(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Those who are fighting to preserve the Great Lakes are applauding the Inflation Reduction Act's climate provisions.
"Historic-I just can't say that enough," said Marnie Urso, Senior Policy Director for Audubon Great Lakes. "I've been working on climate change for over 20 years climate change policy, and this is the biggest thing we've ever been able to get through Congress."
She told WBBM the Great Lakes region will reap the benefits of the bill, saying that Illinois has seen a 1.5 rise in temperature since the beginning of the 20th Century leading to more rain and flooding risks.
Urso said the legislation will help birds in the Great Lakes region as well.
"So, from Audubon's perspective, two-thirds of birds in North America are at risk of climate change and this is a great investment in the future of birds."
But like any legislation, it's not perfect.
"We're not excited about the fossil fuel leasing aspect of it," Urso said.
"We feel like more can be done around investing in frontline communities that are usually bipod communities that usually bear the brunt of the climate impact."
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