The House was in Session Tuesday through Thursday of this week.  The Senate was in recess this week and will return to Springfield next week.

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There was little energy policy debated this week. The House Public Utilities Committee, along with the Environment Committee canceled their scheduled hearings. The House Energy Committee held a subject matter hearing on the energy policy of Germany.  Several House members participated in a Council of State Governments’ trip to study energy policy in Germany this past December.  The committee was informed of Germany’s efforts to transition their economy over to renewable energy while phasing out the use of coal and nuclear power. The elimination of good paying jobs in the coal industry and rate increases were cited as the most significant obstacles.

Next week, the Senate Public Health Committee is scheduled to consider SB 2232 (Sen. Dave Koehler, D-Peoria).  The bill is intended to ensure that long term care facilities receive special consideration when power is lost.  The energy industry is working with the Sponsor to address some concerns in the bill that may create unintended consequences when dealing with power outages.

The Senate Executive Committee is scheduled to consider SB 3291 (Sen. James Clayborne, D-Belleville) next Wednesday.  SB 3291 would preempt local governments from regulating the use of drones.  The bill was recommended by a statewide drone taskforce.  The use of drones is already regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration and many of the local ordinances are actually in conflict with federal rules.  The utility industry uses drones in many of our maintenance and restoration efforts and we are actively monitoring all legislation that impacts the use of drones.

The Senate will be in Session Tuesday through Thursday of next week.  After next week both Chambers will be in recess for the rest of March.  The House will return to Springfield on April 9^th and the Senate will reconvene on April 10^th.  Both Chambers are scheduled to stay in Session until the first Committee deadline on April 13^th.

The Illinois Energy Association has scheduled their annual Senate Committees reception for March 13^th at the Sangamo Club from 5:30 to 7:30 pm.  The annual Association Breakfast is scheduled for March 14^th at the Sangamo Club for 8:30 am.  This year, Senate Energy and Public Utilities Chairman Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort) will be the guest speaker for breakfast.  Anyone wishing to attend any of these events should RSVP to Erica Drake at edrake@elaineg75.sg-host.com or by calling 217-523-7348.

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