Advancing Illinois Leadership on Great Lakes Protection

About this grant

Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund is a statewide umbrella organization that unites 60 local community and environmental groups throughout the state. Lake Michigan supplies nearly seven million residents with drinking water, and the state receives substantial economic benefit from the lake and suffers when it is not prioritized. Illinois faces threats to future supplies of safe drinking water, including threats from lead pipes and plumbing. The grantee will work with its member groups to: develop new leadership for Illinois on key Great Lakes agencies and institutions; work to protect Lake Michigan against an Asian carp invasion; encourage efficient water management practices and advance policies to require removal of lead service lines; and reduce plastic pollution in the Great Lakes.