Thursday, November 6, 2014

"Grow Illinois" Organization Applauds JCAR's Approval of Fracking Regulations

PRESS RELEASE FROM GROW ILLINOIS

Members of the Growing Resources and Opportunity for the Workforce in Illinois (GROW-IL) coalition are appreciative that the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR) has passed the final hydraulic fracturing rules in Illinois, providing avenues for economic growth and energy stability across the state.


"We are pleased that JCAR is implementing - not expanding or narrowing - this long overdue law as enacted by the General Assembly with strong bipartisan support. We appreciate the thorough and professional review conducted by JCAR.  Today's unanimous vote will allow Illinois to finally begin issuing permits and developing an innovative energy sector. This exciting development will create much needed jobs and significant revenue for our state economy. Industry, labor and environmental groups worked together to include the strongest safeguards that will protect the environment while stimulating the economy," said Mark Denzler of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association and GROW-IL co/chair. 

The 
new rules are equally beneficial for the job creators, working men and women, the energy industry, and Illinois citizens alike. Illinois will be able to capitalize on an already fast growing sector and produce more jobs for Illinois citizens, and the innovative access to new sources of energy will provide energy stability to ease the minds of Illinois residents. 

"
Southern Illinois - an area struggling with unemployment - will benefit most from these good-paying hydraulic fracturing jobs," Michael Carrigan, president of the AFL-CIO. "There are many men and women all over the state who are excited to get to work and will profit tremendously from the passage of the rules." 

"
We applaud JCAR for producing carefully crafted rules that resemble the legislation that was signed into law. We believe the extra time it took for the negotiation process will maintain the practical sensibilities that will allow hydraulic fracturing to create jobs and stimulate the Illinois economy. The labor, environmental and industry groups that worked together for three years to draft this legislation are excited to finally see the implementation of these rules and get the skilled workforce of Illinois working again," Brad Richards, executive vice president of the Illinois Oil and Gas Association.

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