September 02, 2025

Opinion: Howard Learner: Why Illinois’ wetlands matter

Wetlands are natural sponges, mitigating flooding

By Howard A. Learner, Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director

Protecting wetlands is vital for flood control, wildlife habitat and biodiversity, and recreation — whether it’s paddling a kayak, fishing, watching birds or just enjoying the outdoors. Unfortunately, the U.S. Supreme Court’s misguided Sackett v. EPA decision cut back federal protections for about 50% of our nation’s wetlands, and President Donald Trump’s administration is now trying to roll back other federal standards. Millions of acres of wetlands are now vulnerable to destruction.

That means Illinois and other states need to step up and act while the federal government is sadly moving backwards. Illinois only has 10% of its remaining wetlands left. The time is now to act to protect them.

That’s why Illinois legislators Rep. Anna Moeller and Sen. Laura Ellman introduced the Wetlands Protection Act to protect those wetlands that lost federal safeguards. This legislation has been pending for more than a year, and legislative leaders and Gov. JB Pritzker should get this done in the fall session.

Read the rest at the Chicago Tribune

Tell your Lawmaker to pass the bill

Howard A. Learner,

Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director

Howard Learner is an experienced attorney serving as the Chief Executive Officer & Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center. He is responsible for ELPC’s overall strategic leadership, policy direction, and financial platform.

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