Brady: House speaker, attorney general holding up coal bill          Send a link to a friend

[August 10, 2007]  SPRINGFIELD -- State Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington, says the House speaker and Illinois attorney general are jeopardizing Taylorville's chances for a coal gasification plant by holding up legislation that creates a new clean-coal development program.

"This is an investment that we are at serious risk to losing to other states," Brady said. "Attorney General Lisa Madigan's staff has suggested she opposes this project. Her father, Speaker Michael Madigan, has frozen the bill in the House when it ought to be called and would pass by a super-majority vote."

The 44th District senator says the $2 billion coal-to-energy facility will mean hundreds of new jobs for the region and more affordable electric generation to meet the needs of consumers. The Illinois Senate has already approved legislation clearing the way for the Taylorville plant to be built. It only needs House approval and the governor's signature.

"The Taylorville Energy Center is supported by an amazingly diverse and bipartisan group," Brady said. "Citizens Utility Board says that it is good for consumers; the American Lung Association says it is good for the environment; and business and labor are strongly supportive. The only question is, Why isn't Speaker Madigan?

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"This project represents an investment of more than $2 billion by a company called Tenaska. It will create more than 1,500 construction jobs, 120 permanent jobs and 160 additional mining jobs. It will provide a private investment in more energy in Illinois, creating a more competitive environment and lowering rates for consumers and businesses," he continued. "This legislation should not be stalled. It should be moved immediately. If we don't do it soon, we will lose it to a state like Indiana. What is not to like? It uses Illinois resources to create low-cost energy using Illinois jobs."

The plant will use coal gasification technology to dramatically reduce air emissions, allowing high-sulfur Illinois coal to become a more environmentally sound fuel source.

"Tenaska has concentrated its coal gasification development efforts in Illinois because of the strong support that the Taylorville project has received from the state," Brady said. "But they have made it clear that if the House cannot pass House Bill 3388 during this session, the company may be forced to shift its main focus to other states."

[Text from file sent on behalf of Sen. Bill Brady by Illinois Senate Republican staff]

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