State Senator Patrick Joyce backed measure advances to promote environmental conservation. This initiative is aimed to support hydropower dams across the state, especially the Kankakee Hydropower Dam and the Wilmington Dam, located in Joyce’s district.

Senator Joyce co-sponsored a measure that would increase renewable energy procurement and promote environmental conservations by adding a framework to the Illinois Power Agency Act.

Under this legislation, the Illinois Power Agency would be required to procure a percentage of its renewable energy credits from hydropower dams. This would help increase the use of this renewable energy source, while also promoting environmental conservation by using dams that already exist.

Senate Bill 1474 passed the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Thursday and awaits further consideration before the full Senate.