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News :: Miscellaneous |
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House Bill 1776 passes: What next? |
Current rating: 0 |
by Martha Cook
(No verified email address)
Address: Bloomington, Illinois |
28 May 2001
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House Bill 1776 passes the Senate, allowing local ordinances to regulate tree trimming. What does this mean for the Save OUr Trees Campaign. |
Recently, HB1776 passed the state senate. This legislation allows local ordinances regulating tree trimming. It also includes stricter requirements for notification of tree owners before trees are trimmed. Because of local
control, the new legislation, while far from perfect, is a significant improvement over the previous legislation, which was passed last year. Soon, Illinois Power is expected to announce a new vegetation management
plan (called a tariff). Such plans specify aspects of vegetation management not spelled out in legislation. Last fall Illinois Power issued an extreme vegetation management plan that was eventually withdrawn after numerous protests from cities and homeowners. As we await the new plan, now is a good time to voice complaints about
utility companies that have butchered your trees. You can file a complaint with the
Illinois Commerce Commission, 1-800-524-0795,
http://www.icc.state.il.us/icc/consumer/contact.asp>http://www.icc.state.il.us/icc/consumer/contact.asp AND
The Citizen's Utility Board, 1-800-669-5556, www.cuboard.org
For more information visit www.saveiltrees.org
-Martha Cook, Bloomington |
