Last year, I moved home to Illinois to join the team at Prairie Rivers Network and begin implementing the Inflation Reduction Act — the largest federal climate investment in our history. After spending nearly 16 years in Washington, DC working to pass climate legislation, it seemed fitting to see it all the way through, and I am.Co
Today, as I write to you, these groundbreaking investments in our future (and so much more) are going to be at the whim of a new administration. This new reality is hard to plan for, but rest assured, PRN has been through some challenging times over our 57 years. Our team now is stronger than ever before and ready for the road ahead.
That’s why our team is accelerating our efforts to draw this climate funding down into communities as quickly as possible to advance solutions and build resilience. And it’s why we are calling on Governor Pritzker to double down on his climate policies; double down on clean water and protecting our water sources for the long term; and double down on habitat and biodiversity. It’s local efforts that will build resilience and power for change.
The work at the community level — the work that PRN does every single day – is more critical than ever. Will you join with PRN today and take these immediate next steps to protect Illinois’ environment?
1. Protect the Mahomet Aquifer
Next week, the Illinois legislature will convene for veto session, and we have a major priority: protecting the Mahomet Aquifer from carbon sequestration. Since last session’s carbon capture and sequestration bill passed, ADM’s sequestration project has leaked — twice. The new regulations left gaps that threaten the Mahomet Aquifer, the drinking water source for nearly a million people in Illinois, and we hope to get those passed as soon as this month.
Take Action: Urge your state representative and senator to cosponsor new legislation that would protect the Mahomet Aquifer and any future sole-source aquifer in Illinois from the threats of carbon sequestration.
You can also file a witness slip in support of the bill ahead of a hearing on Wednesday, November 13 at 1 p.m. Learn more about how to file a witness slip here.
2. Safeguard Illinois’ Wetlands
A 2023 Supreme Court decision weakened the Clean Water Act, leaving Illinois’ remaining wetlands and waterways vulnerable. Wetlands are essential: They protect communities from flooding, filter pollution, and support wildlife.
Take Action: Ask your legislators to support SB0771/HB5386, which would restore vital protections to Illinois wetlands.
3. Keep Illinois Rivers Accessible
Our right to recreate on Illinois’ rivers is under threat. Despite state and federal law, DNR says that 98% of rivers in Illinois are not public, but the legislature has the chance to codify this right, ensuring rivers capable of supporting canoes and kayaks remain open to the public.
Take Action: Tell your legislators to cosponsor HB4708 to protect the public’s right to use Illinois’ rivers.
4. Address Herbicide Drift to Save Our Trees
Our recent report, Hidden in Plain Sight, reveals how herbicide drift is devastating Illinois’ trees, gardens, and nature preserves. Tree health is in serious decline, threatening our natural heritage and exposing communities to unnecessary risks. Illinois has a chance to be a leader in stopping herbicide pollution from harming our natural environment.
Take Action: Join our petition urging the Governor to overhaul Illinois’ pesticide regulations to prevent further herbicide drift.
5. Encourage Your School District to Lead on Energy Transition
Learn about state and federal funding to help Illinois schools lead on the energy transition. Consider reaching out to your local school district to find out how they are exploring these opportunities.
Take Action: Encourage your local school to have a bright green future.
The work continues. No matter what, we’re going to keep fighting for a more resilient future for Illinois. An investment in Prairie Rivers Network today will help us continue this work, no matter what changes may happen at the federal government. Donate today!
With your support, we will keep building a resilient future for all who call Illinois home.
In community,
Maggie Bruns
