Illinois Valley Times

State Rep. Jackie Haas' (R-Kankakee) effort to bring natural gas service to Pembroke Township has cleared one hurdle after legislation creating a grant program to fund new pipeline construction passed the Illinois House of Representatives. 

If signed into law, House Bill 3404 would establish the Pembroke Township Natural Gas Investment Pilot Program Act. Under this program, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity would distribute the grant money for new pipelines and supporting infrastructure in Pembroke Township. It would also allow the state treasury to designate the program as a "special fund." 

According to the Illinois General Assembly website, the bill would also allow a gas public utility to apply for a "certificate of public convenience and necessity" to extend its services to an underserved area. 

"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, who presented the bill, 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 business and create jobs."

Haas said the bill's passage makes "significant headway" to address the lack of utilities and services in Pembroke Township. 

She even called it a "win-win-win" in a statement posted on her legislative website.

The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.