SPRINGFIELD – Senator Rachel Ventura introduced the Deforestation-Free Illinois Act, to make Illinois the first state to ensure state purchases don’t contribute to deforestation, forest degradation, or human rights violations.

“The state has made a serious commitment to reducing its carbon footprint with CEJA. Now more than ever, we must align Illinois’ procurement policy to match those commitments and move toward a deforestation-free procurement policy,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Preventing deforestation is one of the most cost-effective climate mitigation strategies – by aligning our state with the policies set in this legislation, our state can make bold improvements in protecting the climate, biodiversity and human rights.”

Senate Bill 2157 would make Illinois a leader in responsible sourcing, aligning with global efforts to protect forests, climate, and biodiversity.

The Deforestation-Free Illinois Act would ban forest destruction, positioning Illinois as a global climate leader with stronger procurement standards. It safeguards biodiversity by preserving ecosystems and protecting at-risk species. The bill supports Illinois and U.S. businesses by prioritizing low-deforestation products—recognizing that U.S. soy and cattle have significantly lower deforestation risks than imports. It also includes a preference for Illinois-sourced products, keeping taxpayer dollars in-state. Additionally, the bill upholds Indigenous rights by requiring Free, Prior, and Informed Consent for developments affecting their land and resources.

“We have an opportunity to even more firmly establish Illinois as a national leader in the fight against climate change,” said State Representative Daniel Didech (D- Buffalo Grove). “This bill demonstrates our commitment to sustainable procurement practices, ensuring taxpayer dollars support Illinois businesses, protect human rights, and prioritize the future of our planet.”

“What we buy in the U.S. directly affects the world’s forests, climate stability, and human rights,” said Jennifer Skene, Global Northern Forests Policy Director with the Natural Resources Defense Council. “Illinois’ bill represents a bold move to eliminate harmful forest product supply chains and champion the innovative solutions needed to safeguard global forests, which are essential for protecting our planet’s climate and biodiversity.”

“As an international manufacturer of chocolate with a production presence in Chicago, we at Tony's have seen how climate change has negatively affected the cocoa industry and the lives of the farmers who harvest the product,” said Brittany Frazier, Vice President of Supply Chain US for Tony’s Chocolonely. “Deforestation, the second largest contributor to climate change after fossil fuels, remains a true threat to the planet, our industry, and the farmers we work with.  We are pleased that Illinois is considering enactment of this legislation. It is a bill whose time has come, and we urge its swift passage and enactment.” 

“The Climate Reality Project- Chicago Metro Chapter proudly supports the Deforestation Free Illinois Act as an important step forward for Illinois in our efforts to combat climate change,” said Karen Daiter PhD, Tree Team Chair, and At Large Lead at Climate Reality Project - Chicago Metro Chapter. “By using our state’s purchasing power to help decrease deforestation, Illinois will be the first U.S. state to stand publically against deforestation. This Act also helps establish guidelines for more sustainable, climate friendly purchasing that protects biodiversity as well as forests.”

"At Dr. Bronner’s, we believe in business as a force for good, which is why we strongly support SB 2157/HB 3197,” said Ryan Zinn, Director of Regenerative Projects with Dr.Bronner’s. “Clear, enforceable policies that eliminate deforestation from supply chains are a crucial step toward a more just and sustainable future."

“The ongoing destruction of the earth’s last great forests is as tragic as it is irreversible, and is inextricably tied to labor abuses, violence against human rights defenders, species extinction, and the climate emergency that affects us all. The Deforestation-Free Illinois Act offers a solution that is both visionary and practical,” said Jeff Conant, Senior International Forests Program Manager with Friends of the Earth. “By shifting the use of taxpayer money from destroying climate-critical forests towards protecting forests and forest communities, Illinois can lead the way forward for forests, climate, and human rights.”

Senate Bill 2157 awaits Senate committee assignment.