The federal EPA’s exit could compromise the canal’s restoration. Now the Illinois EPA is holding the bag and now they’re responsible, and it just means spending time and resources that have already been spent for something that the U.S. EPA should have continued to do.”
– @jenwalling.bsky.social

"...while simultaneously addressing the challenges of poor regional grid planning and energy-intensive data centers. The CRGA Act doubles the renewable energy investment we made in 2021 with CEJA while also investing in new programs that meet the urgency of the moment.”
— Jen Walling, IEC CEO (3/4)

I mean, Illinois has just been *killing* it, almost completely outside of the NY/CA media spotlight.

The state of Illinois’ environment in 2025 YouTube video by Illinois Public Media

We speak with an environmental reporter and advocates, including @jenwalling.bsky.social, about the state of the environment of Illinois in 2025, what needs to improve and what impacts from the federal government can we expect to trickle down to the state.
youtu.be/JvMvqJDiN8k

On Earth Day, EPA union workers decry cuts to clean air and water regulations Fifty-five years after the first Earth Day, Environmental Protection Agency employees and advocates call for help as the Trump administration rolls back environmental regulations and lays off hundreds...

“If we're not paying these workers and we're not paying in dollars, we're paying with people's organs, we're paying with children's health,” Walling said. “We're paying with lives.”

chicago.suntimes.com/environment/...

Foam foodware ban passes senate environment 7-2! Congrats to Senator Laura Fine. @ilenviro.bsky.social @alliancegreatlakes.bsky.social

This morning we passed SB1872, banning plastic bags in Illinois out of Senate Environment 7-2. We’ve been working on this bill for over a decade. @ilenviro.bsky.social @alliancegreatlakes.bsky.social

Next we prepped for SB1531, the foam foodware ban with Senator Laura Fine @qglpolicywonk.bsky.social @alliancegreatlakes.bsky.social @ilenviro.bsky.social

It’s been a very big morning so far in Springfield. At 8AM @gonggershowitz.bsky.social moved HB1600 requiring third party delivery apps to only provide utensils if you ask. @ilenviro.bsky.social @qglpolicywonk.bsky.social @alliancegreatlakes.bsky.social

Summary of the 2024 weather year in Illinois.

Our summary of the 2024 weather year in #Illinois is jam-packed! Last year was the 2nd warmest on record in Illinois and had the most tornadoes in our state, with drought and flood mixed in. #ilwx #climate

go.illinois.edu/scosummary

EPA warns of toxic forever chemicals in sewage sludge used on farmland, including thousands of acres near the Chicago area In northeast Illinois, more than 777,000 tons of sludge from Chicago and Cook County have been spread on farmland — in many cases near residential areas.

Update from me: More than 777K tons of PFAS-contaminated sludge from Chicago and Cook Co. have been spread on farmland during the past 8 years — in many cases near residential areas.

Only LA gave more sludge to farmers.

EPA confirms cancer risks for farmers and neighbors. Unclear about gen pop.

We loved the energy at Climate Day at the Capitol! This was the best kick off to what we’re declaring a year of climate action in IL. We advocated for the ICJC Platform—policies that will accelerate our climate progress. Together, we'll #ElectrifyIL to #ActOnClimate!