Advocates gather in Springfield to protect Illinois waters

Wetlands and small streams need protections in the wake of a recent Supreme Court ruling. Illinois can step up and fill the gap left by the federal government.

Staff | TPIN
Advocates and bill sponsors gathered in Springfield on March 5, 2024 to call for protections for Illinois waters.

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We can’t afford to lose the protection wetlands provide. Clean drinking water, flood protection and other wetland benefits are simply not negotiable – they are necessary for all of us. I’m proud to sponsor this legislation in the House this spring. Illinois State Representative Anna Moeller

Illinois waters need protections

Development and human activities threaten our waters. Since 1818 Illinois has lost nearly 90% of its wetland acres. And in the wake of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, wetlands and more than half of Illinois’ small streams have been left unprotected by the federal government. A group of Illinoisans have a plan for the state to fill that gap.

On Tuesday, March 5, 2024 environmental and community advocates gathered in Springfield to announce new legislation to reinstate vital protections for Illinois waters. Environment Illinois joined the bill sponsors Sen. Laura Ellman and Rep. Anna Moeller and partners from The Wetlands Initiative, Illinois Environmental Council, Prairie Rivers Network, Environmental Law & Policy Center and many others to rally support for action. Wetlands act as nature’s sponges, providing important flood control, preserving endangered habitats, and protecting clean drinking water. It is critical that we protect them.

These state-level protections are absolutely necessary to safeguard our waterways and wetlands as they play a critical role in the health and wellbeing of all Illinois communities, and doing so also happens to be incredibly popular in Illinois. Illinois State Senator Laura Ellman

“We know how slowly things move in Washington, so Illinois can’t afford to wait for the wheels to turn in Congress,” said Paul Botts, president and executive director of The Wetlands Initiative. “The Supreme Court placed the question of wetlands protections squarely within the jurisdiction of the states, and this bill simply allows Illinois to step up and fill the gap in protections created by the Court.”

Photo by Silas Gilklay/Prairie Rivers Network | Used by permission

Photo by Staff | TPIN

“We must protect our wetlands, which help filter and purify our water, in turn protecting us from pollutants and contaminants making their way into our water supply,” said Dr. Rebecca Vortman, Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing. “Legislation designed to restore protection to Illinois’ wetlands is good legislation for the right reason– to ensure that water remains a source of life, not sickness.”

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“As a first-time homeowner in 2016, I’ve had my possessions destroyed by a 100-year flood, and sadly, with climate change, many of our neighbors throughout Illinois have their belongings flooded annually, uprooting their lives," said Celeste Flores, political director with Mano a Mano and co-chair Clean Power Lake County.”Our state legislators must step up now that the Supreme Court has failed Illinoisans. We have the solution and must act in this legislative session."

Photo by staff | TPIN

Photo by Silas Gilklay/Prairie Rivers Network | Used by permission

"I’ve hunted, fished and gone on numerous bird-watching explorations in Illinois wetlands, which include marshes, swamps, bogs and fens, that are critical for migratory birds and wildlife because of their location within the Mississippi River Flyway," said Eliha Perez an Illinois outdoorsman and naturalist. "The outdoor economy in Illinois supports thousands and thousands of jobs and has an economic impact worth billions of dollars."

Photo by Silas Gilklay/Prairie Rivers Network | Used by permission

"We owe it to ourselves, the nearby communities, and future generations to do something about this growing flooding problem," said Jess Whiston, the owner and operator of Terripin Farms in Quincy, Illinois who experience flooding firsthand. "From where I’m standing, this is one of those times where the smart thing to do and the right to do are one in the same. Passing the “Wetlands and Small Stream Protection Act” is simply a no-brainer."

Photo by Silas Gilklay/Prairie Rivers Network | Used by permission

Illinois Sen. Laura Ellman and Rep. Anna Moeller after announcing the newly introduced Wetlands and Small Streams Protection Act on March 5, 2024.

Photo by Staff | TPIN

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Policymakers need to hear from you

The Wetlands and Small Streams Protection Act is an opportunity for Illinois to protect clean water not just for the Prairie State, but for the Great Lakes region. For the sake of our water and our wildlife, our legislators should pass this bill.

Watch the full March 5, 2024 Springfield event:

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Emily Kowalski

Outreach & Engagement Manager, Environment Illinois

Emily manages the marketing and public engagement strategy for Environment Illinois's campaigns, including our campaign to protect the Great Lakes from plastic pollution. Emily lives in Chicago where she enjoys knitting and biking.

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