The General Assembly was able to avoid a summer overtime session by passing a budget bill late Tuesday night. Legislators remained in Springfield for much of the holiday weekend as they worked out deals on major legislation and the budget.

We are extremely pleased to report some good news for open space and natural resource funding. We asked you last week to take action and ask your elected officials to prevent a fund raid on Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD), Natural Area Acquisition Fund (NAAF), and Conservation 2000 (C-2000). You responded to our request and these three funds were removed from a list of over 200 dedicated state funds and saved from the sweeps! Thank you to all who assisted in protecting these funds!

State agencies such as Illinois Department of Natural Resources and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency are still determining the impact of the new budget and the fund sweeps, but IDNR was pleased to see a slight increase in their budget over last year and full appropriations for OSLAD, NAAF, and C-2000. The Lt. Governor’s Conservation Initiative, SB 620, did not pass before the end of session, but much of the funding from that plan was included in the budget. This includes funding for Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Conservation 2000, and additional funds to restore some cuts IDNR had received.

Several environmental bills were still alive last week and received the concurrence votes they needed to be sent to the Governor’s office. These include SB 1910, which would enable 14 counties in Illinois to create stormwater management plans and direct their implementation and revision; and SB 250 which would require a new Green Building Advisory Committee to promote the use of a green building rating system for new state construction projects. Another bill which passed both chambers and is on its way to the Governor is HB 511. This legislation would ban the use of a mercury-containing preservative found in vaccines.

**The final budget bills can be found on the General Assembly’s website: SB 1548 and SB 661, which includes the fund raids.

The General Assembly will be meeting this weekend in an attempt to finalize the legislative session and the FY 06 budget before the end of May. The final budget bill is still being drafted and the Illinois Environmental Council is asking its supporters to take action (SEE ALERT BELOW) and ask their legislators to keep dedicated funds out of a proposed raid. Some of these funds include Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD), Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF), Conservation 2000, Renewable Energy Resources Trust Fund and Energy Efficiency Trust Fund.

In other budget news, the IEC is supporting the closure of a landfill gas tax loophole. The measure, known as the Conservation Initiative, was introduced earlier this year by Lt. Governor Pat Quinn and is currently amended on SB 620. This bill could be passed alone or be included in the final budget, and would provide $25 million for the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), Conservation 2000, and provide additional funds for adequate staffing at the Department of Natural Resources.

Several environmental bills are still alive and being acted on, including SB 1910 which has passed both chambers, but must be voted on again in the Senate for concurrence. SB 1910 would enable 14 counties in Illinois to create stormwater management plans and direct their implementation and revision. Another bill waiting for a concurrence vote is SB 250 which would require a new Green Building Advisory Committee to promote the use of a green building rating system for new state construction projects. A measure to increase public notification of a hazardous release (SB 241) was passed by the House this week and will be sent to the Governor.

This is the final week of the Spring Session for the Illinois General Assembly. Governor Blagojevich wants to raid funding for natural resources and environmental protection to plug his leaky budget. We are asking that you directly contact your state representative and state senator to ask them to help in stopping this drastic action.

Please follow this link to the Illinois Action Project to send a FREE FAX letting your legislators know that you oppose the RAID on vital funding for recreation, conservation and acquisition. PLEASE ACT TODAY!

The legislative session is heading into the home stretch, with rumors abounding about adjournment either on time, or well into the summer. Several bills passed this week and were sent to the governor, including HB 211 creating the Food Systems Policy Council; HB 672, which will allow local communities to decide on smoking bans; HB 2572, toxic flame retardant ban; and HB 4067, creating a children's environmental health officer. A disappointment was HB 695, creating school indoor air quality plans, which lost a close vote in Senate 27-28-2.

The state budget will be the major topic of discussion next week as legislators and the governor try to close a budget deficit of more than $1 billion.

In a major environmental victory, Senate Bill 761 died this week when it was not called for a vote before the House Environment and Energy Committee. Support for the bill evaporated in the face of strong opposition from environmental groups, local governments, the Blagojevich Administration, and Attorney General Lisa Madigan. Procedurally the bill was assigned to a sub-committee, which effectively kills the bill.

SB 761 faced long odds on the House floor in the face of this opposition, but its failure to even clear the House Energy and Environment Committee was a pleasant surprise. The Committee is generally deferential to industry concerns, but it was clear that no amount of clout could carry such a strongly anti-environment, anti-local government bill to the finish line. The defeat of SB 761 is clearly a big victory for citizens across the state who made their voices heard in Springfield. However, it merely stops a bad proposal. Hopefully, with the threat of SB 761 extinguished, we can move on to building consensus for a bill that provides real protection while respecting local authority.

In other legislative action, Senate Bills 241 and 250 cleared the House Environment and Energy Committee this week. SB 241 would require EPA to provide notification to residents when there is a nearby environmental hazard, and provides EPA with authority to require cleanup of a hazardous situation. SB 250 promotes the use of green building standards such as LEED for new state building construction.

Governor Blagojevich's landfill enforcement initiative, SB 431, has been assigned to the House Environment and Energy Committee for a hearing next week.

A number of bills moved closer to a final vote, including HB 4020, an initiative of the Nature Conservancy. The bill amends the Criminal Code as it relates to Vehicle Trespass, allowing landowners to file civil action against trespassers in motor vehicles and to recoup monetary damages from the trespasser. It also allows for court and attorney costs to be recovered from the trespasser to the landowner. This bill moved to the third reading stage this week and the full Senate is expected to vote on it next week.

This week was busy at the State Capitol, as several priority bills for the Illinois Environmental Council passed out of the committee stage.

A bill to limit idling time of diesel vehicles, HB 2347 (Rep. Nekritz and Sen. Schoenberg), passed the Senate Health and Human Services committee on Thursday. Another environmental health initiative to ban the use of toxic chemicals used for flame retardants passed the Senate Environment and Energy committee this week (HB 2572- Rep. Nekritz and Sen. Ronen) by a vote of 10-1-0. Both bills advance to the Senate floor for full consideration by the chamber.

SB 1910, sponsored by Sen. Bill Haine and Rep. Holbrook, would enable urbanizing counties outside of the six-county Northeastern Illinois Planning Commission region to create stormwater management committees. This is particularly aimed at the seven counties in the Metro East Area (Madison, St. Clair, Monroe, Washington, Bond, Randolph and Clinton), that have been working for 14 years to get such authority, as well as Boone, Grundy, Kendall, Kankakee, LaSalle, Dekalb and Winnebago counties. Stormwater management planning committees would consist of equal numbers of county board and municipal representatives for each county board district. The committees will be able to develop a stormwater management plan and direct its implementation and revision. This would work much like the highly effective stormwater management agencies working in Lake, DuPage and Kane counties. The bill passed out of the House Local Government committee this week and should be voted on by the House next week. It would then have to return to the Senate for agreement.

SB 761 (Sen. Clayborne and Rep. Holbrook) was scheduled to be heard by the House Environment and Energy Committee on Wednesday, but was postponed until May 11th. This bill is OPPOSED by the IEC and a coalition of environmental and conservation organizations. SB 761 concerns the protection of isolated wetlands in Illinois, but would weaken existing county wetlands program in northeastern Illinois and would permit the destruction of a wetland up to 0.5-acres in size without ANY mitigation for the loss.

The Illinois Senate was off this week, but both chambers will be back next week and will be in session each week through the end of May, when the legislature is scheduled to adjourn. Several bills the Illinois Environmental Council is monitoring will be heard in committees next week.

SB 761 (Sen. Clayborne and Rep. Holbrook) will be heard by the House Environment and Energy Committee next Wednesday. This bill concerns the protection of isolated wetlands in Illinois, but is opposed by the IEC and many other conservation organizations. SB 761 would weaken existing county wetlands program in northeastern Illinois and would permit the destruction of a wetland up to 0.5-acres in size without ANY mitigation for the loss. SEE BELOW for ways you can help DEFEAT SB 761.

An environmental health bill will be heard by the Senate Environment and Energy committee, also meeting on Wednesday next week. HB 2572 (Rep. Nekritz and Sen. Ronen) would ban the use of toxic chemicals used for flame retardants, or PBDE's.

SB 1910 (Sen. Haine and Rep. Holbrook) is an initiative that would provide 14 counties in Illinois the authority to develop their own stormwater management plans. SB 1910 is scheduled for the House Local Government Committee next Wednesday and is supported by the IEC and several affiliate organizations.

Upcoming General Assembly Dates:
May 5- Senate Committee deadline for House bills
May 13- House Committee deadline for Senate bills (NOTE: Deadline extended from May 6)
May 20- Deadline for Third Reading in House and Senate

**Please visit our legislation page for a comprehensive list of IEC legislation and bill status, www.ilenviro.org/2005_legislation.htm, or to download your copy of the recently released Illinois Environmental Briefing Book for 2005-2006.

On Wednesday the House Appropriations- General Services Committee met regarding the proposed FY06 Illinois Department of Natural Resources budget. Dave Kelm, Coordinator for Partners for Parks and Wildlife testified before the committee and shared the concerns of PPW members including the lack of funding for Eco-Watch, the damaging staff reductions that have occurred at IDNR, and the Governor’s proposal to sweep dedicated funding from natural resources. PPW partner, AFSCME also testified that the IDNR cuts are dramatically impacting our state parks. An AFSCME regional vice-president who also works at a state park testified that even the basic services can not be covered at the current staff levels.

SB 761 is scheduled to be heard by the House Environment and Energy Committee next week (May 4th) and we NEED YOUR HELP to oppose and defeat this bill.

If your State Representative serves on this committee, please CALL him/her and ask them to OPPOSE SB 761 as it would weaken current wetland protections in some counties and provide a weak standard for the rest of the state.

STEP 1- Committee Members
House Environment and Energy Committee members:
Bradley, Cultra, Hamos, Holbrook, Joyce, Kosel, Leitch, Mautino, May, Meyer, Nekritz, Parke, Phelps, Reitz, Rita, Rose, Schock, Smith, Tenhouse, Tryon, Verschoore, and Winters.

To find your State Representative, visit www.elections.state.il.us/dls/pages/SelectOfficialSearch.asp.

STEP 2- Call and voice your opposition
Call the Illinois State operator at 217-782-2000 and ask to be connected to your representative’s office in Springfield. Ask to speak with him/her or leave a message for them to OPPOSE SB 761.

STEP 3- Thank you for your support to defeat SB 761!
Call the IEC office with any questions at 217-544-5954.

The House was off this week while the Senate began committee action on House bills. Next week the Senate will be off while the House reconvenes. The Senate took action on several bills in committee. The Senate Commerce and Economic Development Committee passed HB 211 (Sen. Mattie Hunter), which would create the Illinois Food Systems Policy Council to develop policies around food access and security. HB 1149, Sponsored by Sen. Susan Garrett, passed the Environment and Energy Committee. The bill would create a commission to study Computer Equipment Disposal and Recycling. The Health and Human Services Committee passed HB 4067 (Sen. Mattie Hunter) to establish within the Department of Public Health the position of Children's Environmental Health Officer to serve as the chief advisor in the Department on matters of environmental protection and children's health.

The Agriculture and Conservation Committee passed HB 229 over the objections of IEC and other organizations. The bill would make it easier to create Agricultural Areas that contain non-contiguous sections. This seemingly innocuous change would have the impact of limiting public participation and input regarding the siting of mega hog farms.

All of these bills now advance to the full Senate for consideration.

Today is the deadline for bills to pass out of their original chamber. Both the House and Senate have taken votes on several bills this week to try to beat the deadline- and are still meeting as this update is being written.

So far this week there has been action on several key Illinois Environmental Council issues. As we reported last week, House Bill 2347, a bill to limit idling time of diesel vehicles, was called for a vote but then postponed when there were not enough votes in favor to pass the bill. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Nekritz, was called again for a vote on Tuesday and passed the House 65-50-1. The bill will move to the Senate with Sen. Schoenberg as the chief sponsor. A similar bill, HB 3685 sponsored by Rep. Winters, would require school districts to adopt a policy concerning school bus idling but did not receive enough votes to pass (56-60).

Yesterday the House Environmental Health Committee met and approved an amendment to HB 2572, legislation that would ban the use of toxic chemicals used for flame retardants (commonly known as PBDE’s). Today that bill passed the House 106-0-1. The Mercury Free Vehicles Act (HB 1628) was also assigned to the Environmental Health Committee but was held in that committee yesterday.

Another piece of legislation sponsored by Rep. Nekritz passed the House today. HB 2390 would address the Illinois Supreme Court “Boub” decision by restoring some liability protection for bicyclists riding on roads.

The protection of isolated wetlands has been a long standing issue for the IEC. Two Senate bills to address the issue were introduced this year. SB 761 (Sen. Clayborne) is an industry friendly bill that would weaken existing county wetlands programs in northeastern Illinois. This legislation passed the Senate late last night 34-17. Sen. Link also introduced SB 1695 which is the Wetlands Protection Act supported by the IEC and other environmental groups- however, the Senate failed to act on this legislation. Watch the Illinois EnviroBulletin for ways you can help defeat SB 761 when it is considered by the House in the coming weeks. In related news, an initiative to provide authority to counties wishing to develop their own stormwater management plan was approved by the Senate today by a vote of 41-8-1 (SB 1910). This bill moves on to the House where Rep. Holbrook will be the chief sponsor.

Upcoming General Assembly Dates:
April 18-22 Break- House of Representatives
April 25-29 Break- Senate
May 5- Senate Committee deadline for House bills
May 6- House Committee deadline for Senate bills

The action was fast and furious in Springfield this week as legislators try to move hundreds of bills forward before next Friday’s deadline to pass bills out of the originating chamber. High drama ensued when Rep Elaine Nekritz called House Bill 2347, the Diesel Anti-Idling bill, for a vote on Wednesday. The vote tally topped out at 59, one short of the majority needed for passage. Rep. Nekritz was able to use a procedural move to postpone consideration of the bill, which means that the vote was not recorded, and she can call the bill again for another vote next week. Several legislators who supported the bill were out of the chamber at the time of the vote.

The Mercury Free Vehicle Act (HB 1628) received a hearing this morning in the House Environmental Health Committee. Sponsored by Rep. Karen May, the bill passed committee 6-2 after a contentious debate and now goes to the full House for a vote next week.

Also coming up for a vote next will be HB 2572, which would ban the use toxic flame retardant chemicals in favor of safer alternatives.

Two environmental bills sponsored by Rep. Karen May passed the House this week. HB 695 requires school districts to adopt an indoor air quality policy, while HB 1585 would ban the use of arsenic for treating wood used in playgrounds.


CAMPAIGN NEWS
Partners for Parks and Wildlife

On April 7th, a number of PPW coalition members came together to help celebrate the release of the Illinois Environmental Briefing Book in Springfield. The day included informational tables in the State Capitol from IEC, PPW, The Nature Conservancy, Sierra Club, Illinois Federation for Outdoor Resources, American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago, and Illinois PIRG. A number of PPW members joined with IECEF to announce the 2005 Briefing Book during a morning press conference in the Capitol Blue Room.

Later in the day, PPW Coordinator Dave Kelm and Public Lands Director Carl Becker from The Nature Conservancy testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee regarding the positive aspects of the FY05 IDNR Budget proposal. AFSCME did testify against the budget with respect the massive number of layoffs that the agency has experienced in the last two years. PPW also testified that staffing levels for the agency are a concern as is the Governor’s proposal to sweep a number of conservation dedicated funds.

**If you have not taken action to oppose these dedicated fund sweeps, please click here to send a fax to the Governor: www.illinoisactionproject.org/showalert.asp?aaid=642

The Illinois House reconvenes on Tuesday, and the Senate on Wednesday after a two week recess. The next two weeks will be grueling as legislators push to meet an April 15th deadline for passing bills out of their originating chamber.

The Illinois Environmental Council has been actively working to pass legislation to reduce or eliminate potential sources of mercury in our environment. In 2003, we were able to ban the sale or distribution of mercury fever thermometers, and again in 2004 were able to pass legislation further limiting the number of consumer products which contain mercury. As many of you know, every lake, river, and stream in Illinois has a health advisory warning against frequent consumption of fish due to mercury contamination.

Rep. Karen May is leading the way in 2005 to require mercury switches in vehicles (found in trunk and hood lights) to be removed before an auto could be scrapped, shredded or crushed at the end of its life. The legislation is HB 1628 (currently a shell bill) which will move to House Environmental Health Committee after the legislature returns from Spring Break.
SEE BELOW for more information in how you can get involved with mercury reduction initiatives.

This week was the deadline for bills to pass the committee stage in the Senate. While an initiative sponsored by Sen. Susan Garrett, SB 130, was able to move out of committee as a shell bill, the bill language will still be negotiated concerning water quantity management from high capacity wells. Unfortunately, an attempt to move SB 2076 (banning the use of phosphorus in automatic dishwasher detergents) out of the Senate Environment and Energy Committee was defeated. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Don Harmon, will continue to work on the bill through a subcommittee.

For a full update of legislation being monitored by the IEC, visit the bill tracker on our website at www.ilenviro.org/2005_legislation.htm.

Upcoming General Assembly dates:
*March 21 to April 1- General Assembly Spring Break
*April 5- Municipal Election Day
*April 15- House and Senate Third Reading deadline

We need your help TODAY! As we reported last week, Governor Blagojevich has announced his plan to raid money from hundreds of dedicated state funds. Among the funds included in this proposal are Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD), Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF), Conservation 2000, Illinois Clean Water Fund, Used Tire Management Fund, Energy Efficiency Trust Fund, and MANY MORE environmental and conservation related funds. A full list of those funds is still available at the State-Journal Register’s website: www.sj-r.com/.

Please TAKE ACTION TODAY- we need you to send a message to the Governor and your state legislators letting them know you OPPOSE the Administration’s plan to divert money away from special conservation funds.

** Click here to take action.

This week was the deadline for bills to pass the committee stage in the House. A bill to reduce idling times of large diesel trucks advanced from the House Environment and Energy Committee on Wednesday. HB 2347, sponsored by Rep. Elaine Nekritz, would reduce the amount of diesel pollution in the Metro-east and Chicago non-attainment areas for clean air by limiting excessive engine idling. A similar measure, HB 3685, would require school districts to adopt a policy about school bus idling. This bill advanced from the committee stage and is sponsored by Rep. Dave Winters. The House Environmental Health Committee passed another piece of legislation sponsored by Rep. Nekritz, HB 2572. This bill would ban the use of harmful chemicals used for flame retardants, known as PBDEs, or polybrominated diphenyl ether.

HB 1502, an initiative to reduce phosphorus in our waterways by banning its use in cleaning detergents was defeated on Wednesday. However, a similar bill is being sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Don Harmon, SB 2076. The Senate Environmental and Energy Committee will hear that piece of legislation this coming Wednesday.

Protection of isolated wetlands remains a priority for the Illinois Environmental Council. A senate bill sponsored by Sen. Terry Link (SB 1695) would create a Wetlands Protection Act. This bill passed out of its Senate committee this week, however, an industry friendly wetlands bill also made it out of committee (SB 761). The legislation is sponsored by Sen. James Clayborne and would weaken existing county wetlands programs in northeastern Illinois. SB 761 is opposed by IEC and other groups.

Also in the news this week was Governor Blagojevich’s announcement of the hundreds of dedicated state funds his administration is looking to raid money from. Among the funds included in this proposal are Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD), Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF), Conservation 2000, Illinois Clean Water Fund, Used Tire Management Fund and many more environmental and conservation related funds. Currently a full list of those funds is available at the State Journal-Register’s website: www.sj-r.com.

Next week will again be busy with the Senate deadline for bills to advance from the committee stage. More information on these bills is available on the IEC’s website: www.ilenviro.org/2005_legislation.htm and at the General Assembly’s website: www.ilga.gov.

Upcoming General Assembly dates:
*March 17- Senate Committee deadline
*March 21 to April 1- General Assembly Spring Break
*April 15- House and Senate Third Reading deadline

Next Thursday is the final day for House bills to pass the committee stage in order to be considered by the full chamber. The Illinois Environmental Council is supporting several bills currently assigned to the House Environment & Energy Committee. One of these is HB 1485, a bill to protect Illinois from aquatic invasive species (see related article below). Other bills we would like to see the House Environment & Energy Committee pass are HB 1502, which would ban the use of phosphorus in cleaning agents, and HB 2347, which would reduce the amount of diesel pollution in Illinois through limits in heavy truck idling.

You can find more information on these bills and other legislation of concern to the IEC by visiting our “Legislation Webpage” at www.ilenviro.org/2005_legislation.htm. Use the “Bill Tracker” link to view information on sponsors, bill summaries, and status.

Other upcoming General Assembly dates:
*March 17- Senate Committee deadline
*March 21 to April 1- General Assembly Spring Break
*April 15- House and Senate Third Reading deadline

House Bill 1485, the Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Act, is being sponsored by Representative Julie Hamos. HB 1485 would provide Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Illinois EPA with the authority to protect waters of the state of Illinois from aquatic invasive species using a ballast water management program. The bill would also allow the state to identify sources and quantify the impacts of invasive species on the people of Illinois. Finally, HB 1485 creates an Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Fund, paid for by permit fees and other sources, that would help fund the program and promote ecosystem restoration.

HB 1485 is scheduled for a hearing in the Environment & Energy Committee of the Illinois House on March 9, 2005 at 4 PM in Capitol Building Room 118. If your Representative is on this committee, please contact your legislator and urge them to vote "YES" on HB 1485 on March 9th. Committee members: Thomas Holbrook, Elaine Nekritz, Richard T. Bradley, Shane Cultra, Julie Hamos, Kevin Joyce, Renee Kosel, David R. Leitch, Frank J. Mautino, Karen May, James H. Meyer, Terry R. Parke, Brandon W. Phelps, Dan Reitz, Robert Rita, Chapin Rose, Aaron Schock, Michael K. Smith, Art Tenhouse, Michael Tryon, Patrick J Verschoore, Dave Winters.

While the overall tone of the legislature has been fairly quiet so far, several bills moved forward this week. The House unanimously passed a measure to permit train commuters in the Chicago area to carry bicycles with them on trains, thus allowing someone to bike to and from the train stations at both ends of their commute. HB 467 was sponsored by Rep. Marlow Colvin along with 30 other co-sponsors, and is being sponsored in the Senate by Sen. Carol Ronen.

House Bill 1149, sponsored by Rep. John Millner, also passed the House unanimously. This bill would establish a commission to recommend options for increasing opportunities for computer and electronics recycling.

The House Environmental Health Committee passed HB 1585, which would ban local governments and school districts from using arsenic-containing building materials on playgrounds. Wooden playground equipment may use arsenic as a preservative agent to prevent rotting. Sponsored by Rep. Karen May, the bill now goes to the full House.

Governor Blagojevich presented his FY2006 budget proposal on Wednesday. His proposal recognizes the difficulties at the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR), and while not reversing all of the cuts, begins to take a step back. The Governor is supporting Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn's proposal to eliminate a tax credit for landfill operators and use the money instead to support conservation programs. The budget includes $2.2 million to hire 50 site technicians at state parks, 14 of whom would be recalled from the recent layoff and 36 new positions. The Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) is slated to receive $10 million, and Conservation 2000 gets $6.4 million plus about $7 million for project grants. Natural Areas Acquisition Fund (NAAF) is receiving about $1.5 million in new funding, while the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) fund remains at last year's level. It was in last year's budget address that Governor Blagojevich proposed a one year "holiday" from funding these programs.

One area of concern is the lack of funding for the Tri-County State Park. Currently funded by the State and operated by the DuPage County Forest Preserve District, the budget includes no money for the park's operations, and its future is unclear.

Illinois EPA has some new funding as well. The budget includes $17 million for the cleanup of Lake Calumet area, $2 million for other brownfields sites, and $5.5 million for a new landfill enforcement effort.

Governor Blagojevich also pledged that ten percent of any new bonds issued for capital improvements will be set aside for environmental projects.

The final budget will be negotiated between now and the end of the legislative session by the Governor and the four legislative leaders. To view a transcript of Governor Blagojevich's speech, visit www.state.il.us/budget.

It has been a slow week in Springfield. Only the House was in session, with the Senate off for the week. There may be some progress on the issue of ATV facilities in state parks, as HB 47 was not called for a vote in the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee for the second week in a row. One bill that did move forward was HB 511, which would ban the practice of giving mercury-containing vaccine shots to pregnant women or children. Many vaccines contain a preservative agent that includes mercury, which can be harmful to developing fetuses or young children. Sponsored by Rep. Kurt Granberg, the bill passed the House Environmental Heath Committee by a unanimous vote.

Both chambers will be back in action next week, with many more bills assigned to committees for hearings. The big event will be the Governor’s Budget Address, and the release of his proposed budget for the next fiscal year. The speech is Wednesday February 16th starting at 12:00 Noon. A live video feed and a copy of the speech will be available at www.illinois.gov.

1) Governor Blagojevich gave his annual State of the State address yesterday, and announced a plan to institute a Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) in Illinois. The RPS would require utility companies to generate 8% of their electricity from renewable sources, including wind, solar and biomass. You can TAKE ACTION today to ensure that the Governor’s proposal becomes reality in our state-- please follow this link http://actionnetwork.org/elpc/notice-description.tcl?newsletter_id=3016805 for information on how you can easily send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper.

Blagojevich also announced that he will pursue a regional emission standard for older coal-fired power plants, with the help of other Midwestern governors. The complete text of his speech is available online at www.illinois.gov/gov/stateofstate2005.cfm. In addition, the Governor reiterated his commitment to building new coal plants such as the Peabody plant in Washington County, which was recently issued a permit by Illinois EPA.

2) A group of legislators held a press conference this week in Springfield to unveil a legislative agenda for children’s environmental health issues. Rep. Karen May, the new chair of the House Environmental Health Committee, was joined by Reps. Coulson, Flowers, Froehlich, Hamos, Jakobsson, Nekritz, Pritchard, Ryg, Washington and Sen. Althoff. The group announced plans for legislation that would require recycling of mercury auto switches, ban the use of the toxic flame retardant PBDE, restrict idling times for diesel buses and trucks, create an office of children’s environmental health within Illinois EPA, and restrict pesticide use on school grounds. The press conference was part of a coordinated effort among legislators who participate in the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators (NCEL) from Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin, all of whom held coordinated press events at their state capitols.

For more information on legislation and committees, visit the General Assembly website: www.ilga.gov.

The 2005 spring legislatives session swings into full action next week. Governor Blagojevich’s State of the State has been postponed by a day to Thursday February 3rd at 12:00 Noon. There will be a live internet feed available at www.illinois.gov.

House Bill 47, which would allow funding for Off-Highway Vehicle facilities to be built on state property, including parks, will be heard in the House Agriculture and Conservation Committee on Tuesday. This is similar to legislation that has been vetoed by the governor in each of the past two years (SB 2272 in 2004 and SB 1521 in 2003).

The House has created a new Environmental Health Committee, which will be chaired by Rep. Karen May.

If you’re looking for stocking stuffers for next year, the House will now be recording video of floor debates and making it available on DVD. Each DVD will cost $5.

For more information on legislation and committees, visit the General Assembly website: www.ilga.gov.

Last week the Department of Natural Resources eliminated 87 staff positions. The Illinois Environmental Council and Partners for Parks and Wildlife attempted a last ditch effort to save the jobs by pushing for an additional $2 million to be appropriated to DNR to support those jobs through the end of the fiscal year. There wound up being a supplemental appropriation bill that passed last week, but we were unable to get money included for these positions.

In the meantime, Representative Mike Boland has introduced HB 214, which would make the appropriation and restore the positions. Also, Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn has proposed eliminating the Retail Rate tax credit for landfill operators generating electricity from landfill gas (worth $25 million), and using some of the money to save these jobs, with the remainder going to fund Conservation 2000 and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP).

You can TAKE ACTION by sending a letter to Governor Blagojevich, Budget Director Filan, and your State Senator and Representative in support of HB 214! Please go to http://www.illinoisactionproject.org/showalert.asp?aaid=612.

LEGISLATURE BEGINS NEW SESSION

The 94th General Assembly began on January 13th, kicking off a new two year cycle. With only a handful of session days in January, the session will pick up in earnest in February. Governor Blagojevich is scheduled to give his State of the State address on February 2nd and his Budget address of February 16th. All this and more can be found on the General Assembly website, www.ilga.gov. Please note that this is a new address!