IL HR0765

Illinois contains approximately 25% of the nation's bituminous coal reserves, with coal-bearing rocks underlying about 65% of the state across at least 86 of 102 counties.

The Illinois State Geological Survey reports 100 billion tons of recoverable coal beneath Illinois's surface, sufficient to meet the country's coal needs for the next 100 years.

Illinois coal mines operated 17 mines as of early 2008 and produced 32.4 million tons of coal in 2007, with reclaimed coal lands being restored for economic, recreational, educational, transportation, and housing purposes.

Backlog of federal permit approvals and lack of transparency in the permitting process are jeopardizing coal production jobs and economic opportunities in Illinois and the region.

The resolution calls upon the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental Protection Agency, President's Council on Environmental Quality, Illinois congressional delegation, and state officials to fix the federal regulatory system to support coal production and energy security.