Editorial:
Governor needs to take action on Tenaska bill
Editorial Staff, H&R Springfield Bureau Writer

November 25, 2008 – SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Rod Blagojevich has said he wants to create more jobs in Illinois. He has a chance to do just that by signing a bill that eventually could lead to the construction of a coalfired generating plant near Taylorville.

Last week, the Illinois Senate passed legislation that would authorize a study of the Taylorville Energy Center. The plant would use Illinois coal to generate electricity in a way that would reduce the emissions from burning the coal. The legislation has previously passed the House and now awaits a decision by Blagojevich.

The governor’s office said Blagojevich is “reviewing” the legislation.

If the governor signs the bill, the Taylorville plant would have to study the project for a year and report back on how much the plant’s construction would increase electric rates across the state. The bill commits the state to $18 million to help fund the study.

After the study, the plant’s owners, Nebraska-based Tenaska, would have to return to the legislature to gain approval for the plant’s construction.

The bill that sits on Blagojevich’s desk was worked out after lengthy negotiations between Attorney General Lisa Madigan’s office and Tenaska. To receive financing for the plant, Tenaska needs a state requirement that utilities purchase power from the plant. The job impact if the plant is constructed would be significant. There would be several hundred construction jobs created, and a significant number of jobs would be added to operate the plant.

In addition, if a use for the high-sulfur coal that lies under much of Illinois can be found, that could lead to a rebound in the Illinois coal mining industry.

Although many suspect Tenaska will cause an increase in electric rates, it’s possible that in the long term, the center could stabilize rates. The energy center would be another supplier and may increase competition for production. It’s also important to consider that electric rates are likely to increase anyway, and Illinois residents might be better served using a generating plant in the state, keeping the money and jobs in Illinois.

Tenaska has been patient with a process that has taken a long time to get to this point. The project, because of the impact it could potentially have on jobs in Central Illinois, deserves to move forward.

Blagojevich should sign the legislation as soon as possible.

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