The impact of SB0247 on state laws primarily concerns the operational funding for petition processes under the Environmental Protection Act. By increasing the filing fees, it is expected that the Pollution Control Board will have better resources to manage the influx of petitions, potentially leading to more streamlined decision-making. However, this higher cost might deter individuals or smaller organizations from filing petitions, which could raise concerns over accessibility to the regulatory process regarding environmental protection.
SB0247, introduced by Senator Adriane Johnson, aims to amend the Environmental Protection Act of Illinois by increasing the filing fees for various petitions. Specifically, the bill raises the fees for petitions concerning site-specific regulations, variances, reviews of permits, and contests against local government decisions from $75 to $250. This adjustment seeks to ensure adequate funding for the processes involved in handling these petitions through the Pollution Control Board Fund, which relies on these fees to operate efficiently.
Notably, the increase in filing fees may spark contention among stakeholders, particularly environmental advocacy groups and local governments who might argue that the higher costs could be prohibitive for certain populations. Critics of the bill may contend that it undermines the principle of public participation in environmental regulations by making it financially burdensome for average citizens or smaller entities to engage in the petitioning process. Advocates for the bill may counter that increased fees are necessary to ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the regulatory process.