summary
Introduced
01/31/2025
01/31/2025
In Committee
06/02/2025
06/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
104th General Assembly
Bill Summary
Creates the Illinois Rust Belt to Green Belt Pilot Program Act. Creates the Illinois Rust Belt to Green Belt Fund as a special fund in the State treasury and makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act. Provides that the Fund shall be used by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to encourage and facilitate the employment of construction workforces located in underrepresented populations. Provides that applicants that are applying for a new utility-scale offshore wind project with the Illinois Power Agency shall file with the Department, as part of the applicant's application, an equity and inclusion plan. Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. In provisions concerning the procurement of renewable energy credits, provides that in addition to the amount of renewable energy credits to be procured from wind projects, the Illinois Power Agency shall procure at least 700,000 renewable energy credits, delivered annually for at least 20 years, from one new utility-scale offshore wind project. In provisions concerning the development of a long-term renewable resources procurement plan, provides that the total of renewable energy resources procured under the procurement plan shall be reduced for all retail customers based on the amount necessary to limit the annual estimated average net increase due to the costs of these resources included in the amounts paid by eligible retail customers in connection with electric service to no more than 4.25% of the amount paid per kilowatthour by those customers during the year ending May 31, 2009, and to no more than 4.5% of that amount as of the billing month following the expected date that a new utility-scale offshore wind project commences commercial operations and is expected to begin delivering power to the PJM Interconnection, LLC transmission grid. Provides that the Agency shall conduct at least one new utility-scale offshore wind procurement within 360 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Defines terms. Makes other changes. Effective immediately.
AI Summary
This bill creates the Illinois Rust Belt to Green Belt Pilot Program, establishing a new special fund in the state treasury designed to encourage offshore wind development and workforce opportunities in underrepresented communities. The bill mandates that any new utility-scale offshore wind project in Lake Michigan must submit an equity and inclusion plan as part of their application to the Illinois Power Agency. The Agency is required to procure at least 700,000 renewable energy credits annually for at least 20 years from one new offshore wind project. The bill sets specific procurement requirements, including a focus on creating job opportunities for underrepresented populations, particularly on Chicago's South Side. Importantly, the bill includes provisions to limit the potential rate impact on customers, capping the annual estimated average net increase in electricity costs to 4.25% of the amount paid per kilowatt-hour in 2009, with a potential increase to 4.5% after the offshore wind project becomes operational. The legislation aims to leverage Lake Michigan's potential for wind energy (estimated at 4,528 megawatts) while promoting economic development, environmental benefits, and workforce equity in the region.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Rule 3-9(a) / Re-referred to Assignments (on 06/02/2025)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=1442&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104 |
| BillText | https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/104/SB/10400SB1442.htm |
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