Illinois
Illinois legislation could protect wetlands after federal regulation rollback
The Nature Conservancy Emiquon Preserve in central Illinois covers over 6,000 acres. It includes wetlands and provides important habitat for many species. Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco / WBEZ
Illinois lawmakers are hoping to pass protections for the state’s wetlands this spring. The companion bills are an effort to reinstate guardrails after a Supreme Court ruling last year decreased protections for wetlands across the nation.
What would the legislation do?
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources could require wetland developers to get permits beforehand and pay the state back for losses of environmental benefits.
Where are the wetlands in Illinois?
Illinois used to have 8.2 million acres of wetlands. But that was more than 200 years ago. Now, just 10% of those original wetlands remain.
Most of those wetlands are in the northeastern corner and southern tip of the state.
Why are wetlands important?
Wetlands do a lot for the environment – they can reduce flood risks, store carbon and help with water supply and quality. They also are important for biodiverse ecosystems.
GUEST: Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco, environment reporter for WBEZ and Grist