Contact Your Illinois Senator Today to Oppose SB 771 “Illinois Wetland Initiative”
This week, IFCA asked our members to contact their Illinois state senator regarding SB 771. Proponents claim SB 771 intends to restore wetland protections that were in place prior to the US Supreme Court’s ruling on WOTUS last year (the Sackett Decision). Unfortunately, this legislation would far exceed what was in place pre-Sackett. The resulting regulatory, logistical, and financial challenges could prevent farmers and ag businesses from improving drainage, adopting conservation practices, and delay important farm operation decisions. With your calls the past few days, senators have heard from agricultural and business how bad this legislation is. The Senate has pushed a vote on SB 771 until next week. IFCA is still asking our membership to call their senators. Here is information if you call your senators:
Hello. My name is _____ and I work for __(company)_ with facilities in your district. As a constituent of Senator _______________, I am asking the Senator to oppose Senate Bill 771 regarding the “Illinois Wetlands Initiative”. It creates additional uncertainty and burdens for farmers and the ag input industry by creating additional unnecessary and complex state protections. Thank you for your time.
IFCA has put together a few additional talking points on SB 771:
- Allows anyone from any State to bring Private Right of Action on a landowner or project before the Illinois Pollution Control Board
- This bill will stall the State’s efforts of implementing green technologies and clean energy
- Requires landowners and companies to determine through a consultant if they need a permit from Illinois DNR prior to receiving a permit from the State Agency
- Regulates virtually any accumulation of water, regardless of size
- Imposes significant $10,000 per day penalties on an unknowing home/property owner.
- Enables IDNR to unilaterally set permit fees via Rulemaking
Click here to find your senators phone number and email address.
SB 771 passed out of a senate committee late Wednesday night. We ask that all IFCA members reach out to your senator and have them oppose SB 771 on the Senate floor. If you have any additional questions, do not hesitate to reach out to KJ at the IFCA office.