IL SB2789

Amends the Illinois Highway Code to allow high voltage transmission lines to be constructed across public rights-of-way and along highways, including interstate and controlled access highways, except where the Secretary of Transportation deems it necessary to protect public safety or highway function.

Requires the Secretary of Transportation to coordinate with utilities or developers on co-location of transmission lines with highway rights-of-way, including reviewing corridor requests and developing constructability reports for planning and approval.

Establishes a priority order for siting new electric transmission facilities: (1) existing utility corridors, (2) highway and railroad corridors, (3) recreational trails for underground facilities that don't impact environmentally sensitive areas, and (4) new utility corridors.

Mandates that permitting on priority corridors be done to the greatest extent feasible, consistent with economic and engineering considerations, electric system reliability, and environmental protection.