summary
Introduced
02/05/2026
02/05/2026
In Committee
02/17/2026
02/17/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Protect the Great Lakes Act. Provides that, at the start of each month, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago shall test for the presence of microplastics and PFAS in Lake Michigan and the Environmental Protection Agency shall test for the presence of microplastics and PFAS in the Illinois drinking water system. Provides that, at the end of each month, the District shall submit a report to the Environmental Protection Agency containing the test results taken at the start of the month. Provides that, after one year of testing and reporting, the District and Environmental Protection Agency shall submit a report to the General Assembly. Provides that the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Public Health shall establish an intergovernmental working group. Provides that the group shall meet at the beginning of every month to (i) address the effects of microplastic and PFAS water pollution on public health and (ii) find ways to eliminate microplastic and PFAS water pollution. Provides that, every 6 months, the group shall submit a report to the General Assembly containing recommendations to eliminate microplastic and PFAS water pollution. Effective January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the PROTECT THE GREAT LAKES ACT, establishes a program to monitor and address microplastics and PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are a class of man-made chemicals) in Illinois's water systems. Starting January 1, 2027, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago will test Lake Michigan for these pollutants monthly, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will test the Illinois drinking water system. The District will then report its findings to the EPA each month, and after a year of this data collection, both the District and the EPA will submit a joint report to the General Assembly. Additionally, the EPA and the Department of Public Health will form a working group that meets monthly to discuss the health impacts of microplastic and PFAS pollution and develop strategies for their elimination, with this group also reporting its recommendations to the General Assembly every six months.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Assigned to Appropriations- Public Safety and Infrastructure (on 02/17/2026)
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