Bills of Interest – April 2015

The following bills of interest to the energy industry have been introduced in the first Spring Ses-sion of the 99th Illinois General Assembly:

House Bill 1326 (Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana) – would prohibit dumping of PCB’s and manufactured gas plant cleanup residue at landfills which are lo-cated above the Mahomet aqui-fer. Approved by the House Envi-ronment Committee. On Second Reading in the House.
House Bill 2607 (Rep. Elaine Nekritz, D-Northbrook) -- would expand both the state’s Renewa-ble Portfolio and Energy Efficiency Portfolio standards, as well as authorizing Illinois EPA to imple-ment a “cap and invest” program to regulate carbon dioxide emis-sions. Re-referred to the House Rules Committee.
House Bill 3293 (Rep. Larry Walsh, D-Joliet) – would establish a low carbon energy portfolio program and would require that 70% of the electricity delivered by Ameren Illinois and Common-wealth Edison be backed by low carbon credits procured through the Illinois Power Agency. Re-referred to the House Rules Committee.

House Bill 3328 (Rep. Robert Rita, D-Chicago) – would amend the state’s energy efficiency law, support development of community solar energy projects, establish a microgrid pilot program and make other changes in energy policy. Re-referred to the House Rules Committee.
House Bill 3766 (Rep. Sue Scherer, D-Decatur) – would limit the amount utilities and alternative retail electric suppliers could charge customers as an early termination fee. Approved by the House Energy Committee. On Second Reading in the House.
Senate Bill 1485 (Sen. Don Harmon, D-Oak Park) – companion bill to House Bill 2607 regarding expansion of Renewable Port-folio and Energy Efficiency Port-folio standards and regulation of carbon dioxide emissions. Approved by the Senate Environ-ment and Conservation Commit-tee. On Second Reading in the Senate.
Senate Bill 1645 (Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford) – would require utilities to waive their usual credit and deposit requirements for customers who are victims of domestic abuse. Approved by the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee. On Third Reading in the Senate.
Senate Bill 1698 (Sen. Tom Bennett, D-Champaign) – companion bill to House Bill 1326 regarding prohibited dumping of PCB’s and manufactured gas plant cleanup residue above the Mahomet aquifer. Approved by the Senate Public Health Committee. On Third Reading in the Senate.
Senate Bill 1833 (Sen. Dan Biss, D-Skokie) – would expand the state’s Personal Information Protection Act to include medical, health, insurance, biometric, consumer marketing and geolo-cational information. Approved by the Senate Judiciary Commit-tee. On Second Reading in the Senate.
Senate Bill 1879 (Sen. Kimberly Lightford, D-Chicago) – would amend the state’s energy efficiency law, support development of community solar energy projects, establish a microgrid pilot program and make other changes in energy policy. Approved by the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee. On Second Reading in the Senate.