(SPRINGFIELD) A new report by the Illinois Department of Public Health shows carbon monoxide exposures in an average of 940 emergency room visits and nearly 57 deaths annually in the state over a recent five-year period. The agency’s first carbon monoxide surveillance report detailed all known unintentional CO exposures in Illinois from 2019 through 2023. More details are available on the Department’s website online at dph.illinois.gov.
(SPRINGFIELD) A bipartisan group of Illinois lawmakers have introduced energy legislation to protect consumers from costs associated with the state’s planned phaseout of natural gas. Saying Illinois will not meet its 2035 electrification goals if the state eliminates energy options before they are replaced, the Clean Energy Choice Coalition is advocating for a new package of energy legislation. Senate Bill 3979 requires a thorough review of customer bill impacts before large-scale gas transition projects are approved and protects rate-payers from unfair cost increases.
(SPRINGFIELD) The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Energy is now offering up to $1.5 million in grant funding for energy efficiency projects at publicly-owned drinking water treatment plants. Awarded projects will range from $50,000 to $500,000 with a funding match requirement of 10 to 20 percent. Municipalities should check the IEPA website.
(CHICAGO) The Chicago Bears say they are grateful for the leadership shown by Indiana Governor Mike Braun after he signed legislation late last week to create a framework for a new stadium in Hammond, Indiana. The bill would provide for a 1% food and beverage tax in the Hoosier state’s Lake and Porter Counties, plus a 5% hotel tax in Lake County, along with a 12% ticket tax and the capture of new property taxes at the development site. In Illinois, lawmakers are currently considering megaprojects legislation that advanced out of committee last week.