SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to reduce carbon emissions in Illinois, State Senator Dave Koehler lead a discussion Friday during a subject matter hearing in the Energy and Public Utilities Committee on his measure that would create a credit system to incentivize the use of low-emission fuels. 

“It’s time we take action to protect our environment,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This measure would allow Illinois to lead the charge to promote sustainable fuels that create a cleaner future for our state.”

Senate Bill 1556 would create a credit marketplace for low-emission fuels overseen by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Fuel providers would be required to register their fuels with the program and report their average emissions to the IEPA. Fuels emitting below the established baseline will generate credits, while those exceeding the baseline will generate deficits. To ensure compliance, the IEPA will have the authority to impose penalties on deficit generators failing to offset their deficits by purchasing or generating credits. Additionally, the legislation aims to meet goals set forth in the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act passed by the General Assembly in 2021.

SPRINGFIELD – As the world continues to rely on the use of electronics, State Senator Dave Koehler is spearheading a measure to ensure batteries are properly disposed in Illinois.

“Although using electronic alternatives are great for the environment, the lack of proper disposal of batteries can lead to more environmental harm,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This measure begins a much-needed detailed plan for battery recycling.”

Senate Bill 3686 would require businesses who sell or distribute batteries to develop a recycling stewardship program. Sellers and distributors would be required to create a small to medium-sized battery recycling program by 2026. Medium-sized batteries would include batteries made for electric bikes and electric scooters. By 2029, businesses must include appropriate labeling for all batteries to ensure proper collection and recycling.

Batteries contain heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium and nickel, which can contaminate the environment when disposed improperly. Koehler’s plan models other successful stewardship programs recently enacted in the state, including one for paint disposal.

“This is a long-term, cohesive plan to ensure we are taking the right steps to protect our environment,” said Koehler. “As the world advances, so should our legislation.”

Senate Bill 3686 passed the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Thursday and now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to prioritize mental health within higher education institutions in Illinois, State Senator Dave Koehler is leading an initiative to require wellness days for college students.

“A student’s mental well-being is fundamental to their overall success,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This legislation tells our students that we are taking mental health seriously and that their well-being is a central component of their educational journey.”

Senate Bill 2606 would require public colleges in Illinois to adopt a student wellness policy for students enrolled in at least one course that lasts nine weeks or longer. This policy would ensure students have at least two wellness days per academic term, beginning with the 2026-2027 academic year. Koehler’s measure would also require public colleges and universities to determine student wellness day policies for students enrolled in courses lasting eight weeks or fewer, or non-credited, flexible term and online courses.

SPRINGFIELD – In an effort to bring more Illinois food to our shelves, State Senator Dave Koehler is leading an initiative to create the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act.

“This is an opportunity to not only support our farmers, but feed families and strengthen the state’s economy as well,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “Providing farm-to-table food to grocers allows local businesses to flourish while supplying families with fresh produce grown right in the heart of their community.”

Senate Bill 3077 would create the Local Food Infrastructure Grant Act. This measure would require the Illinois Department of Agriculture to amplify local food processing, collection and distribution within the state through grants. Eligible applicants would include farms, co-ops, process facilities, food businesses and hubs with fewer than 50 employees, as well as Illinois nonprofit organizations and local governments.

Koehler’s bill creates a two-tiered grant system for both individual and collaborative projects. Individual projects may receive grants between $1,000 and $75,000, where collaborative projects may be awarded $1,000 up to $250,000. These grants may be used toward production, grading and packaging equipment, as well as refrigerated trucks, milling equipment, local fish processing and milk processing.

According to the Illinois Stewardship Alliance, a 10% shift in the average grocery budget toward local food purchasing could generate billions in economic growth for the state. By incentivizing the expansion and collaboration of local food providers, Senate Bill 3077 will reinforce Illinois’ food industry, grow local economies and provide access to locally sourced food to residents across the state.

“This program is a strategic investment in ourselves,” said Koehler. “By putting our money where our home is, we are ensuring prosperity for our communities.”

Senate Bill 3077 passed the Senate Agriculture Committee on Thursday and now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

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