HB 3115

Abstract

Creates the Renewable Gas and Low-Carbon Fuels Act. Provides that a public utility that provides natural gas distribution services in the State shall incorporate low-carbon fuels into its gas supply portfolio. Provides for goals for the total amount of renewable gas and other low-carbon fuels incorporated by the natural gas utility. Provides that for purposes of meeting the goals, low-carbon fuels that are purchased by the natural gas utility must include environmental commodities associated with the gas. Provides that a natural gas utility may seek authorization from the Illinois Commerce Commission to engage in low-carbon fuels activities. Provides that the Commission shall approve a low-carbon fuels activity if it determines the low-carbon fuels activity investment and expenses are consistent with the provisions of the Act and the natural gas utility has demonstrated that the low-carbon fuels activity provides one or more specified benefits. Provides that the Commission shall review and, by order, approve, or approve as modified, the natural gas utility's low-carbon fuels activity proposal within 180 days after the date on which it is filed. Provides that the Commission shall adopt rules governing filing requirements, reporting requirements, and the process for natural gas utilities to fully recover prudently incurred costs associated with low-carbon fuels activity. Provides that all environmental commodities from low-carbon fuels resulting from the purchase of low-carbon fuels for gas supply or the ownership of a low-carbon fuels facility shall be applied to the benefit of gas customers. Amends the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act to allow the Illinois Commerce Commission to adopt emergency rules. Effective immediately. House Floor Amendment No. 1 Removes language providing that the Illinois Commerce Commission shall approve a low-carbon fuels activity if the natural gas utility has demonstrated that the low-carbon fuels activity alleviates a local nuisance within this State that is associated with the emission of odors.