SPRINGFIELD – Illinois will take large strides toward energy sustainability thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) that advanced out of the Senate on Thursday.

“Even our most efficient and sustainable renewable energy sources require technology that can’t be reused,” Koehler said. “We have a responsibility to make our sustainable energy truly sustainable, and that includes the safe and conscientious disposal of old and used materials.”

The United States is expected to see as much as one million total tons of solar panel waste by 2030, and the United States is expected to have the second largest number of retired solar panels in the world by 2050, with as many as an estimated 10 million total tons of panels. States such as California, Hawaii, New Jersey, North Carolina and Washington have already implemented strategies to address this excess waste.

Under Senate Bill 3790, Illinois would join these states through the establishment of a Renewable Energy Component Recycling Task Force. The task force would be responsible for investigating options for recycling and other end of life methods for renewable generation components and energy storage devices, and would be required to report its findings to the General Assembly by March 1, 2023.

“By expanding opportunities to recycle and reuse raw materials from our solar panels, we will save dollars and further protect our environment,” Koehler said. “We have to take every step we can toward a healthier environment and more sustainable future.”

Senate Bill 3790 will now undergo further consideration in the House.

SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria), students with disabilities in Illinois and their families will be more fully informed of the resources available to them.

“Illinois provides a multitude of resources to students with disabilities,” Koehler said. “By ensuring residents are informed of available financial services, we can prevent additional burdens for individuals with disabilities and their families.”

Under Senate Bill 3474, school districts are required to provide informational material to the parent or guardian of students with disabilities about the Achieving a Better Life Experience account program.

The ABLE program aims to encourage and assist individuals and families in saving private funds to support individuals with disabilities to maintain health, independence and quality of life, and to provide secure funding for disability-related expenses to supplement insurance benefits and income.

“Students with disabilities overcome great challenges every day,” Koehler said. “By making sure these students and their families know about the resources available to them, we offer them an opportunity to get the most out of their education.”

Senate Bill 3474 passed out of the Senate on Wednesday and will now be considered in the House.

SPRINGFIELD – A bill championed by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) to incentivize Illinoisans to purchase vehicles manufactured in-state advanced out of the Senate Wednesday.

“We make it undeniably clear that purchasing Illinois-made is the best decision for both workers and consumers by incentivizing residents to choose from the many high-quality vehicles we manufacture in-state,” Koehler said. “By supporting locally made products, we can spur economic growth within our communities.”

Senate Bill 3609 offers Illinoisans the opportunity to apply for a $25 rebate on the title fee for cars and passenger trucks manufactured in-state. Consumers would have one year from the month the vehicle was manufactured to apply for the rebate.

“My hope for this legislation is to encourage people to purchase vehicles manufactured right here in Illinois,” said State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg), a chief cosponsor of the measure. “This bill aims to provide incentives which could put money back into consumer pockets. This is an example of how good bipartisan work can be done to provide incentives for hard-working Illinoisans.”

The legislation now goes to the House for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – Legislation sponsored by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) aimed to encourage people to invest in cars and small trucks manufactured in Illinois advanced out of the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday.

“Encouraging consumers to purchase vehicles that are manufactured in-state is a simple and effective way to support our statewide economy,” Koehler said. “By offering an economic incentive for vehicles made in Illinois, we can make the decision easy when it comes down to purchasing in- versus out-of-state cars.”

Under Senate Bill 3609, Illinoisans purchasing cars or passenger trucks will have the opportunity to apply for a $25 rebate on the title fee if the vehicle was manufactured in Illinois.  The application for title must occur within one year of the month the vehicle was manufactured.

“We have an incredibly talented and dedicated manufacturing workforce here in Illinois,” Koehler said. “Our state manufactures reliable, high-quality vehicles that, under this legislation, would become more affordable to our residents across the board.”

Senate Bill 3609 awaits further consideration.