Protect vulnerable wetlands

Recent Supreme Court decisions stripped crucial clean water and habitat protections from Illinois’ wetlands, leaving them vulnerable to development and serving as dumping grounds for polluting industries. Without immediate action, we risk losing these vital ecosystems that:

Filter out pollution
prevent flooding
Support diverse plant and animal species like beaver, herons, foxes, and fish

Tell your state legislators to swiftly pass SB0771 and HB5386 and restore protections our wetlands urgently need. Your voice can safeguard Illinois’ waterways and preserve the beauty and critical community benefits of our wetlands.

Tell state lawmakers to restore critical clean water protections to Illinois’ wetlands!

Photos (clockwise from left) Sandhill cranes, Blue Dasher Dragonfly, American Beaver, and Spotted Salamander

Photos (clockwise from left): Ken Canning/Getty Images; Amaury Laporte, CC BY 4.0; Justin Meissen, CC BY-SA 4.0; Neal Herbert/NPS

Filter out pollution
Prevent flooding
Support diverse plant and animal species like beaver, herons, foxes, and fish

CTA

Your Message

Subject Protect Illinois’ Wetlands. Support SB0771 and HB5386

Dear Decision Maker,

Message Body

I am writing to express my strong support for Senate Bill 0771 and House Bill 5386, crucial legislation aimed at safeguarding Illinois’ waterways and wetlands. A recent Supreme Court decision overturned long-standing clean water protections and has put our state's wetlands and waterways at extreme risk.

With federal protections now removed, Illinois' waterways and wetlands face imminent threats from development, pollution, and the dumping of chemicals and sewage. It's estimated that Illinois has already lost 90% of the state's natural wetlands, so we must act to protect what remains.

Our wetlands not only are crucial ecosystems that support thousands of species, but they also provide enormous benefits to our communities and public health. Wetlands filter pollution, curb flooding, capture carbon in soils, and provide important habitat for fish and other aquatic life. Non-perennial streams directly affect the condition of downstream waters and feed the drinking water supplies of tens of millions of people. Damage to our waterways and wetlands will also lead to increased flooding, soil erosion, and drought, which would endanger people, communities and disrupt agriculture across our state.

Polling shows that nearly 80% of Illinoisans support protections for outdoor areas, including wetlands, prairies and forests. These areas are critical to popular outdoor activities that Illinoisans enjoy like hunting, fishing, cycling, and camping.

I urge you to support and pass SB0771 and HB5386 to reinstate the necessary safeguards for our wetlands and streams. These bills are vital in protecting our environment and communities from the adverse impacts of development and pollution from industry and mining.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I appreciate your commitment to the well-being of Illinois.

Your Information

Salutation *

First name *

Last name *

E-mail address *

Address *

Zip Code *

City *

State *

Phone

Get Text Message Alerts

By entering my mobile number and checking this box, I agree to receive urgent NRDC Action Fund Alerts. Message frequency varies. Text HELP to 61636 for help; text STOP to 61636 to end. Msg& data rates may apply. I understand that I’m not required to opt-in as condition for taking action or donating. By leaving this box unchecked, I will not be opted-in to SMS messages at this time. Read our Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions.

The NRDC Action Fund will contact you with ways to get involved in our urgent campaigns. By signing up, you affirm your membership in the NRDC Action Fund. The NRDC Action Fund is the 501(c)(4) affiliate of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).