HB 5297

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act. Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission, in consultation with the Illinois Power Agency, to develop standards and guidelines to prohibit any State ratepayers' funds from being used by the Agency under the Agency's long-term renewable resources procurement plan for the procurement of solar panels containing polysilicon or metallurgical-grade silicon which is manufactured or produced in the Xingjian region of China in quantities that exceed the standard for action under the Tariff Act of 1930. Provides that the Agency shall require all applicants for projects under the Agency's long-term renewable resources procurement plan that are eligible to receive State ratepayers' funds to certify to the Agency that none of the materials used in the applicant's solar panels are sourced from the Xingjian region of China. Provides that the Commission, in consultation with the Agency, shall conduct an audit of all existing contracts it has awarded under all Agency-administered solar programs to determine whether any project uses any solar panels or materials that are prohibited under the federal Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act. Provides that the audit shall be completed by June 1, 2023, and a complete report on the findings of the audit shall be made available to the General Assembly and the Governor's Office and shall be posted on the Agency's website.