Grundy Reporter

Illinois state Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) has worked to pass House Bill 3404 out of the Illinois House and will now go on to be read for consideration before the upper chamber by Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Park Forest).

The legislation, known as the "Pembroke Township Natural Gas Investment Pilot Program Act," would create pilot program to distribute "grants for the construction of new natural gas pipelines and infrastructure in Pembroke Township." 

"I am truly humbled to have received the support of so many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, from across the state," Haas said in an April 16 Facebook post. This legislation will extend natural gas service into Pembroke Township. If enacted into law, it will not only provide safe, affordable and clean energy to residents, but it will also encourage economic development, attract new businesses and create jobs."

In a release, Haas said that bringing natural gas services to the area is important because "our neighbors currently lack utilities and services that so many of us take for granted." The Kankakee Republican added that the shift to natural gas would lower carbon-intensive fuel and harmful emissions, encourage economic development in the area, attract new jobs and offer residents more clean energy. 

The pilot program will be created by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. Beginning in 2022, the department will be required to report annually to the governor and the General Assembly about program improvements or if it should continue. 

According to the release, the pilot program will have a special fund in the state treasury, known as the "Pembroke Township Natural Gas Investment Pilot Program Fund," which will allow for the grants and construction to begin. 

As of now, residents of the Pembroke Township of approximately 2,100 rely on propane.