Bill > SB2146

This bill creates the Advancing Federally Regulated Illinois Transmission Projects Act, which empowers the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to identify and support transmission projects within the PJM Interconnection (a regional electricity transmission organization) that can improve energy resilience, reliability, and clean energy access. The bill specifically targets projects that meet detailed criteria, such as building over 75 miles of transmission line on existing infrastructure rights-of-way, constructing over 80 miles underground, connecting multiple regional transmission organizations, and operating at high voltage direct current transmission at 500 kV or greater. The legislation allows the Department to enter into agreements with project owners, coordinate with PJM to pursue a State Agreement Approach (SAA) for cost allocation, and ensure that project costs are recovered exclusively from Illinois ratepayers. Additionally, the bill amends the Public Utilities Act to streamline the certification process for such transmission projects, requiring the Illinois Commerce Commission to evaluate projects based on their technological attributes, safety, reliability, and environmental benefits, and mandating that general contractors enter into project labor agreements. The overall goal is to expedite the development of transmission infrastructure that supports Illinois' clean energy transition and economic initiatives, particularly in emerging sectors like quantum computing and data centers.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/BillStatus.asp?DocNum=2146&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&SessionID=114&GA=104