SPRINGFIELD, IL – State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign) advanced legislation out of the Senate Energy Committee this week designed to aid in the creation and sustainability of the FutureGen clean-coal facility in Mattoon. Frerichs’ bill ensures that the facility has power purchase agreements in place that will cover the facility’s operating costs.
Issues 
Environment
Environment
Tag:environment
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A weekly update on issues from Illinois State Senator Gary Forby
State Sen. Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Conservation, is pleased that local farmers who suffered severe crop losses this year from weather-related factors are being assisted by the federal government.
"I believe it is important to do whatever it takes to put people back to work," said Senator Hunter. "Renewable energy is a relatively new field and Illinois need to be proactive in securing these types of jobs throughout the state."
“This type of legislation is crucial to ensuring a successful financial future in Illinois,” Frerichs said. “President Obama has shown the world that he is committed to the advancement of ‘green’ technology and has provided ample financial backing for this sector. The signing of this legislation will attract new businesses to our state and provide new green sector jobs for our residents.” |
SPRINGFIELD, IL—Yesterday, a group of lawmakers gathered in Springfield to hear testimony on the issue of chemical drift, which occurs when agricultural chemicals applied to a farmer’s fields drift onto neighboring properties.
Earlier this year, there was a lot of discussion about cap-and-trade laws. Cap-and-trade is a way to reduce pollution-especially carbon emissions. Though this is a national issue, I want to explain my take on the situation. I support efforts to lower pollution levels, but I do not believe that cap-and-trade is the best answer. It will affect some industries and regions of the country much more than others. Unless the law includes careful safeguards, some companies could go out of business. The cities and towns that rely on those companies could see their economies shrink, and thousands, maybe millions of people could lose their jobs. I believe Southern Illinois is one of those regions that might be hit hard by cap-and-trade laws. Two major local industries-coal mining and agriculture-could be hurt. 
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has declared 58 counties in Illinois (including Champaign and Vermilion) as natural disaster areas. This designation allows farmers in these counties to qualify for disaster assistance.
Springfield, IL- An initiative of Illinois State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) has been signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn which will increase economic development by providing training programs in various renewable energy fields. 
Chicago, IL- The governor recently signed into law a proposal to penalize truck drivers who spend too much time idling their vehicles with higher fines. The new law also provides funding to educate truckers about the dangers of excessive idling.
Springfield, IL— Governor Quinn signed a series of legislation initiatives this week aimed at improving environmental policies in Illinois. As a sponsor of all three bills, State Senator Linda Holmes (D-Aurora) is excited about the prospect of making Illinois a ‘greener’ state.
CHICAGO, IL – A bill designed to promote alternative fuel use in Illinois was signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn this week. State Senator Michael Frerichs (D-Champaign), a chief co-sponsor of the bill, is optimistic about the prospect of increased renewable energy resources in Illinois.