Group considers pushing Illinois for statewide ban on leaf burning

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By Mike Riopell | Friday, December 28, 2007 12:06 AM CST | () comments

SPRINGFIELD — Fresh off urging lawmakers to ban most indoor smoking in Illinois, the American Lung Association might turn its efforts toward pushing for a statewide ban on burning leaves next year.

American Lung Association of Illinois spokeswoman Kathy Drea said a ban on leaf burning is an issue association officials regularly think about. With a victory on their coveted smoking ban out of the way, she said they might consider turning some attention to leaves.

Many Illinois communities, including most all of the state’s larger cities, already ban leaf burning. But several attempts to do the same statewide have failed.

Drea said she will probably look for a lawmaker to sponsor a leaf-burning ban soon. If someone agrees, they’re assured a tough fight, Drea said.

“It’s just so controversial,” she said.

Illinois Municipal League Executive Director Larry Frang said he didn’t know how many communities have already banned burning. But Frang said his group would fight any state law that would force the issue.

“It’s a removal of local control,” he said.

Drea argued that the smoke generated by burning leaves can harm those with weaker lungs, such as children and the elderly.

“It’s very hard on a child with asthma,” she said.

State Rep. Mike Boland, D-East Moline, was around for the last push for a ban and agreed it was a controversial undertaking. He’s not sure the idea would find much support among lawmakers next year at least partly because people who burn leaves will be asking what they should do with them otherwise.

“It’s one of those issues of personal freedom,” Boland said.

Mike Riopell can be contacted at (217) 789-0865 or mike.riopell@lee.net.

BURNING POLICIES

Illinois Quad-City communities allow residents to burn their leaves, weather permitting.

East Moline

Burning of leaves and grass is allowed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on non-windy Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays. Burning of small brush is permitted (provided it does not create so much smoke that the fire department receives complaints), but larger limbs need to be processed with ties. For questions about burning, call (309) 752-1505.

Moline

Burning of lawn refuse and leaves is allowed on Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays during daylight hours, depending on weather and safety conditions. Do not burn during rainy, wet or drought conditions or when the wind exceeds 15 mph. Fires must be attended at all times with an attached garden hose handy and must be at least 25 feet from any structures. For details, call (309) 757-1000, category 5323.

Rock Island

Burning of leaves is permitted during daylight hours until sunset on burn days only. To check on whether it’s a burn day, call (309) 732-2876 (BURN).