Illinois joins national freshwater challenge

The White House launched a new “America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge” on Tuesday encouraging states, cities, tribes and non-profit organizations to protect waterways left at risk by last year’s U.S. Supreme Court ruling that left a gap in federal clean water protections. This new initiative is aimed at protecting 8 million acres of wetlands and 100,000 miles of rivers and streams by 2030– and Illinois is rising to the challenge.

We know that clean water is essential for a healthy environment. Millions of Illinoisans rely on Lake Michigan for clean drinking water, but our Great Lake is only as clean and healthy as the streams and wetlands that feed it and filter pollutants. Wetlands are the kidneys of our ecosystem, filtering out pollution that can threaten the health of swimmers, wildlife and our drinking water. 

By launching a partnership with clear goals to protect wetlands, rivers and streams, President Biden is restoring a vital part of what we all know and love as “America the Beautiful.” We’re glad to see Illinois among the inaugural members.