20 ILCS 1920/1.02: Legislative Declaration.

(a) It is the policy of this State to provide for the conservation and reclamation of lands and water affected by mining which have been abandoned, in order to restore these abandoned lands and waters to such productive use, in accordance with this State's conservation and land reclamation policies, as will aid in maintaining or improving the property tax base, protect the health, safety and general welfare of the people, promote the natural beauty and aesthetic values of this State and enhance the environment, and correct and prevent soil erosion, stream pollution, water, air and land pollution, and other injurious effects to persons, property, wildlife and natural resources.

(b) It is the purpose of this Act to implement these policies in a way which satisfies the requirements of the federal Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977, P. L. 95-87, as amended, and which makes this State eligible for funds for reclamation of abandoned lands and waters under that Act.