Gov. Quinn Signs 2 Bills that Will Aid Deployment of Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure
CHICAGO (July 9, 2011)—Gov. Patrick Quinn today signed two bills that will promote the use of electric vehicles (EVs). The bill signing was held at a West Loop Walgreens, whose parking lot currently has an EV charging station.
I-GO Car Sharing has been instrumental in fostering EV deployment in the state and advocating for passage of the two bills. I-GO is a Chicago-based nonprofit car sharing organization formed in 2002. Later this year I-GO will install 18 solar canopy charging stations to power 36 new electric vehicles with emissions-free electricity.
“I-GO is committed to being at the forefront of car sharing technology and sustainability and to providing pollution-free electric vehicles to our members is part of that commitment,” said Sharon Feigon, CEO of I-GO and present at the bill signing. “These two bills will help put Illinois in the lead on EVs, and I-GO is thrilled to be part of this effort.”
House Bill 2902 puts in place a framework for electric vehicle policy development for the state. The bill creates an Electric Vehicle Coordinator position within the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. This person will serve as the Quinn Administration’s point person on all things related to EVs. The bill also creates an Electric Vehicle Advisory Committee, comprised of a representative from environmental organizations, industry and government. The committee will develop policy recommendations that will be shared with the governor and the General Assembly for action.
House Bill 2903 amends the Alternate Fuel Vehicle program at Illinois EPA to create a grant opportunity for car sharing organizations to receive funding for the purchase of EVs. The existing program provides rebates to owners of alternate fuel vehicles, using money from a vehicle fleet fee dedicated for this purpose. The program has been underutilized in recent years, and this bill will allow more of the funding to be used to meet the program goals.
HB 2902 was sponsored by Rep. Ann Williams and Sen. Susan Garrett, and HB 2903 was sponsored by Rep. Williams and Sen. Heather Steans.
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