Senate supports Ellman’s legislation establishing Hydrogen Hub in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD – A measure by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) to create the Hydrogen Economy Task Force and establish Illinois as a Hydrogen Hub in the Midwest advanced out of the Senate on Friday.

“Through this legislation, Illinois has the opportunity to take the lead on a nationwide effort to spur clean energy and hydrogen generation,” Ellman said. “As a potential Midwest Hydrogen Hub, we can support our agricultural, refinery and transportation industries and create jobs for workers across the state.”

The Hydrogen Economy Task Force established under Senate Bill 3613 would be responsible for publishing a plan to create a Hydrogen Hub in Illinois, identifying opportunities to integrate hydrogen into the economy, analyzing barriers to hydrogen development, and recommending policies to catalyze deployment of hydrogen in the state economy.

Senate Bill 3613 is intended to put Illinois in a position to become a Clean Hydrogen Hub. Both the University of Illinois and Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Ill. have partnered with the intent of participating in the federal Clean Hydrogen Hub program, through which the Secretary of Energy must select at least four regional Hubs to prioritize opportunities for skilled training and long-term employment.

“Illinois residents and the surrounding environment will benefit greatly from a Hydrogen Hub,” said State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport), a chief co-sponsor of the measure. “I am proud to partner with Senator Ellman in bringing clean energy to our state and continue the conversation about environmental justice.”

The legislation now goes to the House for further consideration.

Legislative Inspector General keeps Illinois lawmakers accountable, Ellman says

SPRINGFIELD – Upon the Senate’s approval of Michael P. McCuskey as Legislative Inspector General appointee, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) issued the following statement:

“The communities we represent expect a high standard of ethics and accountability from their governing body, and I am pleased to welcome the Honorable Michael P. McCuskey in helping us adhere to that necessary standard.

“At a time when our state is taking great strides forward, ethical oversight could not be more important, and I am proud to support an individual with the necessary skills and experience to maintain the office’s responsibilities.

“Judge McCuskey’s commitment to impartiality and his demonstrated ability to transcend politics is what Illinois residents deserve in their Legislative Inspector General.

Measure by Ellman to establish Illinois as a Hydrogen Hub advances out of committee

SPRINGFIELD – A measure by State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) to establish a Hydrogen Economy Task Force in Illinois advanced out of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Thursday.

"Through the establishment of our Hydrogen Economy Task Force, we set Illinois on track to become a hydrogen powerhouse in the Midwest, and nationwide,” Ellman said. “As a center of a potential Midwest Hydrogen Hub, we can harness our excess energy in the state to generate hydrogen, and in turn use it to support the agricultural, refining, and transportation industries in Illinois and across the Midwest.  Hydrogen Hub investment means innovation and good jobs.”

Senate Bill 3613 establishes the Hydrogen Economy Task Force, which is responsible for establishing a plan to create a Hydrogen Hub in Illinois, identifying opportunities to integrate hydrogen into the economy, analyzing barriers to hydrogen development, and recommending policies to catalyze deployment of hydrogen in the state economy.

The legislation is intended to put Illinois in a position to become a Clean Hydrogen Hub. Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont, Ill. and the University of Illinois have partnered with the intent of participating in the federal Clean Hydrogen Hub program. Through this program, the Secretary of Energy must select at least 4 regional Hubs to prioritize opportunities for skilled training and long-term employment.

“Not only would a Hydrogen Hub boost our statewide economy and create jobs for our talented and driven workforce, it would establish Illinois as a national leader in clean energy and hydrogen generation,” Ellman said.

SB 3613 will now go before the full Senate.

Ellman: Proposed budget addresses past problems and builds a brighter future

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) offered the following statement following the governor’s budget proposal:

“I am thrilled to see that the Governor's proposed budget builds on the progress we have made in the last three years, progress made possible by fiscal discipline.

“With that foundation of fiscal responsibility at its core, this budget continues to move Illinois forward. We satisfy our commitments to our communities by fully funding pensions, increasing funding for our education system, and expanding funding for public safety and health programs. We are also laying a strong foundation for the future of our state by eliminating our bill backlog, repaying COVID-related debt, and expanding our Rainy Day Fund.

“The proposed budget takes yet another step in moving Illinois down the right path, and I look forward to continuing our progress together.”