A pair of bills under consideration by lawmakers in Springfield would strip the state of its authority to regulate endangered species that are protected at the federal level but that might require further protections within Illinois.

 

Farming advocates say the legislation would eliminate unnecessary permits, allowing landowners to focus on implementing conservation measures spelled out under federal guidelines for endangered species. But environmental advocates say the proposals would hurt Illinois’ ability to protect vulnerable species as the Trump administration chips away at the Endangered Species Act.

 

Under state law today, landowners must obtain approval from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources when their actions could result in harm to an endangered or threatened animal or plant species by, for example, farming previously untouched land. The process requires applicants to submit a conservation plan identifying steps they will take to mitigate damage to the species, such as restoring habitat or contributing research about the species.

 

Two bills under review in the state House and Senate would eliminate that requirement in cases where federal conservation agreements are already in place. In some cases, those agreements might not include protections specific to a species’ habitat or conditions within Illinois.

 

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