HR0547 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0547 LRB103 35795 MST 65879 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Wetlands, including marshes, swamps, and bogs, play a critical role in reducing flooding, recharging groundwater supplies, and filtering pollutants and nutrients; and

WHEREAS, Illinois contains hundreds of ecologically significant wetlands that provide habitat for a rich array of wildlife, including endangered species, and that are critical for migratory waterfowl and shorebirds due to their location within the Mississippi Flyway; and

WHEREAS, Since 1972, the Clean Water Act has played an essential role in protecting aquatic environments from pollution and maintaining their role in providing drinking water, recreation, and wildlife habitats; and

WHEREAS, In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court dramatically weakened the Clean Water Act in its ruling in the Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency case; and

WHEREAS, Sackett concluded that the Clean Water Act does not protect wetlands that do not have a continuous surface connection to a federally protected body of water; and

WHEREAS, Illinois has lost 90% of its original wetlands; and

WHEREAS, Illinois has a goal of reducing phosphorus and nitrogen levels by 30% by 2035; and

WHEREAS, Illinois landowners are taking proactive steps to protect and install wetlands and buffer habitats; and

WHEREAS, The State of Illinois has a responsibility to protect its remaining wetlands and reduce pollution; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we declare February 2, 2024 as "World Wetlands Day" in the State of Illinois; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we urge state agencies, local governments, and other organizations to work together to preserve and protect wetlands.