Illinois EnviroBulletinApril 8, 2008
Global Warming, Lobby Day, 2008 Briefing Book, 2007 Scorecard, Legislation
NEW COALITION SAYS ILLINOIS CAN REDUCE GLOBAL WARMINGCleaner Cars Will Pave the Way
The Illinois Climate Action Network — Illinois CAN — a new broad-based coalition of environmental, conservation and faith organizations aimed at combating global warming, debuted April 1 with a Springfield press conference calling for clean cars legislation. The Illinois Clean Cars Act (HB 3424 / SB 2238) would significantly benefit both the environment and the health of the state’s residents.
For more information: www.illinoisclimateactionnetwork.org
Take action: http://illinoisactionproject.org/showalert.asp?aaid=915
CONCERNED CITIZENS FLOOD SPRINGFIELD TO FIGHT FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
In a show of force not seen in years, about 150 citizen lobbyists converged on the state’s capitol April 2 to speak to their legislators face-to-face about global warming and other environmental concerns. Organized by the IEC and member groups including Faith in Place, Sierra Club and Environment Illinois, Environment Day at the Capitol revived an old tradition and was a huge success.
For more: http://www.ilenviro.org/news/?item=95
IEC RELEASES 2008 BRIEFING BOOK AND 2007 SCORECARD
Recently IEC released Priorities for a Healthful Illinois: 2008 Illinois Environmental Briefing Book, laying out the top issues that must be addressed in the coming year if the state is to make a significant difference in the quality of life for its citizens. The 2007 Environmental Scorecard casts a view back over the past year to assess how Illinois legislators responded to the IEC’s previous Briefing Book recommendations, and holds legislators accountable by highlighting how they voted on key issues.
For more: http://www.ilenviro.org/news/?item=90
IEC PUSHES PRIORITIES; FIGHTS NEW NUKE PLANTS AND FUND RAIDS
IEC has been busy working on a number of bills ranging from global warming to mercury to e-waste to recreational liability. At the same time, we’ve been playing defense on a number of issues. The governor’s proposed budget cut general revenue funding to the Department of Natural resources by 38%, cuts open space and land acquisition funds by 40 – 60%. Just last week, a bill surfaced to give the governor virtually unlimited authority to raid dedicated funds, while another bill would lift the moratorium on building new nuclear plants in Illinois until there is a solution to the radioactive waste problem.
More on the DNR budget: http://www.ilenviro.org/news/?item=92
More legislative updates: http://www.ilenviro.org/legislation/updates.php
IEC Bill Tracker: http://www.ilenviro.org/legislation/billtracker.php
The Illinois EnviroBulletin is a publication of the Illinois Environmental Council and the Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund.
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Jonathan Goldman
Executive Director
Illinois Environmental Council
Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund
1608 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Suite 511
Chicago, IL 60647
Tel: (773) 252-5954
Fax: (773) 252-5953
Cell: (312) 388-7358
In Springfield:
107 West Cook Street, Suite E
Springfield, Illinois 62704
Tel: (217) 544-5954
Fax: (217) 544-5958