Section 120.10  Purpose

a)         The Illinois Resource Development and Energy Security Act [20 ILCS 688] authorizes the State of Illinois, through the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, formerly known as the Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, to promote the development of new, coal-fired electric generation capacity in Illinois.  The purpose and scope of the Act is the enhancement of the State's energy security by insuring that:

1)         the State's vast and underutilized coal resources are tapped as a fuel source for new electric generating plants;

2)         the electric transmission system within the State is upgraded to more efficiently distribute additional amounts of electricity;

3)         well-paying jobs are created as new electric plants are built in regions of the State with relatively high unemployment; and

4)         substantial grant funds and the full faith and credit of the State of Illinois are made available to facilitate investments in the State's energy infrastructure to achieve economic development within the Illinois coal industry and insure energy security for Illinois citizens.

b)         The Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Law of the Civil Administrative Code [20 ILCS 605/605-332] authorizes the Department to provide financial assistance to eligible businesses for new electric generating facilities from funds appropriated by the General Assembly.  Financial assistance  will be provided to eligible applicants in the form of a grant through the Coal Revival Program.

(Source:  Amended at 29 Ill. Reg. 1195, effective January 5, 2005)