This Illinois state bill initiates a Lights out during migration provision (details below) starting 2024 and creates the Bird Conservation Commission for the purpose of promoting bird conservation and providing education and awareness.
This first of its kind (nationally) Bird Safety Legislation – Illinois HB5204 has been clarified and expanded with House Floor Amendment No. 1
Action Step!
Please contact your state legislator today Wednesday NOvember 30 (phone or email) and ask them to support HB5204 by co-sponsoring or simply voting YES!
Find your State Representatives: https://www.illinoispolicy.org/maps/illinois-house/
We have an immediate and unique opportunity to reduce the carnage of bird-window collisions, bird-tower collisions and to create a new statewide commission to build awareness regarding bird safety, study the issues and offer recommendations for expanded protection! The amended legislation is supported by Chicago Audubon Society, Bird Conservation Network, Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, Nature Conservancy in Illinois, Chicago League of Women Voters Environmental Action Committee, Environmental Defenders of McHenry County, Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) the Natural Land Institute and the Sierra Club – Illinois Chapter. The list continues to grow. In addition to the critical lights out during migration provision, it now creates the Bird Conservation Commission for the purpose of promoting bird conservation and providing education and awareness on issues concerning bird conservation.
Briefly: In provisions amending the Wildlife Code, the bill provides that the owners of structures with a height over 50 feet above ground level constructed on or after March 1, 2022 that are located in ecologically sensitive areas or within one-half mile of a forest preserve or federal or State park or wildlife area shall turn off all lights not required for safety or maintenance between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. during migratory seasons.The bill also provides that the Department of Natural Resources shall encourage the owners of structures to eliminate non-flashing (steady burning) L-810 lights by January 1, 2024.
This bill does not address all of the critical issues regarding bird-building collisions. It will, however, immediately make a positive difference to protect migrating birds as they transit Illinois and creates a focused statewide effort to further protect birds!
Please join us the environmental and birding communities in seizing this moment for generations present and those to follow.
