SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Environmental Council recognized State Sen. Linda Holmes as one of the General Assembly’s staunchest advocates for the environment in an announcement Thursday.

“Linda Holmes is a leader for the environment in Springfield,” said IEC Executive Director Jen Walling. “Senator Linda Holmes voted 100% of the time with the environmental community on seven pieces of key legislation. The IEC is honored by Linda Holmes’s dedication to Illinois’ environment and we look forward to working together in the future.”

In addition to sponsoring legislation that would have banned ivory sales in Illinois, Holmes also supported legislation to combat invasive plant species, protect an underground water source that feeds 15 Illinois counties and encourage better recycling of electronics by lowering local governments’ expenses in such efforts. Holmes also opposed legislation allowing the hunting of bobcats in Illinois.

“I appreciate the Illinois Environmental Council’s thanks, but I am even more thankful for their continued dedication to preserving the natural beauty and quality of life in our state for future generations,” Holmes said. “Being good stewards of the environment is a duty we cannot afford to ignore.”