20 ILCS 805/805-570: Conservation Opportunity Areas.

(a) In this Section, "Conservation Opportunity Area" means a portion of this State within the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan to assist with the conservation of native species and the habitats that support them.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a Conservation Opportunity Area designation by the Department shall not be used by the Illinois Power Agency beginning with the Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan outlined in paragraph (5) of subsection (b) of Section 16-111.5 of the Public Utilities Act developed in calendar year 2023 as a basis to deny or withhold any:

(1) regulatory action;

(2) permitting;

(3) licensure; and

(4) funding.