SB3483 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB103 37592 BDA 67718 b

103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2023 and 2024
SB3483

Introduced 2/8/2024, by Sen. Rachel Ventura

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

New Act

Creates the Local Government Zero Emissions Transition Grant Program Act. Requires the Environmental Protection Agency to establish and administer a Local Government Zero Emissions Transition Grant Program. Delineates the program into two Phases. Provides that Phase 1 requires an application to the Agency by a local government stating a local ordinance or nonbinding declaration has been voted on regarding transition of the local government's vehicle fleet to zero emissions by 2030. Limits Phase 1 grants to a maximum of $50,000 with at least a 20% match from the applicant. Requires applications under Phase 2 of the program to be predicated on either completion of an evaluative study regarding readiness for electric vehicles by the local government or completion of Phase 1 of the program. Provides that Phase 2 of the program requires an application to the Agency by a local government stating defined goals and projects in the transition of the local government's vehicle fleet, including building electric vehicle infrastructure, increasing load capacity, training staff, and other defined goals and projects. Gives priority to applicants based on planned date for transition to zero emissions, the effects of climate change and carbon pollution on the local government, and the percentage of the local government's fleet converted. Defines local government units under the Act to municipalities, townships, and counties; defines other terms. Permits the adoption of rules by the Agency.

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning safety.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Local Government Zero Emissions Transition Grant Program Act.

Section 5. Definitions. As used in this Act.

"Agency" means the Environmental Protection Agency.

"Local governmental unit" means a municipality, township, or county.

"Program" means the Local Government Zero Emissions Transition Grant Program.

Section 10. Local Government Zero Emission Transition Grant Program.

(a) Subject to appropriation, the Environmental Protection Agency shall establish and administer a Local Government Zero Emissions Transition Grant Program, which shall consist of at least two phases.

(b) The requirements for a grant under Phase 1 of the Local Government Zero Emissions Transition Grant Program are as follows:

(1) To qualify for a grant under Phase 1, a local governmental unit must provide the Agency with an application that meets the following requirements:

(A) The local governmental unit must have voted on and passed a local ordinance or nonbinding declaration of its intent to transition its passenger vehicle fleet to 100% zero-emissions by 2030 or earlier; or

(B) The local governmental unit must have voted on and passed a local ordinance or nonbinding declaration of its intent to transition the majority of its vehicle fleet to zero-emissions by 2030 or earlier.

(2) In awarding Phase 1 grants under this subsection, the Agency shall give priority to applicants who:

(A) have submitted the earliest date for transitioning their vehicle fleet to zero emissions;

(B) have been disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change and carbon pollution; and

(C) have a higher percentage of their vehicle fleet to be converted.

(3) Phase 1 grants under this subsection may not exceed $50,000, and they require at least a 20% match from the local governmental unit applying for the grant.

(c) The requirements for a grant under Phase 2 of the Local Government Zero Emissions Transition Grant Program are as follows:

(1) To qualify for a grant under Phase 2, a local governmental unit must have conducted its own zero emissions or electric vehicle readiness study to evaluate the local governmental unit's readiness and plan for the arrival of electric vehicles, electric vehicle charging, and other zero-emissions vehicles, or it must have completed Phase 1 of the Local Government Zero Emissions Grant Program. A grant recipient of Phase 2 must provide the Agency with an application that meets the following requirements:

(A) The application shall define specific goals and projects, identified in the local governmental units electric vehicle readiness study, that the local governmental unit needs in order to build out its electric vehicle infrastructure and fleet, including, but not limited to:

(I) projects to out its electric vehicle infrastructure;

(II) projects to increase its load capacity;

(III) projects to train existing or new staff to work on new electric vehicles; and

(IV) any other projects or barriers that are preventing the local governmental unit from transitioning its fleet to 100% electric, except for the purchase of the vehicle itself.

(B) If the local governmental unit applying for the Phase 2 grant did not use Phase 1 to complete its zero emissions readiness study, it must submit a date that the local governmental unit will have transitioned its fleet.

(2) In awarding grants under this subsection, the Agency must give priority to local governmental units that:

(A) have submitted the earliest date for transitioning 100% of their fleet to zero emissions;

(B) have been disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change and carbon pollution; and

(C) have a higher percentage of their fleet converted.

(d) The Agency may adopt any rules necessary for the purposes of this Act.

Section 15. Severability. The provisions of this Act shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence, or provision of this Act or the applicability thereof to any person or circumstance shall be held invalid, the remainder of this Act and the application thereof shall not be affected thereby.