SB 2226

Abstract

Amends the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that before land is designated as a Conservation Opportunity Area, the Department of Natural Resources shall hold 2 public hearings on the proposed designation and provide notification by certified mail to landowners affected by the designation. Defines "Conservation Opportunity Area". Senate Floor Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Provides that a Conservation Opportunity Area designation by the Department of Natural Resources shall not be used by any State, county, or local government as a basis to deny or withhold any: (i) regulatory action; (ii) permitting; (iii) licensure; and (iv) funding. Defines "Conservation Opportunity Area". Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Department of Natural Resources (Conservation) Law of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois. Reinserts the provisions of Senate Amendment No. 1 but provides that, notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a Conservation Opportunity Area designation by the Department shall not be used by the Illinois Power Agency beginning with the Long-Term Renewable Resources Procurement Plan outlined in the Public Utilities Act developed in calendar year 2023 (rather than shall not be used by any State, county, or local government) as a basis to deny or withhold any: (1) regulatory action; (2) permitting; (3) licensure; and (4) funding.