The 104th Illinois General Assembly adjourned on May 30, 2026, with a few environmental wins and other environmental legislation waiting to be considered in future sessions. This session presented challenges beyond just those of an election year. The two chambers had a shorter combined session than usual. Revenue estimates were low in 2026, debates related to the Chicago Bears took up time, and the General Assembly had just passed the Northern Illinois Transportation Authority (NITA) Act in the Fall 2025 veto session, providing a sense of accomplishment before 2026 began. This article is informed by reports from the Illinois Environmental Council.
Notable Bills that PASSED in 2026:
Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act Trailer Bill (HB 1700): Makes improvements to the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act original bill passed in the Fall 2025 veto session, strengthening battery storage incentives, providing funding for the Illinois Solar for All program, and clarifying energy efficiency provisions. The original passage of CRGA was an important milestone, and efforts to improve it to ensure it meets its intended purpose are a good sign.
Northern Illinois Transit Authority Act (HB 2335): Clarifies some original NITA provisions to ensure effective implementation of NITA this year.
Micromobility Safety (SB 3484): Updates Secretary of State language to establish a new classification for e-bikes, e-scooters, and electric skateboards, all of which were previously unregulated. This legislation was discussed by our panelists from the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) at the annual meeting this year!
Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act (HB 4418): Defines pre-production plastic pellets as a pollutant and directs the Illinois EPA to develop stormwater controls targeting them.
Environmental Justice Air Permitting (SB 3772): Ensures accurate identification of Environmental Justice communities and accounting of the cumulative impacts of multiple pollutants on these communities in the project permitting process.
Notable Bills that DID NOT PASS but are expected to be considered in future sessions:
Protecting Our Water, Energy, and Ratepayers (POWER) Act: Majority Leader Robyn Gabel, State Representative from Evanston, is a co-sponsor of this bill. If passed, it would require data centers to fully fund their energy and water needs using new, clean resources to minimize detrimental impacts on our environment. The LWVE advocated for passage of this bill with letters sent to House Majority Leader Gabel, Senator Fine, and Representative Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz.
Wetlands Protection (SB2401/HB3596): The Supreme Court’s 2023 Sackett vs. EPA decision dramatically weakened the Clean Water Act by narrowing the definition of Waters of the US, endangering Illinois’ few remaining wetlands. Further work on the bill may take place during the fall veto session. The LWVE advocated for passage of this bill with letters to Governor Pritzker and the state representatives and senators representing LWVE’s districts. The LWV of Illinois, Upper Mississippi River Region LWV, and Lake Michigan Region LWV (all of which we belong to) also actively support this bill.
Balcony/Plug-In Solar (HB 4524/SB 3104): This bill would allow homeowners and renters to bypass the same lengthy approval process as utilities to install plug-in movable solar panels that connect a standard outlet, offsetting electricity use. Plug-in solar panels would also be exempt from restrictions by local governments and homeowners’ associations.
Polystyrene Foam Foodware Ban (SB1531): This bill would phase out the distribution of all foam foodware beginning in 2030.
Eliminating PFAS From Pesticides (SB3400/HB4523): PFAS contamination from pesticides presents threats to the environment and human health. This legislation would require disclosure of PFAS content in pesticides, prohibit the use of intentionally added PFAS, and establish a ban on PFAS-containing sprays beginning in 2030.
“Skip the Stuff” (HB1600/SB1194): Third-party restaurant delivery and online food ordering apps would be required to ask customers if they want single-use plastic utensils and only provide them if requested.
We’ll be following, and possibly advocating for, these environment-related bills in upcoming General Assembly sessions.