The Illinois EPA has been protecting our land, air, and water for 56 years! 🎉 Here’s to many more…as long as the Horseshoe versus Italian Beef debate doesn’t find us first… 🫣

Happy World Social Media Day! 🌎 Stay connected with Illinois EPA wherever you scroll. Follow us across our social media channels for environmental updates, tips, and more! 📱

July is Lakes Appreciation Month! Illinois is home to more than 2,900 lakes that provide wildlife habitat, recreation, and valuable water resources for communities across the state. Join us in celebrating these natural resources and help protect them for future generations. 🌎

🌤️ Did you know Illinois EPA has its own meteorologists? Our AQI Monitoring Team works behind the scenes to monitor weather conditions and air quality across Illinois, helping keep communities informed with AQI forecasts and Air Pollution Action Day alerts. 👇 Learn more.

Gov. Pritzker has signed HB 5070, an Illinois EPA‑initiated bill protecting Illinois from federal environmental rollbacks. It prevents weakened federal standards from being fast‑tracked in Illinois, helping keep our air, water, and public health protections strong. Read more here: bit.ly/4vtiR9a

The previously postponed Upper Mississippi River International Port District public meeting has been rescheduled as follows: Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. CT Upper Mississippi River International Port District Savanna Museum & Cultural Center 406 Main Street Savanna, IL

It’s International Women in Engineering Day! ⚙️ Today we celebrate the women engineers at Illinois EPA who help protect our air, land, and water. From improving water quality to supporting infrastructure projects across the state, their work helps build a better Illinois. 🌎

Today, we recognize Juneteenth, a day commemorating the end of slavery in the U.S. and honoring the resilience and contributions of Black Americans. Illinois EPA remains committed to protecting our environment, ensuring all communities have access to clean air, water, & land.

The Illinois Clean Ports Program – Planning Project is hosting community engagement meetings to introduce stakeholders and near-port communities to this planning project and provide an opportunity for the project team to gather feedback. Learn more at bit.ly/4uG03CB

Do you have toys that run on batteries? 🤠🔋 When those batteries are used up, don't throw them away. Recycle them instead to help recover valuable materials and keep them out of landfills. Find a battery recycling location near you: batterynetwork.org/locator/

If your community was impacted by recent storms or tornadoes, Illinois EPA has guidance to help you safely and properly dispose of debris while protecting public health and the environment. 🔗 Find disposal information and guidance here: epa.illinois.gov/topics/waste...

Overflow Action Alert! Heavy rain is expected in the Chicago area today. Reduce your use of water during and after the storm to help prevent flooding and protect water quality. Learn more at MWRD.org/OAD.

Join us in Taylorville, Wednesday, July 9, for the State of Illinois Career Fair! 🚗 📅 Wednesday, July 9 🕙 10AM–3PM 📍 VFW Taylorville, 515 N. West Avenue (behind Ace Hardware) 💼 Explore a variety of public service career opportunities and start your career with us!

ElectroKNICKS Recycling 🏀⚡ Last night's game had everyone talking. Now it's time to get those old phones, laptops, and other electronics off the bench. Instead of sending them to the landfill, give them one last assist by recycling them properly. ♻️ 🔗 epa.illinois.gov/topics/waste...

Overflow Action Alert Heavy rain is expected in the Chicago area today. Reduce your use of water during and after the storm to help prevent flooding and protect water quality. Learn more at MWRD.org/OAD.

What exactly is an ecobrick? An ecobrick is a plastic bottle filled with clean, dry, non-recyclable plastic waste, such as wrappers and plastic film. For many people, it's a hands-on way to see how much single-use plastic they use and start conversations about reducing waste. ♻️

♻️ Missed the Spring Household Hazardous Waste Collections? You can still safely dispose of unwanted items at long-term collection sites across Illinois. Find locations and more info here: bit.ly/HHWCollections

Happy World Environment Day! 🌍 Today is a reminder that protecting our environment starts with everyday actions and a shared commitment to a better future. Together, we can keep Illinois clean, healthy, and sustainable for generations to come. ♻️

Before you toss it, check Beyond the Bin! ♻️ Looking for a place to donate or reuse items? Illinois EPA’s interactive Beyond the Bin map now makes it easier to find reuse centers across Illinois. Find a location near you and help reduce waste. 🔗 bit.ly/IL-Beyondthe...

Join us and EnergySense on June 11 for a free training on the 2024 Illinois Energy Conservation Code. This session will cover changes from the 2021 IECC, including Illinois-specific amendments adopted into the state's current energy code. Register today: forms.illinois.edu/sec/1166045817

June is National Rivers Month! 🌎 Illinois EPA has sampled approximately 3,500 stream stations statewide to monitor water quality and help protect our rivers and streams for future generations. Learn more: epa.illinois.gov/topics/water...

🛢️ Carbondale area residents! Safely dispose of your HHW next weekend at the SIU Arena South Parking Lot, 8 AM to 3 PM. Collections are open to all Illinois residents. Pre-registration is required. Check accepted items & register here 👉 bit.ly/HHWCollections

🛢️ Lake in the Hills area residents! Safely dispose of your HHW next weekend at Marlowe Middle School, 8 AM to 3 PM. Collections are open to all Illinois residents. Pre-registration is required. Check accepted items & register here 👉 bit.ly/HHWCollections

Public comments play an important role in Agency decision-making. When a public comment period is open, individuals and stakeholders can share concerns, observations, and local perspectives that help inform Illinois EPA decisions. Learn more: epa.illinois.gov/topics/commu...

🟠 Chicago Area Air Pollution Action Day issued for May 27 due to elevated ground-level ozone levels. Air quality is expected to reach the “Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups” category. For more information: epa.illinois.gov/content/dam/...

Since 2017, the Illinois EPA Office of Energy has expanded its work supporting communities across Illinois. ⚡ Through grants, public partnerships, and inter-agency collaboration, the Office of Energy advances energy efficiency, resilience, & clean energy initiatives statewide.

It’s #FieldPhotoFriday! Ever wonder what a day looks like for our On-Scene Coordinators? From responding to environmental incidents to inspecting cleanup efforts, our Office of Emergency Response is ready to respond. This video highlights their work. 📽️ www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTeP...

Go paperless! Receive your next vehicle emissions test notice by email or text instead of by postcard. 🔗 Visit illinoisairteam.net/opt-in-for-t... for more info.

📰 Illinois EPA Issues Statement on Recent Federal Action on PFAS Illinois EPA remains committed to protecting Illinois communities from PFAS contamination and will continue implementing state drinking water standards and monitoring requirements. 🔗 epa.illinois.gov/content/dam/...

Looking for more information about Superfund sites in Illinois? Our updated Federal Sites webpage now features expanded details on CERCLA history, the cleanup process, community assistance, and FAQs. Visit: epa.illinois.gov/topics/clean...

The Illinois EPA has announced $600,000 available to help local governments collect and safely dispose of household sharps like needles, syringes, and lancets. 💉 Units of local government may be eligible for up to $35,000 in funding. For more info: epa.illinois.gov/content/dam/...

Illinois EPA was out at Camp Cilca this week with 6th graders from Grant Middle School! 💧 Students explored the world of aquatic macroinvertebrates and learned how these tiny creatures can help scientists understand water quality and the health of our ecosystems! 🔬

Our Surface Water Section Southern Monitoring Unit was at the Rend Lake Outdoors Celebration teaching students about water quality & how macroinvertebrates help us monitor stream & lake health. 🔬 Students observed live macroinvertebrates up close & even tried netting them!

Another incredible Earth Stewardship Day in the books! 🌎💚 Already counting down until next year!

⚡ Final days to apply for an Illinois EPA Electric Vehicle Rebate! 🚗 Illinois residents have until May 31, 2026, to apply for rebates on new or used electric vehicles through the Illinois EPA Electric Vehicle Rebate Program. Learn more here: epa.illinois.gov/topics/ceja/...

Please join us in congratulating Director Jennings on his official confirmation by the Illinois Senate! This milestone reflects the leadership guiding our mission to protect Illinois’ environment and communities. We look forward to continuing this important work together.

Public service often happens behind the scenes, but the impact is felt every day. 🌎💙 This Public Service Recognition Week, we’re celebrating those working to help keep Illinois’ air clean, water safe, and environment healthy for all. Thank you to all public servants!

🍎 It’s Teacher Appreciation Week, and we’re recognizing just a few educators who inspired, encouraged, and made a lasting impact on our staff throughout the years. Thank you to all the teachers who help shape future leaders, scientists, and environmental stewards every day! 💚

🛢️ DeKalb area residents! Safely dispose of your HHW next weekend at the DeKalb Municipal Airport, 8 AM to 3 PM. Collections are open to all Illinois residents. Pre-registration is required. Check accepted items & register here 👉 bit.ly/HHWCollections

Happy International Compost Awareness Week! Composting is a simple way to reduce waste, enrich soil, & build more sustainable habits. Looking to get started? Explore these sites for tips, guides, and educational materials. 🔗 epa.illinois.gov/topics/waste... 🔗 illinoiscomposts.org/icaw-host-to...

It’s Air Quality Awareness Week! 🌬️ We’re committed to protecting Illinois’ air so you can breathe easier every day. Use the @AIRNow website to track conditions and take steps to help improve the air around you. 🌎💙 🔗 www.airnow.gov 🔗 epa.illinois.gov/topics/air-q...

🌮 It’s Cinco de Mayo, so let’s talk TACO. Illinois EPA’s Tiered Approach to Corrective Action Objectives (TACO) program helps guide the cleanup of contaminated soil & groundwater across Illinois using site-specific, risk-based standards. 🌎 Learn more: epa.illinois.gov/topics/clean...

🌱🔬 We presented Environmental Excellence Awards to 4 students at the Illinois Junior Academy of Science State Exposition at SIU Carbondale! Their projects tackled pollution prevention, remediation, and innovative environmental solutions. 🌎👏 For more info: epa.illinois.gov/content/dam/...

Illinois EPA is proud to support Latino Unity Day in Springfield on May 8! Stop by the career fair and chat with Kathy and Carlos about career opportunities at Illinois EPA. They’ll be there to answer your questions and walk you through the application process.

🌎 Our Chicago staff celebrated Earth Month by stepping outside and helping clean up the community around our office. During a lunchtime cleanup challenge, staff worked together to pick up litter and make a positive impact, one bag at a time. 🗑️♻️

📰 Illinois EPA Refers Stony Island Reclamation Co. and J.L.W. Trucking, LLC d/b/a Whole Earth Compost to Attorney General’s Office for Enforcement Agency action taken following a fire at a compost facility. Learn more about the site: epa.illinois.gov/content/dam/...

Last week, our staff headed to Dixon Springs Agricultural Center for Stewardship Week! 🌿💧 Students learned how macroinvertebrates help determine the health of streams and lakes through hands-on activities, from examining inverts to trying to net their own. 🐛👏

Overflow Action Alert Heavy rain is expected in the Chicago area today. Reduce your use of water during and after the storm to help prevent flooding and protect water quality. Learn more at MWRD.org/OAD. Overflow Action Alerts are a joint initiative of the MWRD and Friends fo the Chicago River.

We had a great time at the annual Clean Water Celebration in Peoria! 💧 Students got a hands-on look at how we monitor water quality, using tools like a Secchi disk for water clarity, identifying macroinvertebrates as indicators, and measuring chlorophyll with a hand pump. 🔬🐛

A new issue of the Illinois EPA Impact Newsletter is out! 🌎 Learn more about PaintCare Illinois, the PWS Energy Efficiency Grant Program, a newly identified dragonfly, funding opportunities, and more. 📬 Sign up and read the April edition here: bit.ly/IllinoisEPAn...