Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton) is approaching his recent appointment on the Flu Gas Desulfurization Task Force (FGD) with equal parts excitement and dedication.
“The FGD Task Force is another group I am looking forward to being a part of," Severin said in a press release. “Illinois has an abundance of coal and the task force will make sure that we are maximizing that resource. On top of that, the task force will work with new stacks to comply with federal standards and regulations.”
Chief among the committee’s goals is finding ways to increase the levels of coal mined and burned across the state while adhering to federal guidelines.
Rep. Dave Severin (R-Benton)
Illinois Coal Association President Phil Gonet estimated that 85 percent of Illinois coal is now sold and burned outside of the state.
With energy markets in Illinois being deregulated, Gonet said power plant companies have found it difficult to justify investing in costly equipment such as scrubbers, which would make it easier to meet regulations and keep more of coal at home.
Severin was appointed to the bipartisan task force by House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-Western Springs). The group is expected to begin work immediately, with all findings and recommendations being forwarded to the General Assembly.
Severin was also recently tabbed for the Illinois Forestry Development Council.
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