Originally published on Herald & Review on March 15, 2021.

SPRINGFIELD — Advocates and lawmakers have reintroduced legislation that would end a special gas utility surcharge that allows companies to raise customer bills in order to pay for infrastructure development with limited regulatory oversight.

The gas utility surcharge, known as the Qualified Infrastructure Plant, became law in 2013 after similar formula rate legislation that benefited utility giant Commonwealth Edison was passed.

House Bill 3941, sponsored by Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, and accompanying Senate Bill 570, sponsored by Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago, would phase out the surcharge by the end of 2021. It is otherwise not set to expire in 2023.

Co-authored by State Senator Ram Villivalam (Chair, Senate Transportation Committee) and Kevin Artl, President and CEO of the American Council of Engineering Companies. Also published in Chicago Tribune on March 16, 2021.

Illinois is the crossroads of the nation in the most literal sense. Our 15,969 state highway miles, 9,982 miles of railroad, five international airports and international ports serve as the hub for coast-to-coast logistics and delivery. The nation’s supply chains rely on the capacity of our transportation network so rail operators, cargo shippers and truckers can deliver goods where they are needed most.

Each of these systems rely on the Department of Transportation and its essential role in working in conjunction with industry in planning, designing and construction of Illinois’ surface transportation network.

Originally published in ABC News 20 on March 11, 2021.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WICS/WRSP) — Legislation was filled in the Illinois General Assembly last month that intends to lower heating bills across the state.

House Bill 3941 — filed by State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee — and Senate Bill 570 — filed by State Sen. Ram Villivalam, D-Chicago —would end a gas utility surcharge that contributes to higher heating bills.

These bills would amend the Public Utilities Act.

Under this law, the "Qualified Infrastructure Plant" (QIP) charge would be phased out at the end of 2021, instead of at the end of 2023, and restore traditional regulatory oversight over gas utility spending.

A coalition supporting the legislation is led by AARP Illinois, COFI - POWER PAC, CUB Illinois, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and Illinois PIRG.

According to this coalition, Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, endorsed this policy in his August energy principles. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and the Chicago City Council also called for similar action last year.

More than 30 organizations have endorsed the legislation, as well.

Originally published in Streets Blog Chicago on February 26, 2021.

Currently there’s a highly unfair situation when it comes to Illinois state funding for driving, walking, and biking infrastructure. But a new bill under consideration in the state legislature could help fix the problem. But if you want to support the legislation, you need to take action by this Monday.

As the Active Transportation Alliance recently noted, as it stands, when the Illinois Department of Transportation is rebuilding a road, the state covers all the car infrastructure costs. But if there’s going to be a new accommodation for walking or biking, such as a sidewalk, bike lanes, or a side path, state law currently requires the local municipality is required to chip in one-fifth of the money for that infrastructure.