State Senator Jason Plummer says an effort is underway in Springfield to enact legislation similar to the controversial “Waters of the US” that was deemed unconstitutional via a US Supreme Court ruling.
Plummer says environmental activists are behind the effort that could provide one more reason for people to choose not to build a home or start a business in Illinois.
“It greatly expands the state’s powers on private property. The state can deem a tremendous amount of waterways or large streams, ponds, some would say puddles, if they identify those as a protected water feature or something they want to deem a water feature, they can put a lot more rules and regulations in place that could impact farming activity. It could decrease the property value for a lot of property owners.”
Plummer says the legislation also creates new permitting rules, which could allow for long, and costly legal proceedings when property owners are trying to improve their land. It would also allow a potentially continuous and never-ending process where anyone could appeal any approved permits.
Many organizations, especially ag-related groups, have come out strongly against the legislation, but Plummer says that the negative impact of the proposal would likely be felt by many homeowners and businesses as well.
Senator Plummer encourages those who are concerned about the legislation, which is Senate Bill 771 to contact their own State Senator and Representative.
