An Overview Of The Green Governments Illinois Act Kate Tomford Office of Lt. Governor Pat Quinn Sustainable Government Symposium December 11, 2007

History of the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council 2000 – Gov. Ryan forms the Council by executive order 2005 – Gov. Blagojevich makes the Lt. Governor Council chair by executive order 2007 – Council established by law in the Green Governments Illinois Act

Green Governments Illinois Act (Public Act ) Introduced as Senate Bill 46 Sponsored by Senator Susan Garrett Passed Senate 58-0; passed House Governor signed amendatory veto Senate and House override Effective date October 10, 2007

Purpose of the Act “…to demonstrate the State's commitment to reducing negative environmental impacts, reducing greenhouse gases, and preserving resources for current and future generations.” “…to strengthen the capacity of units of local government and educational institutions to transition to a more environmentally sustainable future.”

Composition of the Council Chair: Lt. Governor Administration: Office of the Lt. Governor 14 State Agency Members: Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity Environmental Protection Agency Dept. of Natural Resources DNR Waste Management & Research Center Dept. of Central Management Services Governor's Office of Management & Budget Department of Human Services Dept. of Corrections Dept. of Agriculture Dept. of Transportation Dept. of Public Health State Board of Education Board of Higher Education Capital Development Board

Key Requirements for the Council Convene on a quarterly basis Establish and track long-term sustainability goals Establish and maintain a website devoted to the Green Governments Illinois program Provide guidance materials, e.g., best practices, case studies, policy language, model plans, etc. Prepare an online sustainability plan template Review and approve agencies’ sustainability plans; provide technical assistance Report annually to the Governor and General Assembly Coordinate an awards programs

Key Requirements for State Agencies; Voluntary for Local Governments and Educational Institutions Form an internal environmental sustainability committee Develop, submit, and adopt an environmental sustainability plan Submit an annual progress report Establish an ongoing process to review and improve upon sustainability efforts

Timeline DateEntityRequirement CouncilProvide a plan template State AgenciesForm sustainability teams CouncilAdopt a plan review process; provide planning assistance State AgenciesSubmit sustainability plans CouncilComplete plan reviews; Develop a reporting form State AgenciesSubmit annual reports CouncilSubmit Council annual report