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SB 2426

TREE TRANSPORTATION INITIATIVE

104th Regular Session Introduced by Javier Cervantes and 2 co-sponsors

Illinois establishes tree transportation initiative requiring preservation and relocation of trees during infrastructure projects, effective January 1, 2026, to maintain urban canopy coverage.

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Bill Summary · SB 2426

Legislative bill overview

SB 2426 establishes the Tree Transportation Initiative in Illinois, creating a framework for transporting and relocating trees during infrastructure development and urban construction projects. The bill allocates funding and establishes protocols for preserving existing trees rather than removing them, particularly in urban and environmentally sensitive areas.

Why is this important

Urban tree preservation directly impacts air quality, stormwater management, property values, and public health outcomes in Illinois communities. This legislation addresses the environmental cost of development by making tree relocation economically and logistically viable, potentially reducing the net loss of urban canopy during necessary infrastructure projects.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Unclear whether developers, municipalities, or state funds bear the expense of tree transportation, which could significantly impact project timelines and development feasibility
  • Practical limitations: Mature tree relocation has low survival rates in many cases; the bill's effectiveness depends on whether transported trees actually establish successfully
  • Implementation standards: No visible details on technical standards for which trees qualify, relocation distance limits, or quality assurance metrics that could lead to inconsistent application across municipalities

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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