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Illinois Governor Halts “Boondoggle” Energy Bill

Rich Egger

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn vetoed energy  legislation that critics say could have raised the price of natural gas around the state.

The legislation would have forced natural gas companies Ameren and Nicor to buy synthetic gas produced by the Leucadia plant in order to help pay for its construction. The plant was proposed to be built on Chicago's south side. Leucadia planned to use technology that converts Illinois coal into gas.

Critics such as the Natural Resources Defense Council’s Josh Mogerman said it would have forced customers’ natural gas bills up all over the state.

He also said it makes no sense from an environmental standpoint.

“What I hope will happen is Leucadia will look at this and see that Illinois doesn’t need this sort of a boondoggle, and we’ll move on,” said Mogerman.

However, Leucadia might try to convince legislators to override the Governor’s veto. The company said it would guarantee a market for Illinois coal, create jobs and assure gas supplies.

The governor urged legislators to come up with a revised plan that would be more fair to consumers.

Thanks to Illinois Public Radio

Rich is TSPR's News Director.