IMA Green Manufacturing Grant Program Passes House

The Illinois House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed legislation initiated by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association and sponsored by Rep. Karen May (D-Highwood) that will create a grant program for manufacturing companies seeking funding to purchase energy efficiency and waste reduction equipment. Companies with less than 500 employees would be eligible to receive grants up to $250,000 from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO). Funding would likely come from federal grant programs but Illinois could also dedicate a set amount of money for the program.

Grants could be used for equipment that will (1) improve air quality and reduce emissions; (2) reduce solid waste disposal in landfills and disposal costs; (3) reduce water use and effluent disposal; and (4) reuse, recover, and recycle waste materials or remove toxic materials from products. HB 6030 passed the House on a vote of 107-4-0 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Reprinted from Illinois Manufacturers’ Association Springfield Highlights, March 26, 2010