The Prairie State Heats Up


 

Publication Date: May 2009

Publisher: National Institute on Money in State Politics (U.S.)

Author(s): Linda Casey

Research Area: Energy; Politics

Keywords: cap-and-trade; climate change; coal; campaign donations

Type: Report

Coverage: Illinois

Abstract:

Home to the second largest coal reserves in the United States, Illinois is in a position to be the nation's leader in developing coal gasification projects. The Illinois Clean Coal Portfolio Standard Act, signed into law January 2009, sets the stage for Illinois to usher in one of the first state-backed efforts to develop these kinds of coal power facilities. Not surprising, the groups, companies and associations that stand to benefit from the Act are attempting to ensure that they have a say in how it is implemented.