SPRINGFIELD – Every year, the Illinois Environmental Council – a 39-year-old organization that serves as the environmental community's voice before the Illinois state legislature – honors a select group of legislators who have taken firm steps to protect the environment. This year, state Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is one of the honorees.

"I really appreciate how much the Environmental Council does to protect and preserve our natural resources," Koehler said. "As Chair of the Agriculture Committee, I've been happy to work with the Environmental Council and other advocates to promote sustainable, environmentally sound agricultural practices."

In order to qualify as an Environmental Champion, legislators had to vote in support of eight pieces of legislation. Bills on the council's 2014 Environmental Scorecard include:

• New rules for farmers markets to support local farmers and local food, sponsored by Senator Koehler. (House Bill 5657)
• An authorization for the procurement of up to $30 million in solar power by the Illinois Power Agency. (House Bill 2427).
• -New protections for cougars, bears and wolves. (Senate Bill 3049)
• A ban on microbeads in personal care products to protect the Great Lakes – the first such ban in the world. (Senate Bill 2727).
• A study on urban flooding by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. (Senate Bill 2966)
• An expansion of the clean water initiative to fund loans for green stormwater infrastructure and pollution prevention projects. (Senate Bill 2780).

"Senator Dave Koehler voted 100% of the time with the environmental community on ten pieces of key legislation," said Illinois Environmental Council Executive Director Jen Walling. "The IEC is honored by Dave Koehler's dedication to Illinois' environment and we look forward to working together in the future."