Bill > SB1794

This bill amends the Environmental Protection Act to establish an enhanced statewide environmental monitoring program aimed at protecting communities, with a specific focus on environmental justice communities, from health threats caused by pollution of land and water. The new provision requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create a comprehensive monitoring program that goes beyond basic environmental monitoring by using advanced technologies, sophisticated data analysis methods, and more targeted sampling strategies. The bill defines an "enhanced statewide environmental monitoring program" as a method to identify known and unknown health risks from pollution, with the goal of detecting potential environmental issues earlier and taking proactive measures to address them. The program is designed to provide a more detailed and comprehensive assessment of environmental conditions, particularly in areas that are considered environmentally vulnerable. The bill specifically aims to help environmental justice communities, which are defined as geographic areas designated by the Illinois Power Agency or recognized as R3 Areas, by giving them additional protection and attention in environmental monitoring efforts.

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1794&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104