On Endangered Species Day, weâre reminded that even the smallest creatures keep our ecosystems alive đŞť
đ The endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebee plays a vital role in pollinating Illinois wildflowers and crops like tomatoes, blueberries, and cranberries.
As prairie habitats disappear, protecting pollinators means protecting our food systems, wildlife, and future. With less than 0.01% of Illinoisâ original prairie remaining, every species we save helps keep our ecosystems thriving đž
đ¨ BAD NEWS: New federal SNAP rules are about to take food away from thousands of Illinoisans. You can thank the Trump admin and their allies in Congress.
Adults 18â64 without kids under 14 at home (ABAWDs) now face strict work rules and a 3âmonthsâinâ3âyears time limit. This will hit older adults, lowâwage workers, and unhoused neighbors the hardest.
SNAP supports 1.8M+ Illinoisans â when it falters, our entire food system feels it. Federal cuts under H.R.1 + the shutdown + new ABAWD rules = a perfect storm for hunger in Illinois.
đ¤ď¸ But Illinois has a path forward â SB1398, the Food Recovery & Diversion Bill, would help shield communities from federal instability by reducing waste, rescuing edible food, and strengthening local food systems.
When the federal government steps back, Illinois can step up. Support our work at the đinbio.
Landfills are one of the largest human-driven sources of methane in the world, and what we throw in our garbage cans is a major reason why. â¨â¨When we throw away things like food scraps, these organics rot in landfills under layers of trash and release methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas that warms our climate at an extreme rate. Composting stops these emissions at the source and creates nutrient-rich material that helps our soil.Â
Weâre working hard to tackle methane landfill emissions in Illinois! Join our DM channel for our updates to be the first to know when itâs time to take action on landfill policy!
â ď¸ Data centers currently have NO regulations in Illinoisâźď¸ Join us in Springfield on May 30 to urge lawmakers to passđĄthe POWER Act, which sets nation-leading guardrails on data center development!
âĄď¸ Can you join us?! Need a ride to Springfield? RSVP & grab a spot on a free bus from 15 different communities across the state at the đinbio!
đż This International Compost Awareness Week, weâre sharing how composting protects our planet.Â
HB 5425 would legalize Natural Organic Reduction (NOR), a safe, science-based âhuman compostingâ end-of-life planning option. Itâs a professional and safe process that transforms remains into soil, preventing one metric ton of CO2 emissions per person.
đ Contact your legislator now to advocate for someoneâs freedom to choose this dignified, sustainable green burial option at the đinbio.
đď¸ As Earth Month comes to a close, weâre celebrating the incredible diversity of our state, from the Giant City trails to the dunes of Illinois Beach.
While following the arrows to find your perfect match is fun, protecting these spaces requires long-term dedication. As we wrap up our Earth Month celebrations, we hope to have your help in meeting our $5,000 donation match đ
âŁď¸ Please consider making a gift to help us build the environmental power Illinois needs to pass the POWER Act and protect the vital wetlands that filter our water, reduce flood risk, and support our wildlife.
Send us some love at the đinbio đ
đ¨ The Farm Bill is moving to the U.S. House floor this week, and many organizations and advocates have raised serious concerns about the version passed out of committee. This bill, as drafted, fails to meet the needs of farmers, families, and communities across Illinois.
Illinois deserves a Farm Bill that supports small farmers, strengthens SNAP, expands conservation, and grows clean energy.
â ď¸ Tell your members of Congress we need a better bill NOW at the đinbio!
đż A powerful day of learning, action, and momentum at the Capitol đ
IEC brought scientists and wetlands advocates together with lawmakers to turn research into real action for Illinoisâ future. From sharing critical science inside the Capitol to an art build by @sparkstudiochi on the importance of our wetlands, our message was clear: these ecosystems are necessary.
Alongside partners in the Protect Illinois Waters Coalition, we delivered 12,000+ petitions directly to Governor J.B. Pritzkerâs officeâurging bold leadership to protect Illinois wetlands before itâs too late.
â ď¸ Take action now and tell your legislators to pass the Wetlands Protection Act at the đinbio!
@EnvironmentIL@NRDC_org@ELPCenter@Openlands@Prairie_Rivers@Shedd_Aquarium@Nature_Illinois@IllinoisPIRG
âď¸ HAPPY EARTH DAY đ BTW⌠Earth Day donations are being matched, and now is the perfect time to invest in our work. Your support will empower us to push for comprehensive wetlands protections, data center regulations, clean energy accessibility, and more that will safeguard communities and set up Illinoisâ future for success đ
Please consider making a gift to help us build the environmental power Illinois needs in this pivotal moment at the đinbio đ
Weâre hiring a Summer Federal Policy Fellow to support the expansion of our federal advocacy work!
âźď¸ The deadline to apply is this Friday, April 24.
âď¸ For more information and how to apply, visit the đ in bio.
đď¸ Please share with anyone who might be interested!
â´ď¸ Gov. JB Pritzker: âWhile Trump sells out our nationâs future, I wonât stop believing in the science and fighting for what Illinoisans need â affordable energy, clean air and water and good jobs.â
The rollback of climate protections by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under Donald Trump threatens to stall Illinoisâ clean energy progress by keeping polluting coal plants online and weakening limits on dangerous emissions.Â
In response, JB Pritzker and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency are urgently fighting back through state policy and lawsuits to protect public health and keep the transition to clean energy on track â¤ď¸âđŠš
đ° Gabriel Castilho and Medill Illinois News Bureau for @capitolnewsillinois : What does Trumpâs EPA reversal of landmark climate change ruling mean for Illinois?
