Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

Illinois House Bill HB4734

Introduced
2/2/24  
Refer
2/6/24  
Introduced
2/2/24  
Refer
2/28/24  
Refer
2/6/24  
Refer
4/5/24  
Refer
2/28/24  

Caption

EPA-ZERO EMISSIONS EXTENSION

Impact

The legislative changes introduced by HB4734 could have significant implications for state laws governing environmental protections. By extending compliance deadlines, the bill may impact Illinois's ability to meet its greenhouse gas reduction goals. Critics argue that such extensions could undermine ongoing efforts to address climate change, while supporters believe that it allows necessary adjustments in technology and operation practices for compliance. The ramifications might also extend to job creation or loss in sectors related to energy and emissions technologies as firms adapt to the new timelines.

Summary

HB4734 amends the Illinois Environmental Protection Act to extend the deadlines for reducing or achieving zero carbon dioxide emissions from electric generating units (EGUs) and large greenhouse gas-emitting units (GHGs) by ten years. The bill specifies that all EGUs and large GHG-emitting units must reduce their carbon dioxide equivalent emissions by at least 50% by 2035, impacting the operations significantly for many traditional energy sources. The extension of deadlines aims to provide these units with additional time to comply with the emissions reduction objectives set forth in prior regulations.

Contention

Points of contention surrounding HB4734 revolve around the balance between environmental accountability and economic feasibility. Proponents highlight the need for practical timelines that consider the readiness of technology and investments in renewable energy, while opponents express concerns about the potential delay in achieving vital environmental targets. Additionally, the bill raises questions about equity and justice as communities disproportionately affected by emissions might see delayed improvements in local environmental quality and health outcomes due to extended timelines.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

IL HB5323

EPA-GHG-BLACK START

IL HB5899

EPA-CO2 CAP COAL-5YRS

IL HB5897

EPA-CO2 CAP-5YRS

IL HB5898

EPA-CO2 CAP-10YRS

IL SB2969

EPA-GREENHOUSE GASES

IL HB3935

EPA-GREENHOUSE GASES

IL SB1546

EPA-GREENHOUSE GASES

IL SB3341

EPA-GHG-BLACK START

IL SB1235

EPA-GREENHOUSE GASES

IL HB4085

EPA-LARGE GHG EMITTING UNIT

Similar Bills

IL HB5897

EPA-CO2 CAP-5YRS

IL HB5898

EPA-CO2 CAP-10YRS

IL HB1544

IL NATURAL GAS - CLEAN AND REL

IL HB1545

IL NATURAL GAS - CLEAN AND REL

IL HB5899

EPA-CO2 CAP COAL-5YRS

IL HB1546

POWERING IL BY COAL

IL HB5323

EPA-GHG-BLACK START

IL SB3341

EPA-GHG-BLACK START