HB5202 Summary

• Prohibits use of eminent domain, easements, or other mechanisms to install natural gas infrastructure without express written consent of landowners or property owners.

• Requires the Illinois Commerce Commission to cancel any agreements or contracts involving corrupt or fraudulent practices and grants authority to inspect and audit related accounts and records.

• Mandates joint cost-benefit analysis by the Commission, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and Environmental Protection Agency comparing natural gas expansion to alternative energy options before construction begins; utility must reimburse the State for analysis costs.

• Requires pre-construction compliance filing demonstrating that analyses show the project is net-beneficial for Pembroke Township and its subpopulations; if analyses find otherwise, the Commission must revoke the certificate of public convenience and necessity.

• Directs the Commission to provide public notice of past or pending complaints involving safety, health, or environmental issues for any contractor performing pipeline construction work; guarantees Hopkins Park residents who opt out cannot be assessed pipeline construction charges.