May 21, 2019
SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois House of Representatives passed a bill by a 108-8 vote to allow public universities and state agencies to enter into renewable energy contracts for up to 25 years. Senate Bill 211 is sponsored by Senator Scott Bennett (D – Champaign) and Representative Katie Stuart (D – Edwardsville). The bill now goes to Governor Pritzker for his signature.
Universities and state agencies will now be able to enter into cost-effective renewable energy resource contracts. The previous contract length limitation was too short, making it economically infeasible for universities to enter into solar power purchase agreements. Installing on-site renewable energy with a 25-year contract will reduce overall electric bills for state universities and agencies while increasing renewable development in the state.
The legislation was supported by the University of Illinois System, Southern Illinois University System and the Environmental Law & Policy Center.
“Illinois is at a clean energy crossroads,” State Sen. Scott Bennett said. “As a state, we have the potential to continue to grow our clean energy footprint. Senate Bill 211 will make it easier for Illinois to continue that upward trajectory of providing clean, reliable and affordable energy to all of our communities.”
“Senate Bill 211 will give state agencies and universities the ability to adopt on-site solar projects,” said State Rep. Katie Stuart. “Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has been a leader in campus conservation projects. With this legislation, SIUE will be able to move forward with renewable energy. Not only will this legislation lead to more sustainable practices from our universities and state agencies, but it will also cut energy costs over time.”
“The University is proud to be a partner in sustainability efforts to reduce our carbon footprint,” said Sean D. Reeder, Assistant Vice President, Office of Capital Programs & Utility Services, University of Illinois System. “Thanks to the legislation’s sponsors, Sen. Bennett and Rep. Stuart, for their tireless work on this issue. We look forward to expanding our renewable power portfolio following these new changes.”
“The Southern Illinois University System is pleased to have worked with our sister university system, the University of Illinois, and all our public universities to provide this important opportunity to realize greater energy savings through sustainable means like wind and solar,” said SIU System President Kevin Dorsey. “Our efforts could not have been accomplished without support from our partners including Rep. Katie Stuart and Sen. Scott Bennett in the state legislature, Governor Pritzker’s Administration with the Department of Central Management Services, and groups like the Environmental Law & Policy Center. We came together to make a good idea even better as the bill was developed by the General Assembly.”
“Illinois is making great strides accelerating renewable energy development. Senate Bill 211 gives state universities and agencies new tools to lead on solar and wind energy,” said Howard Learner, Executive Director at the Environmental Law & Policy Center. “This legislation supports a healthier environment, lower energy costs, and job creation throughout Illinois.”
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