Wetlands and Small Streams Protection Act moves out of committee

In a vote of 6-3 on March 5th, the Illinois Senate Judiciary committee moved the Wetlands and Small Streams Protection Act forward. This bill will set up a program for Illinois to fill the gap left by the 2023 Supreme Court decision which removed federal protections from wetlands and small streams.

Clean water is essential. 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. Those same streams and wetlands also provide essential habitat to wildlife including migratory birds stopping in Illinois while traveling the Mississippi flyway. Without federal protections of these waters, it is up to Illinois to step up and fill the gap.

Paul Botts, President and Executive Director of The Wetlands Initiative and David McEllis, Illinois Legislative Director at Environmental Law & Policy Center both testified in support of the bill on behalf of a coalition of environmental organizations that includes Environment Illinois. Over 1000 individuals and organizations also submitted witness slips in support of the bill.

But the bill still has steps to go before it can become law. Developers and other opponents will work to stall our momentum. It is going to take leadership from our legislators to ensure that Illinois makes 2024 the year that we protect our waters. You can share your support by sending a message to your legislators today.