SPRINGFIELD – To clean up the ponds of coal ash created by the Waukegan Power Generating Station along Lake Michigan and hold the company accountable for its pollution, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) took action by advancing a measure through the Senate to restore safety to the area and offer environmental protection.

“Lake Michigan is an essential water source to Waukegan and other shore-line communities,” Johnson said. “Waukegan has too long been burdened by environmental hazards, and by requiring the plant to clean up its ash ponds, we are one step closer to reaching environmental justice in the area and progressing to a cleaner, greener future.”

With requirements outlined under the Environmental Protection Act, Johnson’s initiative requires coal combustion residual, or coal ash, stored in ponds on Lake Michigan’s shore at the Waukegan Generating Station to be removed from the site. The plant’s owner must also conduct a site investigation to identify and characterize the scope and extent of coal ash pollution on the site.

Coal production at the Waukegan Power Generating Station is scheduled to end in June 2022.

“Coal-fired power plants have caused irreparable damage to our communities and ecosystems, and the Waukegan site is a pollution nightmare,” Johnson said. “We must make strong efforts to clean up coal ash around Lake Michigan and offer protection to our region’s largest water source from decades of lingering toxins.”

Senate Bill 3073 advanced out of the Senate Friday and moves for further consideration in the House.

SPRINGFIELD – Ponds of coal ash created by the Waukegan Power Generating Station have polluted the Lake Michigan shore for decades, and State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) advanced a measure to offer restoration and protection.

“Coal-burning plants have caused irreparable damage to our communities and ecosystems,” Johnson said. “We must make strong efforts for coal ash clean-up around Lake Michigan and protect our region’s largest water source from lingering toxins.”

With requirements outlined under the Environmental Protection Act, Johnson’s initiative requires the removal of coal combustion residual, or coal ash, stored in ponds on Lake Michigan’s shore at the Waukegan Generating Station. The plant’s owner must also conduct a site investigation sufficient to identify and characterize the scope and extent of all coal ash placed, stored or disposed.

Coal production at the Waukegan Power Generating Station is scheduled to end in June 2022.

“Illinois has committed to transition to clean energy,” Johnson said. “Community leaders in Lake County have advocated for several years to address the dangerous environmental and public health impacts of the coal-based Waukegan Power Generating Station, and today we take action.”

Senate Bill 3073 moves for further consideration before the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the Illinois Senate’s advancement of Judge Michael P. McCuskey as the next Legislative Inspector General, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement:

“With a multitude of experience in moral judgement and upholding the highest integrity in the court system, Judge Michael McCuskey is the right pick to lead ethical oversight for the General Assembly. By taking on the responsibilities in this critical role, I’m confident Judge McCuskey will serve admirably, independently and impartially as the Legislative Inspector General.”

SPRINGFIELD – Schools fees may soon be waived for low-income students with veteran or active military parents under a measure by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) passed through the Senate Wednesday.

“Veterans and active military members endure many hardships, and families with young children are finding it difficult to keep up with school fees,” Johnson said. “By offering support to our heroes and their families, we can assist them through difficult financial times.”

Johnson’s proposal allows school boards to waive fees for students with a parent who is a veteran or an active member of the military with an income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, which is an estimated $55,500 for an average family of four.

“Education is critical for children to succeed,” Johnson said. “With this initiative, Illinois is working to ensure low-income students in military families are able to continue learning without financial burden.”

Senate Bill 3867 passed the Senate Wednesday and moves to the House for further consideration.