New Illinois laws on recycling, protecting environment

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn signed three new environmental laws yesterday aimed at protecting ecosystems from invasive species, improving recycling and promoting green technology in plumbing.  

Quinn says the measures reflect a shared responsibility to protect the state’s natural resources.  One establishes a task force to review recycling and solid waste management practices. It will have two years to deliver recommendations for improvement to the governor and the General Assembly.  That measure also sets out recycling and composting standards.  Another new law requires aquatic plants and animals be removed from seaplane and watercraft exteriors before they move from one body of water to another. That's to protect aquatic ecosystems from invasive species.