Sec. 35. Environmental Plans and Reporting.

565 words·~3 min read·/il/chapter-20/act-3954/35

A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.

(a)Each State agency shall submit an annual adopted environmental sustainability plan to the chairman of the Council for review and approval on or before April 1, 2008 and each April 1 thereafter.

On or before November 1, 2007, the Council shall prepare a downloadable plan template designed to provide a simple framework for the development of an environmental sustainability plan as required by this Act. The Council shall adopt procedures for reviewing and approving the plans, and make staff available during preparation of the plans to assist State agencies with their plan-writing efforts. The Council shall complete its plan review process on or before June 1, 2008. The sustainability plans shall be reviewed and updated periodically, but at least once every 3 years.

Units of local government and educational institutions are encouraged to submit similar sustainability plans to the chairman of the Council for review and approval.

(b)On or before January 1, 2008, each State agency, using existing resources, shall form an internal environmental sustainability committee. The environmental sustainability committee shall

(i)assess the environmental and resource use impacts of its major operational activities making environmental improvements, conserving resources, and reducing health risks;

(ii)develop an annual environmental sustainability plan as required under this Act; and

(iii)establish an ongoing process through which their sustainability efforts can be reviewed and improved upon. The committee shall focus on the most significant environmental and resource use impacts, examine the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of addressing these impacts, and prioritize their actions accordingly.

Where feasible, the committee shall quantify the specific impacts of major operational activities such as gallons of water used, pounds of solid waste generated, gallons of gasoline consumed, and dollars spent per year on electricity. The committee shall consist of representatives from different departments and program areas, including purchasing, maintenance, and facility management. A senior member of management shall be designated to coordinate environmental sustainability efforts of each committee.

The coordinator shall provide information to agency facilities and staff, coordinate planning and reporting activities, and act as liaison to the Council. Where appropriate, State agencies may appoint facility coordinators in addition to the agency coordinator. Coordinators shall be given full management support and provided with the necessary resources to meet the goals of this Act.

(c)On or before July 1, 2008 and on or before September 1 of each subsequent year, each State agency shall submit to the chairman of the Council a report summarizing the progress made in implementing its annual environmental sustainability plan, including sustainability measures adopted and goals achieved. The information in this report shall encompass the previous fiscal year.

On or before June 1, 2008, the Council shall develop and adopt a reporting form to be used to comply with the provisions of this Section. Participating units of local government and educational institutions are encouraged to submit an annual progress report on or before September 1 of each year.

(d)State agencies shall be invited to participate in the Council's efforts to foster environmental sustainability practices throughout State government.

(e)The Council shall provide technical assistance to State agencies, units of local government, and educational institutions for the purpose of implementing the environmental sustainability planning requirement.

(f)The Council may establish criteria for exempting select State agencies from the environmental sustainability planning based on staff size, probable environmental impacts, and scope of operations.