SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois EPA (IEPA) will host three public outreach sessions on its Draft Plan to use the state’s $108 million allocation from the Volkswagen Settlement. A public input period was initially held from February 28 to April 20, 2018. In response to the 1,600 comments and nearly 300 survey responses received, the Agency is opting to host three additional outreach sessions to communicate with the public.
The Draft Beneficiary Mitigation Plan details Illinois’ proposal to remove old, dirty diesel engines from service and replace them with new electric, alternate fuel, and cleaner diesel engines. Illinois EPA developed the draft Beneficiary Mitigation Plan (BMP) with a goal of achieving the maximum NOx emission reductions possible while recognizing the diversity of potential projects that may be available.
“The public input period resulted in extensive comments from individuals, companies, advocacy groups, and potential applicants,” said Illinois EPA Director Alec Messina. “Illinois’ BMP is a living document that will continue to evolve as needed to benefit air quality and the health of Illinois residents.”
Public Outreach Sessions will be held in the evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the following locations:
- Wednesday, May 23, 2018, Illinois EPA Headquarters (North Entrance)
Sangamo Conference Room, 1000 East Converse, Springfield - Thursday, May 24, 2018, St. Paul Baptist Church
1500 Bond Avenue, East. St. Louis - Wednesday, May 30, 2018, James R. Thompson Center
Auditorium, 100 West Randolph, Chicago
Illinois EPA’s Volkswagen Settlement webpage, available at www.epa.illinois.gov/topics/air-quality/vw-settlement/index, includes detailed information on the Agency’s Draft BMP and other aspects of the VW Settlement. Illinois EPA will provide updated information as it becomes available. Input on the Draft Plan should be sent to EPA.VWSettlement@illinois.gov.