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92_SR0162
LRB9209022JSpc
1 SENATE RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, Development of Illinois' natural resources,
3 especially its coal reserves, in an environmentally sound
4 manner will stimulate the economy of this State, especially
5 in the southern part of our State; and
6 WHEREAS, Illinois is currently in the process of
7 transitioning from a fully regulated electric generation
8 market into a competitive electric generation market; and
9 WHEREAS, Recent events in the western part of the United
10 States have demonstrated the need to develop electric
11 generation resources to ensure a reliable supply of
12 electricity; and
13 WHEREAS, There is an increasing need for electricity and
14 electric generation capacity within Illinois and surrounding
15 states; and
16 WHEREAS, Illinois has the richest coal reserves in the
17 nation and it is imperative that these coal reserves be
18 developed and utilized; and
19 WHEREAS, It is paramount that any electric generating
20 facilities built in Illinois use Illinois natural resources,
21 especially Illinois coal, and protect the environment with
22 the best available technology; and
23 WHEREAS, In preparing for the coming deregulated electric
24 power generation market, Illinois must plan to take advantage
25 of the environmentally sound use of its own natural
26 resources, including Illinois coal; and
27 WHEREAS, Illinois has the opportunity to foster
28 significant economic development within the State during the
29 transition into a deregulated electric marketplace; and
30 WHEREAS, The development of power generation capacity
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1 raises concerns about the environmental impact of those power
2 generation facilities; and
3 WHEREAS, Current federal regulations regarding emissions
4 of nitrogen oxides and emission credits may impede
5 development of necessary electric generation facilities; and
6 WHEREAS, Illinois' budget for nitrogen oxide emission
7 allowances is limited due to the State's current reliance on
8 nuclear power which will eventually be decommissioned and
9 therefore, unavailable for generating electricity; and
10 WHEREAS, The development of clean coal technologies,
11 including coal gasification, with the vast coal reserves
12 within Illinois will enable Illinois to harvest the rewards
13 of utilizing the proven coal reserves of this State and to
14 support the further development of clean energy solutions
15 utilizing our State's natural resources as the fuel; and
16 WHEREAS, President Bush has called for the development of
17 a national energy policy; and
18 WHEREAS, Illinois is uniquely positioned to contribute to
19 the development of that national energy policy through use of
20 its extensive natural resources and coal reserves in an
21 environmentally sound manner; and
22 WHEREAS, Some adjustments in Illinois' nitrogen oxide
23 emission allowances established by the United States
24 Environmental Protection Agency will be necessary to foster
25 the development of electric generating facilities that
26 utilize Illinois natural resources and coal reserves;
27 therefore, be it
28 RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SECOND GENERAL
29 ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the United
30 States Congress and the United States Environmental
31 Protection Agency to increase Illinois' nitrogen oxide
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1 emission allowances budget; and be it further
2 RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
3 delivered to the President of the United States, the Vice
4 President of the United States, the Administrator of the
5 United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Governor
6 of the State of Illinois, the members of the Illinois
7 Congressional delegation, and the Speaker of the United
8 States House of Representatives.