Illinois House Bill HB3074

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/23
• Refer: 2/17/23
• Refer: 2/23/23
• Refer: 5/19/23

Caption

DCEO-SOLAR PERMITTING GRANT

Impact

The implementation of the grant program will allow local jurisdictions to apply for grants of up to $20,000 to modernize their permitting processes. A minimum of $1,000,000 will be allocated from eligible funding sources to support this initiative. The expectation is that by automating the permitting process, municipalities will not only reduce administrative costs and improve efficiency but will also enhance access to solar technology, particularly for economically disadvantaged communities. This initiative aims to align with the state’s clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction goals while promoting environmental justice.

Summary

House Bill 3074 establishes the Small Solar Online Permitting Grant Program in Illinois, amending the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law. The purpose of the bill is to promote and facilitate the installation of distributed energy resources, particularly residential photovoltaic solar energy systems and energy storage technologies. The bill proposes a streamlined permitting process aimed at reducing the time and costs associated with acquiring building permits for these systems. The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity is tasked with creating this program within 180 days of the bill's enactment.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding the equitable distribution of grant funding, particularly regarding prioritizing municipalities that serve environmental justice communities. Additionally, the balance of state and local control over permitting processes may raise concerns about how local governments can adapt their regulations to meet community-specific needs while complying with state mandates. The debate may center on whether the aggressive promotion of solar energy technologies could inadvertently displace local governance structures or regulations that currently serve specific local interests.