Public Act 0255 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SB2226 Enrolled LRB103 30031 RLC 56452 b

Public Act 103-0255

AN ACT concerning State government.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois is amended by adding Section 805-570 as follows:

(20 ILCS 805/805-570 new)

Sec. 805-570. Conservation Opportunity Areas.

(a) In this Section, "Conservation Opportunity Area" means a portion of this State within the Illinois Wildlife Action Plan to assist with the conservation of native species and the habitats that support them.

(b) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a Conservation Opportunity Area designation by the Department shall not be used by the Illinois Power Agency beginning with the Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan outlined in paragraph (5) of subsection (b) of Section 16-111.5 of the Public Utilities Act developed in calendar year 2023 as a basis to deny or withhold any:

(1) regulatory action;

(2) permitting;

(3) licensure; and

(4) funding.