Hannah Flath, Director of Communications & Campaigns at Illinois Environmental Council, is interviewed by One Earth's Josh Bynum ahead of November 2026 Lobby Days in Springfield IL
By Joshua Bynum
As environmental protections face growing challenges at the federal level, state and local advocacy has become more important than ever. For the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), that means bringing communities together, meeting directly with lawmakers, and pushing for policies that protect Illinois residents and the environment.
On Monday, 10/26/2026, I interviewed Hannah Flath about IEC’s upcoming Lobby Day, what her vision of environmental advocacy looks like, and more. Hannah Flath, who has been involved with IEC since 20240, is preparing for her sixth year of helping advocates make their voices heard in the Illinois State Capitol. From regulating the growing impact of data centers to protecting the state’s remaining wetlands, IEC works to keep environmental concerns a priority for legislators.
But for Hannah, environmental advocacy is about more than passing legislation. It is also about building stronger communities, recognizing Illinois’ industrial history, and ensuring that the transition to a cleaner future does not leave anyone behind.
Josh: For anyone who hasn’t heard of IEC Lobby Days, can you explain what they are and what a typical day looks like?
Hannah: Lobby Day is when we go out to the legislators, share our concerns, and call for action on environmental issues. Much of the day’s planning happens behind the scenes. IEC and their partners in the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition coordinate transportation when possible, schedule meetings with lawmakers, and prepare participants with talking points so they feel confident speaking about the issues that matter to them. This year, approximately 16 buses are expected to bring advocates to the Capitol from communities across the state. Throughout the day, participants meet with legislators to discuss environmental priorities and explain how proposed policies affect their communities. A midday rally features special speakers, including advocates and people directly affected by environmental issues. The rally also offers an opportunity to draw media attention to the concerns facing Illinois residents.
Josh: What environmental issues are you most focused on getting legislators to take action on right now?
Hannah: IEC Lobby Day this year is focused on the POWER Act, which aims to address the growing impacts of data centers. As these facilities expand, their demands on electricity and other resources have raised concerns about costs and the effects on surrounding communities.
Beyond Lobby Day, IEC is also working on improving wetland legislation as federal protections for waterways have narrowed.
Illinois has already lost at least 90% of its original wetlands, making the protection of those that remain especially urgent. Wetlands provide important ecological benefits, including wildlife habitat, water filtration, and flood protection. Losing more of these areas could have lasting consequences for communities and ecosystems across the state.
Josh: What’s something you wish more people in Illinois knew about how state legislators can influence environmental issues?
Hannah: In light of everything on the federal level, state and local action matters more than ever. We want to advocate for our environment, and by doing that, we are trying to safeguard ourselves from Trump’s White House. We need to do what we can to shield ourselves from that. While other states are scrambling to respond at the federal level, Illinois is different because we have so many environmental champions.
Josh: Earlier you referred to Illinois as unique when it comes to environmental advocacy. Can you explain what you mean by that?
Hannah: What impresses me is that we can be both proactive and reactive. We don’t always get it perfect, but without our advocacy, things would be very different. We have such pride and history as a former coal state, and we have learned to talk about environmental issues and bring people into those conversations. It was tricky, but we are a labor state, a coal state, and rural Illinois is very proud of their coal history, and instead of saying those jobs in that industry are bad we must make an effort to recognize where we came from and say that we can move forward while not leaving anyone behind.
Josh: What would you say to someone who feels nervous about getting involved in politics or thinks their voice won’t make a difference?
Hannah: I would say your lawmakers work for you. They have to take your voice into consideration if they’re going to do their jobs right. The issue that we face is that we are stuck in a bystander effect – individuals think their one voice won’t make a difference, and so they don’t speak up, but if everyone thinks that, then no one is speaking up. I think that is problematic because we give so much power to companies who do not have our interests at heart. We have to use our voices. We do not have a billion dollars and I have no connections to Elon Musk or Mark Zuckerberg. But I do have my community, my family, and my friends, and we can all use our voices and demand that our government do and be better.
Josh: A follow-up to that. Please elaborate what you mean by we are in a bystander effect? Would you say that we are in a time of political apathy? If so, and why?
Hannah: I wouldn’t say apathy; I would lean more toward political overwhelm. People are overwhelmed with the amount of gunk going on. It can be hard to keep up/ know what to fight when you feel you are drowning politically. We are playing political whack-a-mole with so many different issues at the same time. We would like to see movements be better at bringing ordinary people in vs. pushing against one another.
Josh: When you think about the work IEC is doing, what would progress on environmental issues in Illinois look like to you? What does an IL Utopia look like to you?
Hannah: I would like to see stronger partnerships between the environmental movement and labor movement. We need to work with labor to see how we can transition to clean energy in a way that brings those workers with us and to not leave anyone behind.
Josh: On a much lighter note. Since we are a film festival, I always like to ask a simple question to those I talk with, and that is: What is your favorite movie? TO be clear, it DOES NOT have to be an environmental film.
Hannah: Please don’t laugh, but my favorite movie is Ratatouille. To me, it is a perfect film, one that stands the test of time because of its celebration of food and the power of community.
Josh: Funny enough, that is my wife’s favorite movie, so trust me when I say I have absolutely no intention of making fun of your choice.
Ultimately, Hannah’s and IEC’s vision for Illinois is one where environmental progress and community well-being go hand in hand. Whether it’s protecting wetlands, holding data centers accountable, or creating clean energy jobs, lasting change depends on people working together and making their voices heard. Through IEC Lobby Days and continued community advocacy, Illinois residents have had an opportunity to shape policies that protect both people and the planet.
Be sure to support Hannah, IEC, and all of our statewide environmental resiliency on Nov 18th!
