State Rep. Robyn Gabel of Evanston has been named to the Lake Michigan Offshore Wind Energy Advisory Council as well as a new General Assembly Advisory Committee on Medicaid.
“I look forward to further work on the critically important issues of alternative energy sources and public healthcare issues in Illinois,” Gabel said in a news release.
She said she hopes the panels will encourage the development of offshore wind energy projects in Illinois and continue to look for ways to responsibly reform Medicaid.
Gabel was the chief sponsor of House Bill 1588, creating a state council to help determine the best areas for offshore wind development on Lake Michigan and to recommend legislation on how to best accomplish wind energy goals in an environmentally conscious manner.
The measure is part of Gabel’s continued efforts to reduce harmful emissions into our atmosphere caused by burning fossil fuels and explore the potential for alternative sources of energy.
Gabel will be joined by representatives from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Illinois Power Agency, Illinois Commerce Commission, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, legislators and members of the public to prepare its report.
As part of Senate Joint Resolution 35, Gabel will also be joining the General Assembly’s Advisory Committee on Medicaid.
The advisory committee is charged with studying public healthcare and making legislative and administrative recommendations on Medicaid reform, the development of new hospital and nursing home rate methodology and planning for any future Medicaid expansion.
Blowing in the wind!
Great, wind turbines in the lake and Barron's ranks Illinois second from the bottom (after California) with an A+ bond rating. That should make the turbine subsidies even more expensive. We will be absolutely "green" with joy when we see the higher electricity rates. The result of more expensive turbine generated electricity and the more costlier bonds to subsidize them.
I am glad that money is not a scarce resource in Illinois, unlike Indiana, New Jersey and Wisconsin.
BTW why are businesses heading for the exit doors?
Chasing Wndmills
How does the Great Lakes Protection Fund, located in beautiful downtown Evanston, feel about this? Do they know? If nor, they will shortly.