Will County Gazette

Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) is one step closer to bringing natural gas service to Pembroke Township residents as her proposed legislation addressing the issue has been passed by the Illinois House of Representatives.

House Bill 3404, which is filed with the Senate, would create a grant program to fund the construction of new pipelines and infrastructure in the area. The Pembroke Township Natural Gas Investment Pilot Program Act is Haas’ first bill passed as a lawmaker.

“I am truly humbled to have received the support of so many of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, from across the state,” Haas said in an April 16 Facebook post. “This legislation will extend natural gas service into Pembroke Township. If enacted into law, it will not only provide safe, affordable and clean energy to residents, but it will also encourage economic development, attract new businesses and create jobs.”

Haas said in a statement on her legislative website that the bill helps address the lack of utilities and services currently facing residents of Pembroke Township. She said access to natural gas service was a “win-win-win” scenario as it is beneficial for the people, the economy and the environment.

The grant program will be established by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity and will be considered a special fund by the state treasury.