SPRINGFIELD — To better prepare for the displacement of thousands of people as a result of climate change, State Senator Graciela Guzmán helped create a task force to study its potential impact on Illinois, and develop a plan to deal with our uncertain future.

“As a land-locked state, Illinois may be receiving thousands of folks who are displaced from environmental disasters, such as flooding or extreme hurricanes,” said Guzmán (D-Chicago). “This task force will help our state develop a welcome plan for new arrivals while not disrupting the lives of long-term Illinoisans.”

Climate displacement is the forced or voluntary migrations of people due to climate change or environmental degradation. With rising global water levels and more extreme weather events, Midwestern states like Illinois will see an increase in the number of people trying to escape these situations, both from other states and other nations. Without a plan in place to support the displaced individuals, there may be destabilizing impacts on the state’s infrastructure.

To better prepare for a potential influx of new Illinoisans displaced by climate change, Senate Bill 1859 establishes a task force to identify future resource needs, support community resilience, and develop policies in collaboration with residents, advocates, and industry stakeholders. The bill also requires the task force to present an initial report delineating the task force's findings, conclusions, and recommendations to the General Assembly no later than June 30, 2026.

"The Illinois Environmental Council applauds Governor Pritzker for signing the Climate Displacement Task Force Act into law, ensuring that our state agencies are proactively identifying the opportunities and resources needed to develop a game plan for the potential influx of new Illinoisans displaced by emerging climate disasters. As a national leader on climate action, this law will ensure Illinois can welcome and protect new residents while also preparing for the historic floods, droughts that threaten our food systems, and extreme heat and hazardous air quality that impacts Illinoisans already. We are thankful for Senator Guzman's leadership in getting this bill passed this year.”

Senate Bill 1859 was signed into law on Friday.