(Chicago, IL) — July 12, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed legislation that streamline the environmental permitting process in Illinois for Illinois businesses, drawing praise from Illinois’ top manufacturing group.
“Simplifying and speeding up the review process for environmental permits will help Illinois companies begin hiring, investing and producing more quickly,” said Quinn.
Sponsored by former State Rep. Dan Reitz (D-Steeleville) and State Senator James Clayborne (D-East St. Louis), the new law, House Bill 1297, will have Illinois Environmental Protection Agency use more efficient techniques such as online permitting, processing and tracking to make the permitting process easier to navigate.
That’s the theory.
The new law also allows for expedited permitting, general permitting, and permitting by rule for certain classes of facilities.
“These changes will improve the agency’s operations and make it more efficient, while ensuring that environmental standards are never compromised,” said IEPA Interim Director Lisa Bonnett.
Illinois Manufacturers’ Association president and CEO Greg Baise praised the new law and Quinn, an important plug for the governor who is working hard to be been seen as the “jobs governor” in the public’s mind.
“For too long, Illinois’ environmental regulatory process has hindered economic development and made it more difficult for businesses to compete,” said Baise. “We applaud Governor Quinn’s support of this new law that modernizes and streamlines the process, allowing businesses to save time and money.”
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