Rep. Terri Bryant Moves Legislation to Aid in Energy Development, Create Jobs

Springfield…State Rep. Terri Bryant (R – Murphysboro) received unanimous support from the Illinois House of Representatives in Springfield on Tuesday for legislation that would assist prospective oil and natural gas drilling companies with the application and permit process.

HB 3430 would require the Illinois Department of Natural Resources to provide a letter of notification to businesses that are denied a permit to begin drilling for oil or natural gas.

Currently, after a 20 day time period passes, applications are automatically denied and no notification as to why is given. Rep. Bryant explained the hardship this causes for potential drillers.

“We have entrepreneurs willing to risk private capital in the effort to create jobs and increase our fossil fuel reserves. Those efforts contribute positively to our economy. The major issue is that without some form of notification as to why permit applications are denied, small business owners and employers are forced to pay more in application fees and wait long periods of time for direction from the Department,” Bryant said. “HB 3430 is a measure designed to provide clarity to potential oil and natural gas drilling businesses by requiring that a letter stating where their application has fallen short be sent to them in a timely manner.”

With the unanimous passage of HB 3430, Bryant has now passed her first bill out of the House and on to the Senate. To follow the legislation’s progress, or to sign up for e-mail newsletter updates, please visit www.repbryant.com.