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Despite the hooplah, some real progress was made

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Illinois

“I don’t know of any bill that actually passed that’s more important to the business community,” says Illinois Chamber of Commerce chief Todd Maisch, whose group was one of several business and labor organizations that backed the measure. “We’ve been pushing this for 10 years.”

The measure, sponsored by Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, and Rep. Elaine Nekritz, D-Northbrook, deals with something known as Prevention of Significant Deterioration permits. According to the chamber, 41 other states, including all of those around Illinois, now have state-run PSD programs. The bill allows Illinois to do the same, “putting the state on a level playing field with other states,” by adopting federal regulations as state rules.

There were some changes in wording during the legislative process, and those were enough to get green groups to drop their opposition, says the Environmental Law & Policy Center’s Howard Learner. For instance, the state rules can be more stringent than the federal standards, and those who object to proposed rules will more easily be able to intervene in court or appeals process.

Nekritz notes that Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office also was actively involved in developing the bill. “Everyone negotiated,” she puts it—despite the “bigger picture” battles over the budget, pensions and other matters.

Several fronts saw significant progress this year. This is only one.

posted by Rich Miller
Friday, Jun 5, 15 @ 10:06 am

Comments

Nekritz works while others pose.

Comment by walker Friday, Jun 5, 15 @ 10:13 am
Good news Rich. Now let’s get some revenue to fund our state programs, and keep this progress progressing.

Comment by PublicServant Friday, Jun 5, 15 @ 10:15 am
==10 years == Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office also was actively involved == Several fronts saw significant progress this year==

Was this all coincidence? Circumstance?

The ==old ways== of the statehouse are changing under Rauner, for better or worse, more than some apparently wish to admit.

Comment by Formerly Known As... Friday, Jun 5, 15 @ 10:27 am
Thank goodness no one woke up Durkie and Sandeck so they could vote “no” and bolex up the whole thing

Comment by Anonin' Friday, Jun 5, 15 @ 10:40 am
FKA: Nekritz and others have been doing this kind of bi-partisan crafting of solutions for years. Often on technical issues that have real impact, but don’t make the news.

It’s just more noteworthy this year because of the big issues standoff.

Comment by walker Friday, Jun 5, 15 @ 10:53 am
What are the chances of passing a revenue bill this summer?

Comment by Mama Friday, Jun 5, 15 @ 1:22 pm
I gotta get me one of those Prevention of Significant Deterioration permits in case the Hawks go into triple overtime again.

Comment by Wordslinger Friday, Jun 5, 15 @ 2:15 pm