Abrams Environmental Law Clinic Helped Draft Energy-Efficiency and Environmental-Protection Provisions in Illinois' New Marijuana Legalization Law

Illinois Has the Greenest Cannabis Bill in the Country

Earlier this year, Governor Pritzker along with members of the Illinois General Assembly, including chief sponsor Senator Heather Steans, introduced legislation to legalize recreational cannabis cultivation, sale and use in Illinois. For many this was no surprise, as it followed a round of state elections in which the legalization of recreational cannabis was a topic of hot debate, but polling showed it was supported by the vast majority of Illinoisans. Proponents of legalization have argued that ending the war on drugs is an important policy goal and a properly designed tax structure could allow cannabis to fund valuable state programs such as public education. But one issue has remained – is the ‘green’ industry really all that green-friendly? Let’s take a look at a few topics on this question.

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Before the legalization push took off, the Illinois Environmental Council recognized the opportunity to avoid the negative environmental impact of cannabis legalization, and partnered with The University of Chicago’s Abrams Environmental Law Clinic to develop legislative language that created nation-leading standards for Illinois with a workable administrative framework specifically crafted for Illinois. This proposal included reporting of energy usage, coordination with utilities to maximize energy efficiency and renewable energy programs, technology standards for lighting and ventilation, waste reduction and recycling standards, and other plans to protect public health and the environment. Much of IEC’s proposal has since been incorporated into the latest draft of the cannabis legalization bill, including standards for energy efficiency, data reporting, water conservation practices, waste management practices and other tools for the protection of the environment and public health.

Read more at Illinois Environmental Council