Bill
SB 3267
Illinois IDA and IDNR will study dust storms, assess risks, and identify actions, including vegetative windbreaks and cover crops, to reduce storms and protect the public.
Title: AGRICULTURE-DUST STORM STUDY
Purpose
- To authorize a joint study by the Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDA) and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) to evaluate the threat of dust storms in Illinois and identify corrective actions to reduce their occurrence and severity.
- To assess how climate change and drought may affect future dust storms and to develop recommended protocols to protect the public.
Key Provisions
- Section added to the Sustainable Agriculture Act: Section 7 (Dust Storm Study).
- Joint Study Mandate:
- IDA and IDNR must conduct a study evaluating the threat of future dust storms within Illinois and potential solutions.
- The study should address how dust storm risk may vary across the state.
- Evaluation of Corrective Actions (within the agricultural sector):
- Identify actions to reduce the likelihood of dust storms.
- Identify incentives to promote:
- Widespread vegetative windbreak adoption.
- Cover crop adoption.
- Permaculture practices by farmers.
- Coordination with Other Agencies:
- IDA and IDNR shall coordinate with the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Office of Homeland Security to assess short-term and long-term threats and develop a protective protocol for the public against dust storms.
- Stakeholder Input:
- Agencies may solicit information from entities impacted by the 2023 and 2025 dust storms.
- May consult with similar state agencies in other states and federal agencies as needed.
- Public Availability and Reporting:
- The joint study must be published on an agreed-upon publicly accessible website.
- Suitable copies must be provided to the Governor and the General Assembly.
- Timeline:
- Final report due no later than December 1, 2027.
Background/Context Included in the Bill
- References severe dust storm events:
- May 2025: Severe dust storm affecting northern Illinois and Chicago (compared to Dust Bowl era).
- 2023: Dust storm along I-55 in Sangamon/Montgomery County line causing numerous accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
- Legislative intent notes that soil exposure and lack of windbreaks contribute to dust storm formation and severity, and that dust storms affect commerce, agriculture, and public safety.
Who is Affected
- Farmers and agricultural producers in Illinois (through potential incentives for windbreaks, cover crops, and permaculture practices).
- Agricultural sector stakeholders and land management entities.
- Public safety and emergency management entities (in the development of protective protocols with IEMA and Homeland Security).
- General public (through improved public health and safety protections from dust storms).
- State agencies (IDA, IDNR, IEMA, Office of Homeland Security) and potentially other federal/state partners for coordination.
Procedural/Timeline Highlights
- Introduction and referral in February 2026; assigned to Appropriations.
- Rule 2-10 deadlines indicate ongoing committee review with scheduling noted (deadline established; final reporting by December 1, 2027).
- Upon passage, the joint study and its findings would be published publicly, with copies to the Governor and General Assembly.
Notes
- The bill does not itself mandate new regulations or funding commitments; it directs a study and recommendations, with potential actions contingent on study findings.
- Emphasizes collaboration across state agencies and potential external consultation to inform best practices and resilience against dust storms.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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