Federal wetland protections face major rollback as illinois stands to lose 70% of remaining wetlands

The Trump administration has proposed sweeping changes to federal wetland protections that could leave more than two-thirds of Illinois’ remaining wetlands vulnerable to development and destruction. The Environmental Protection Agency’s new rule would dramatically narrow the definition of “Waters of the United States” under the Clean Water Act, potentially removing federal oversight from 70 million acres of wetlands nationwide.

The proposal stems from a 2023 Supreme Court decision that limits federal protection to wetlands with continuous surface connections to permanent water bodies like rivers and lakes. This excludes seasonal wetlands and streams that dry up during parts of the year—ecosystems that scientists call “biological supermarkets” for supporting 40% of all plant and animal species. In Illinois, researchers estimate that 72% of the state’s wetlands, roughly 700,000 acres, would lose federal protection under the new criteria.

The stakes are particularly high for Illinois, which has already lost 90% of its original 8 million acres of wetlands to agriculture and development since European settlement. The remaining wetlands provide $419 million in flood protection annually and serve critical roles in water filtration and carbon storage. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin defended the changes as promoting economic growth and state authority, while agricultural groups praised the reduced federal oversight. However, environmental advocates warn of “open season on wetlands” without federal permit requirements for developers.

The proposal faces a 45-day public comment period before potential finalization in early 2026, giving conservationists and concerned citizens a window to influence the final rule.