CHICAGO. – State Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, is gearing up to co-lead with state Sen. Rob Martwick, D-Chicago, an upcoming Environmental Town Hall with the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) on Monday, Oct. 21 from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Austin-Irving Library, located at 6100 W. Irving Park.

“It is very clear that the tide is significantly changing on climate change, and we all must act now,” said LaPointe. “I’ve heard directly from constituents about their climate concerns which informed my decision to host a town hall as one of our first events. During the Environmental Town Hall, Senator Martwick and I plan to offer constituents relevant information about environmental issues in their region, as well as legislative updates on the new Clean Energy and Jobs Act.”

The town hall event will aim to address a variety of topics and issues within environmentalism and climate action. Guests who attend will get the opportunity to learn more about clean energy sources, saving money on their electric bill, and protecting natural resources in Illinois. For any constituents who would like to learn more, LaPointe can be reached through her email address at replapointe@gmail.com or her office number at (773)-647-1174. Guests interested in attending can RSVP at ilenviro.org/jeffpark.com. This event is free and open to the public. Parking will be made available and refreshments will be provided. 

“Illinois must pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act legislation now so our state can show the rest of the nation our commitment to environmental conservation, while simultaneously investing in green jobs and infrastructure,” said LaPointe. “It is not too late for any of us to find tangible, viable solutions for facing climate change head-on and there are social and economic benefits to being environmentally conscious.”

LaPointe represents the 19th District, which covers portions of Chicago’s Big Oaks, Dunning, Gladstone Park, Jefferson Park, Portage Park, Union Ridge and West Portage Park neighborhoods, and River Grove, Elmwood Park, Norridge and Harwood Heights.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – For his efforts to protect Illinois’ environment from the harmful effects of climate change, state Rep. Jonathan Carroll, D-Northbrook, earned a 100% voting record from the Illinois Environmental Council.

“Illinois’ environment is not going to take care of itself and I am proud to support policies that move the state to a greener economy,” said Carroll. “Illinois must enact the Clean Energy Jobs Act now to move away from hazardous fossil fuels, helping build a stronger state and economy not only for the middle class, but the environment.”

Carroll has continually championed environmental causes, including the passage of a bipartisan new law to create a statewide committee to improve efforts to reduce solid waste. Carroll also advocated for the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), introduced as House Bill 3624, which aims to increase the state’s renewable energy targets to run entirely on renewable resources by 2050. Through this process, CEJA will also ensure the transition to clean energy and a green economy is equitable throughout the state.

“At every opportunity, Rep. Carroll voted in the best interest of our environment, and because of their 100% voting record on these 22 key pieces of legislation, IEC considers Rep. Carroll an environmental leader in Springfield,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “We are honored by Rep. Carroll’s dedication to Illinois’ environment and we look forward to working together in the future.”

HILLSIDE, Ill. – In recognition of his strong record to protect the environment and combat climate change, state Rep. Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, received a perfect 100% rating from the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC).

“I am fully committed to taking action on climate change, fighting for clean air and water, and protecting our open spaces in my district and across our state,” said Welch. “I look forward to continuing to work with the IEC to combat climate change and ensure that our children can grow up in a clean and healthy planet.”

The IEC is a non-partisan, 44 year-old organization that promotes sound environmental laws and policies, provides a forum for environmentalists, and facilitates a statewide activist network. Each year, the IEC evaluates the voting record of each member of the General Assembly on legislation affecting the environment. The 2019 Environmental Scorecard includes 22 legislative measures.

“At every opportunity, Rep. Welch voted in the best interest of our environment, and because of their 100% voting record on these 22 key pieces of legislation, IEC considers Rep. Welch an environmental leader in Springfield,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “We are honored by Rep. Welch’s dedication to Illinois’ environment and we look forward to working together in the future.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) recently released its Environmental Scorecard honoring state Rep. Terra Costa Howard, D-Glen Ellyn, for her perfect voting record on legislation affecting the environment during the 2019 legislative session.

“In my first term as a state legislator, I have made it a priority to find effective ways to address climate change and safeguard the quality of Illinois’ air and water,” said Costa Howard. “I am proud to stand with the Illinois Environmental Council, and I will continue advocating for policies that will protect our environment, for ourselves and for future generations.”

As part of her 100% pro-environment voting record, Costa Howard passed legislation creating the Statewide Material Management Advisory Committee, which was signed into law last month. The Advisory Committee, which includes business owners and environmental advocates, will provide recommendations to reduce waste and expand recycling in a manner that will improve public health and environmental quality while encouraging economic development.

“As a small business owner, I understand that it’s on all of us to reduce waste and become more energy-efficient – before it is too late,” said Costa Howard. “I will continue working to create policies that encourage smart economic development while holding big corporations accountable for irresponsible practices that harm our environment and endanger the health of local families.”

The 2019 Environmental Scorecard took 22 legislative measures into consideration, including bills sponsored by Costa Howard to prevent coal ash pollution, expand wind energy production, and prohibit the manufacture and distribution of thermal paper receipts made with toxic bisphenol A (BPA).

“At every opportunity, Rep. Costa Howard voted in the best interest of our environment,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “Because of her 100% voting record on these 22 key pieces of legislation, IEC considers Rep. Costa Howard an environmental leader in Springfield. We are honored by Rep. Cosa Howard’s dedication to Illinois’ environment, and we look forward to working together in the future.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) has awarded state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, with a perfect score on the organization’s annual Environmental Scorecard.

“While Washington continues dismantling landmark environmental policies, I am proud to be part of an Illinois legislature that is prioritizing environmental protection and public health,” said Mason. “I would like to thank the Illinois Environmental Council for recognizing my commitment to our environment, and I look forward to maintaining my perfect record in 2020.”

Mason’s perfect score was calculated from an analysis of her voting record on 22 key environmental measures selected by the IEC. Mason is one of 50 Illinois lawmakers to receive the award.

“At every opportunity, Rep. Mason voted in the best interest of our environment, and because of her 100% voting record on these 22 key pieces of legislation, IEC considers Rep. Mason an environmental leader in Springfield,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “We are honored by Rep. Mason’s dedication to Illinois’ environment and we look forward to working together in the future.”

ROUND LAKE BEACH, Ill. – Due to his consistent environmental advocacy, state Rep. Sam Yingling, D-Grayslake, was awarded a perfect score on the Illinois Environmental Council’s (IEC) 2019 Environmental Scorecard. This is the fifth time since entering the General Assembly that the IEC has awarded Yingling a perfect score.

“Protecting our environment and leaving a clean world for our children is something that I constantly fight for in Springfield and at home,” Yingling said. “I’m grateful for the IEC’s work to push for legislation that will positively impact our communities. I look forward to continue working with organizations like the IEC to ensure Illinois is at the forefront of combating climate change.”

During the past legislative session, Yingling was a vocal advocate to environmental initiatives, leading the charge against the use of ethylene oxide (EtO) in Illinois, a toxic chemical that is linked to increased cancer rates in the communities where it is emitted, introducing legislation to ban the chemical. Yingling also voted to pass legislation that would prevent coal ash pollution, limit the use of toxic BPA in paper, and allow the state to regulate carbon emissions.

“At every opportunity, Rep. Yingling voted in the best interest of our environment, and because of his 100% voting record on 22 key pieces of legislation, IEC considers Rep. Yingling an environmental leader in Springfield,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “We are honored by Rep. Yingling’s dedication to Illinois’ environment and we look forward to working together in the future.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  – State Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago, received recognition as an environmental champion for her 100% pro-environment voting record from the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) for the 2019 legislative session.

“I’m proud to take bold action for environmental stewardship in order for Illinoisans to access clean air, clean energy and clean water,” Mah said. “In this historic legislative session, I supported critical measures to allow our state to regulate greenhouse gases, invest in clean water infrastructure and achieve 100% renewable energy standards.”

Mah, a member of the House Energy & Environment Committee, worked with the IEC and other environmental advocates in support of a variety of measures to develop sustainable environmental policies. Mah cosponsored House Bill 3624, the Clean Energy Jobs Act, to put Illinois on a path to 100% clean energy and provide economic development opportunities throughout the state. Mah also supported House Bill 3481, which repealed a measure that prevented the state from regulating greenhouse gases to combat climate change, and Senate Bill 2146, the Clean Water Workforce Pipeline Act, which creates funding for job-training programs in water infrastructure and promotes clean water infrastructure.

“At every opportunity, Rep. Mah voted in the best interest of our environment, and because of their 100% voting record on these 22 key pieces of legislation, IEC considers Rep. Mah an environmental leader in Springfield,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “We are honored by Rep. Mah’s dedication to Illinois’ environment and we look forward to working together in the future.”

Mah represents the 2nd District, which includes the Chicago neighborhoods of Back of the Yards, Bridgeport, Brighton Park, Chinatown, McKinley Park, and Pilsen.

CHICAGO – In recognition of his record supporting environmental causes, the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) has awarded state Rep. Jaime Andrade, D-Chicago, a 100% rating on their annual environmental scorecard. The rating is based on Andrade’s support for the IEC’s legislative goals.

“The Illinois Environmental Council does amazing work to protect the environment in our state, and I’m glad to support them 100% of the time,” said Andrade. “I look forward to working with the IEC in the future to continue defending our environment.”

Andrade supported several important pieces of IEC-backed legislation this year including House Bill 2076 to ban the carcinogenic chemical BPA from use in receipt paper, and Senate Bill 2146 to fund clean water jobs training programs for individuals in disadvantaged communities. With Andrade’s help, the IEC also defeated House Bill 2425, which would have dismantled Illinois’ endangered species act. Andrade is thankful to be receiving a 100% certification from the IEC.

“At every opportunity, Rep. Andrade voted in the best interest of our environment, and because of his 100% voting record on these 22 key pieces of legislation, IEC considers Rep. Andrade an environmental leader in Springfield,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “We are honored by Rep. Andrade’s dedication to Illinois’ environment and we look forward to working together in the future.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – For her continued efforts to create green jobs and protect the environment, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, was recently honored with a 100% rating from the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC).

“Earth is the only home we have, so it is critical that we reduce our impact and work to address global climate change. This must start in our own homes,” said Villa. “I am proud to be recognized for my work on environmental issues. While politicians in Washington refuse to take action, I will continue working to ensure Illinois is a leader on protecting the environment and promoting a green economy.”

During her time in the state legislature, Villa has continually championed environmental causes, including the passage of a bipartisan new law to create a statewide committee to improve efforts to reduce solid waste. Villa also advocated for the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), introduced as House Bill 3624, which aims to increase the state’s renewable energy targets to run entirely on renewable resources by 2050. Through this process, CEJA will also ensure the transition to clean energy and a green economy is equitable throughout the state.

“At every opportunity, Rep. Villa voted in the best interest of our environment, and because of their 100% voting record on these 22 key pieces of legislation, IEC considers Rep. Villa an environmental leader in Springfield,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “We are honored by Rep. Villa’s dedication to Illinois’ environment and we look forward to working together in the future.”

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) recently honored state Rep. Kelly Burke, D-Evergreen Park, with a “100 percent rating” for her efforts to stand up for Illinois’ environment and help create green energy jobs.

“We all have a duty to do our part in caring for our environment,” Burke said. “I am honored to receive a 100 percent rating by the Illinois Environmental Council and I will continue fighting to preserve the only home we have.”

Burke has championed environmental causes while serving in the Legislature. This year she helped pass several measures to protect our environment while also creating good-paying jobs. Burke supported legislation to make it easier for local governments to finance green projects, direct more resources towards stewardship activities, and eliminate red tape to encourage the development of green-energy resources.

“Representative Kelly Burke is a leader for the environment in Springfield.” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. She has voted 100 percent of the time with the environmental community on fourteen pieces of key legislation. The IEC is honored by Representative Burke’s dedication to Illinois’ environment and we look forward to working together in the future.”