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.