Ellman advances plan to restore wetlands protections

SPRINGFIELD – To restore previous protections for Illinois’ wetlands, State Senator Laura Ellman is sponsoring legislation to safeguard small streams and wetlands that are no longer covered by the U.S. Clean Water Act.

“Illinois waterways and wetlands are left more threatened than ever and need protection to ensure we have safe drinking water, flood mitigation and healthy communities,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This legislation fills the need to create a long-term program to protect our state waters that are now excluded from the Clean Water Act.”

Senate Bill 3669 would create the Wetlands and Small Streams Protection Act to restore protections to wetlands and small streams under state-level regulations from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

A 2023 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA weakened protections for small streams and wetlands under the U.S. Clean Water Act. According to IDNR, Illinois has lost 90% of its wetlands. There is a growing recognition of the value wetlands provide, as they absorb heavy rainfalls and reduce local flooding, then slowly release and filter that water. Wetlands are also home to fish, birds and other wildlife, which offers environmental and recreational benefits around the state. Currently, Illinois lacks a comprehensive program to safeguard these wetlands and streams that are no longer federally protected. Ellman’s measure will restore protections for these valuable water resources.

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Ellman addresses need for wetlands protections after U.S. Supreme Court decision

SPRINGFIELD – On Tuesday, Illinois State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) and State Representative Anna Moeller (D-Elgin) joined forces with community advocates to announce the “Wetlands and Small Stream Protection Act” – new legislation protecting Illinois waters in the wake of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that rolled back crucial federal safeguards in the Clean Water Act.

Illinois law does not currently include a comprehensive program to safeguard waters and wetlands that are now no longer federally protected, leaving the few remaining Illinois wetlands vulnerable to development. In their May 2023 Sackett v. EPA decision, the Court left protections up to the states, prompting Sen. Ellman and Rep. Moeller to introduce SB3669 and HB5386.

“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,” said Illinois Sen. Laura Ellman. “Nearly 80 percent of Illinoisans support protections for outdoor areas, including wetlands, prairies, and forests. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this important legislation in the coming months.”

Read more: Ellman addresses need for wetlands protections after U.S. Supreme Court decision

Ellman measure expands funding to provide students free meals

SPRINGFIELD – To ensure all students receive access to school meals, State Senator Laura Ellman introduced legislation that will invest in the Healthy School Meals for All Program.

“All students need balanced meals to nourish their learning capabilities and improve their overall mental performance throughout the school day,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This vital investment strengthens a program that allows students to focus on their studies rather than if their family can afford their next meal.”

Senate Bill 3247 would invest $209 million in the State Board of Education for expenses related to the Healthy School Meals for All Program.

Under current law, the State Board of Education is required to establish and maintain this program by distributing funds appropriated for this program to participating school boards. Through this program, all students enrolled in the schools will receive free breakfast and lunch.

“Students have more opportunities to succeed when their most essential needs are met first,” said Ellman. “I will continue to support our schools and uplift them in the effort to serve Illinois students as they, in turn, lead us into the next generation.”

Senate Bill 3247 awaits discussion in the spring legislative session.

New Ellman law protects Illinois renters from radon

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois renters will be further protected from radon thanks to a new law championed by State Senator Laura Ellman that took effect Jan. 1.

“This law builds on protections for Illinois renters by establishing safety practices and reinforcing their rights in order to feel secure,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Preemptive measures against radon exposure are necessary to decrease the onset of its harmful effects, including radon-related lung cancer.”

Radon is a naturally occurring element, but it is not immediately produced or detectable. House Bill 2217 establishes a timeframe for tenants to terminate their lease should the dwelling unit exceed radon limits. Moreover, landlords are required to provide tenants with a disclosure form and related documents to inform them of the risks of radon and their legal rights. The new law enhances renter protection by providing a tenant 90 days to conduct their own radon test of the dwelling unit and the right to evenly split any mitigation costs with consent from the lessor.

“Renters now have the option to perform their own radon tests in the event their residence exceeds radon limits,” said Ellman. “With early detection, Illinois renters can seek mitigations that will safeguard their homes.”

House Bill 2217 took effect Jan. 1.