Bill > HB2653

This bill amends the Illinois Petroleum Education and Marketing Act by changing how members of the Illinois Petroleum Resources Board (PRB) are appointed. Currently, the Governor and qualified producer associations have made board appointments, but the bill shifts the appointment responsibility entirely to the Director of Natural Resources. Specifically, the Director will now appoint 10 oil and gas producers to the 12-member board and may base these appointments on names submitted by oil and gas producers in Illinois. The board's purpose remains unchanged: to promote the state's oil and gas industry, encourage energy efficiency, support environmental production methods, develop state oil and gas resources, support industry research and education, and assist with environmental remediation. Board members must still be at least 25 years old, Illinois residents, and have at least 5 years of active experience in the oil industry. They will continue to serve three-year terms, with the initial appointments having staggered terms, and members will not receive a salary but may be reimbursed for travel expenses related to board duties. The bill takes effect immediately upon becoming law.