: Jennifer Walling, Dany Robles, and Maxine Touchette.

Hannah Dembosky recently joined IEC as our new Operations and Events Associate! She manages our Chicago office operations, and is excited to continue emphasizing our commitment to office sustainability. In her events capacity, she manages back-end logistics for IEC events. Hannah is excited that this role combines her dedication to the environment with her attention to detail and passion for planning. Hannah believes that environmental issues are some of the most pressing of our time, and that IEC’s strategy of combining grassroots power with large-scale advocacy efforts will bring the change we need to protect people and our planet. She states “uniting the power of all Illinois residents, while centering the voices of those most harmed by environmental issues, will allow us to achieve our environmental goals.” Welcome, Hannah!

Today is National Take a Hike Day! Our conservation and sustainable agriculture team encourages you to get out and explore trails in your community! At IEC, we love a good hike. In fact, we've taken dozens of decision-makers out into nature for informative tours. They get a first-hand look at the importance of conservation practices, soil health and nutrient pollution reduction. It's crucial they have an opportunity to get out of their office buildings and into the natural areas we need their help to protect. #Hike #Nature #Illinois ?? Clockwise from top: 1. IEC birdwatch with Sen. Doris Turner at Adams Wildlife Sanctuary 2. IEC with Rep. Mike Kelly at Miller Meadows 3. IEC team at Garden of the Gods 4. IEC with Rep. Bradley Fritts at Nachusa Grasslands

We'll always fight for the protection of critical natural areas, especially those designated as having high ecological value. In the face of development, it is more important than ever to support community-focused efforts to secure the future of these lands. Read Sergio Vargas' reflection of our recent trip to the newly protected Okàn Savanna in Pembroke Township: https://lnkd.in/gtcTiNy8

Today is America Recycles Day! ?? But here's an unsurprising truth: recycling alone isn't enough to combat climate change. While it's crucial for waste management and resource conservation, recycling has limitations. ?? Remember: Reduce and Reuse come before Recycle. Let's strive for a more sustainable future by rethinking our consumption habits and supporting systemic waste reduction changes! Take action to kick single-use plastic and waste in Illinois: https://lnkd.in/gag9JNKy

North Lawndale homeowner Tekuila eliminated her gas bill. How did she do it? She went all-electric and now lives with better air quality, a more comfortable home, and yes, no gas bill! Listen to her story. Tekuila worked with Elevate to make this transformation a reality. Elevate is working to convert the fossil fuel-powered appliances and heating equipment in 30 homes in the North Lawndale community of Chicago to all-electric technologies. #ElectrifyIL

Are you already wondering what a Trump presidency means for our environment in Illinois? IEC is bringing together experts to highlight the things you can do here at home to ensure Illinois remains a beacon of democracy and environmental progress. Get inspired: https://lnkd.in/ggKNCGHe

Let’s face it. The results of the presidential election are not what we had hoped. Progress on climate change and environmental protection will see setbacks across the nation. Here in Illinois, our mission to build power for people and the environment is unyielding. The fight for climate action is bigger than any one administration. Since our founding, we’ve built power in Illinois’ halls of government through effective legislative advocacy and education. IEC is committed to continuing that work. Together, we’ve rallied passionate coalitions that protect our air, water, and land. The voices and actions of each of us have positioned Illinois as a climate leader. We have fought to safeguard Illinois’ climate progress before, and we will continue to do so. Our community’s work is vital. A united environmental movement will ensure Illinois remains a beacon of democracy and environmental protection for generations.

You're invited! ?? In less than a month, the IEC Young Professionals Board will host its annual Holiday Party at Revolution Brewing! Join Illinois enviros for a night of great drinks, great people, and great inspiration as we connect to build power for llinois' people and environment. ??? Grab your tickets at an early-bird price! https://lnkd.in/dnY_t_9P #Networking #Environmentalism #YoungProfessionals #Holiday