Only the Senate was in Session this week. The Senate returned to Springfield Tuesday and adjourned on Thursday. The Senate took up several measures intended to end the budget stalemate, but negotiations were halted when the Governor intervened. It is unclear how the Senate will proceed with their budget negotiations.
[s2If current_user_can(access_s2member_level1)]
The Senate Energy Committee cancelled their scheduled hearing for this week. Senate Environment met on Thursday and advanced HB 611 (Sen. Scott Bennett, D-Champaign) which would create a task force to protect the Mahomet Aquifer.
The House Public Utilities Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday next week. The Energy Association will be opposing HB 3038 (Rep. Theresa Mah, D-Chicago) which would put unwieldly restrictions on purchases of recieveables. The industry is concerned that HB 3038 would disrupt competition in the electric retail market and disadvantage green energy products. The committee is also scheduled to hear HB 2825 (Rep. Jerry Costello, D-Red Bud) which would extend some state energy efficiency programs that are scheduled to sunset. The bill has significant opposition because it makes changes to the Future Energy Jobs Bill that was just approved in November.
The Senate Energy Committee is scheduled to meet on Thursday. The Committee will consider SB 71 (Sen. Don Harmon, D-Oak Park) which would put an immediate effective date on the changes to the RPS that were included in the Future Energy Jobs Bill. The RPS changes are currently scheduled to go into law along with the rest of the Future Energy Jobs Bill on June 1st 2017. There is currently strong opposition to making changes to the Future Energy Jobs bill before it goes into effect.
The Senate Energy Committee will also consider SB 1840 (Sen. Andy Manar, D-Bunker Hill) which would provide incentives for companies to use Illinois coal. The bill is an initiative of Murray Energy. The Energy Association will be opposed to SB 1872 (Sen. Melinda Bush, D-Grayslake) which would impose fees on companies storing spent nuclear fuel in the State.
The Energy Association has scheduled several receptions for the new General Assembly. A reception honoring the Senate Committees will be on March 28th from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Maldaner’s. The reception honoring House Committees has been rescheduled for March 22nd 5:30 to 7:30 at Arlington’s . Please RSVP to edrake@elaineg75.sg-host.com, or 217-523-7348.
[/s2If]