Gov. Pat Quinn, D-Ill., has signed a bill aimed at studying offshore wind potential in the state, according to the Associated Press. The law takes effect immediately.
Sponsored by state Rep. Robyn Gabel and state Sen. Jeff Schoenberg, the bill creates the Lake Michigan Offshore Wind Energy Advisory Council, which will review the potential for offshore wind projects.
The council will be chaired by the state Department of Natural Resources director and will include members representing state agencies as well as environmental, tourism, education and energy interests.
The council's recommendations will be presented to Quinn and the state legislature by June 2012.
