The Illinois Deforestation-Free Procurement Act (HB5038/SB3518) directs Illinois procurement authorities to purchase beef and cocoa only from deforestation-free supply chains, to begin reducing the state’s procurement of top products linked to global deforestation. The bill also establishes a total ban on the procurement of tropical hardwoods.
This timely Act aligns with Illinois’ commitments to steward taxpayer dollars by steering them away from top drivers of deforestation linked to economically and socially costly climate change, biodiversity loss, as well as human rights abuses — and toward solutions that protect forests, mitigate climate change, and safeguard biodiversity. Compliant, deforestation-free alternative products are already available in quantity, making the transition feasible and immediately actionable.
Why deforestation-free procurement matters
Deforestation and forest degradation generate roughly 7–10% of all global CO₂ emissions. Agriculture-related emissions, much of which come from high-risk commodities like beef, cocoa, and tropical hardwoods, account for a significant share of this total. Preventing deforestation is a highly cost-effective climate mitigation strategy with broad co-benefits, including improved water quality, soil health, and human well-being alongside economic sustainability.
HB5038/SB3518 targets key forest-risk commodities—specifically cattle, cocoa, and tropical hardwoods—and ensures that Illinois does not contribute to global deforestation or forest degradation. By adopting these standards, Illinois can become the first U.S. state to enact robust, deforestation-free procurement rules, setting a leading example for climate-conscious purchasing policies.
ILLINOIS COULD AND SHOULD BE THE FIRST US STATE TO PASS A DEFORESTATION-FREE PROCUREMENT BILL
The Illinois Act is an effective, implementable means of fighting the climate and biodiversity crises, and a leading example of achievable standards for fostering deforestation-free procurement regulations at the state level. Help Illinois lead the way in protecting global forests. Support HB5038/SB3518 today.
Contact: deforestationfreeil@gmail.com to get more involved.
Campaign supporters include: Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), NRDC, Friends of the Earth, National Wildlife Federation, Prairie Rivers Network, Sierra Club IL Chapter, Corporate Accountability Lab, 350 Chicago, Climate Reality Project – Chicago Metro Chapter, Environmental Paper Network, Mighty Earth, Greenpeace, Re:Wild, Climate Rights International, Alberta Wilderness Association, Nature Canada, Zero Waste British Columbia, Ontario Nature Wilderness Committee, HEAL Food Alliance, eco.logic, Environment Illinois, Go Green Vernon Hills, Illinois Food Justice Alliance
