The Illinois General Assembly Environmental Caucus, formed in 2006, has grown in both membership — now with a total of 42 members — and activities. Presenting an opportunity to increase awareness of key environmental issues, the bicameral, bipartisan caucus has become an excellent vehicle for environmental advocates to work closely with like-minded legislators.

Members of the caucus met with advocates at the beginning of the 2007 legislative session to share ideas for legislation and to prioritize issues and bills, and the caucus has held several meetings during session about issues such as open space protection and climate change.

The Illinois Environmental Council helps staff the caucus and sends the Bill Tracker information to its members, letting legislators know the IEC's position on all the bills that the we monitor and their status in the legislative process. Because to date the caucus hasn't required a formal position on bills from its members, environmental groups should look at each legislator's voting record to determine support.