Yang Rohr Introduces Bill to Protect Waterways, Announces Upcoming Nature Hike Showcasing River

NAPERVILLE, Ill. –  Bringing the 41st District’s climate-conscious ethos to Springfield, state Rep. Janet Yang Rohr, D-Naperville, introduced legislation that encourages stakeholders to clean up rivers and waterways in their neighborhood and coordinated an accompanying nature hike with the Sierra Club to highlight the community’s biodiversity. 

“How we treat our waterways is a reflection of our community’s values. These green spaces increase tourism and economic development across Illinois. More importantly, they connect people and communities,” said Yang Rohr. “We will continue to move Illinois forward with climate-conscious policy. This effort is part of what makes our community an exceptional place to live and work.”

Yang Rohr’s legislation designates September as Waterway Clean Up Month. The bill also encourages statewide chambers of commerce, visitor bureaus, local economic development organizations and area organizations to work together on river and waterway cleanups, ensuring local ecosystems are protected for the next generation. 

Moving Illinois into an environmentally sustainable direction has been at the forefront of Yang Rohr’s work in Springfield. She helped pass Senate Bill 1701, which helps improve soil and water quality, protect ecosystems from extreme weather events made more common through climate change and support local habitats. Yang Rohr also fought for House Bill 2192 which allows local parks districts to transition to a solar energy infrastructure. 

Yang Rohr is committed to hearing from the informed, commonsense voices in her community. This legislation was proposed by a Naperville-area teacher who organizes cleanup activities. 

In conjunction with these efforts, on Sunday, September 17 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Yang Rohr will be hosting a nature hike with the Sierra Club at the Knoch Knolls Nature Center. RSVP is recommended, with those who attend being able to chat with the representative, learn about the biodiversity of their community and connect with nature along the DuPage River.

For more information on Yang Rohr’s legislative accomplishments, visit ilga.gov. 

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