HB 4543

Abstract

Creates the Illinois Rust Belt to Green Belt Pilot Program Act. Creates the Illinois Rust Belt to Green Belt Fund as a special fund in the State treasury (and makes a conforming change in the State Finance Act). Provides that the fund shall be used by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to encourage and facilitate work on a new utility-scale offshore wind project or related port. Provides that applicants that are applying for a new utility-scale offshore wind project with the Illinois Power Agency shall file with the Department, as part of their application, an equity and inclusion plan. Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. In provisions concerning the procurement of renewable energy credits, provides that in addition to the amount of renewable energy credits to be procured from wind projects, the Illinois Power Agency shall procure at least 700,000 renewable energy credits, delivered annually for at least 20 years, from one new utility-scale offshore wind project. Provides that the Agency shall conduct at least one new utility-scale offshore wind procurement within 360 days after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Provides that before submitting a proposal to the Agency in response to new utility-scale offshore wind procurement, an applicant must first submit to the Department a separate application for equity and inclusion plan scoring. Provides for a scoring system the Agency shall use in evaluating an applicant's proposal. Defines terms. Makes other changes.