New law by Ellman aims to make Illinois leader in regional Hydrogen Hub

NAPERVILLE – The Hydrogen Economy Task Force will begin work to establish Illinois as a leader in a regional hydrogen hub under a new law championed by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“Illinois has the resources necessary to become a national leader in clean energy and hydrogen generation. It’s a matter of taking advantage of the opportunity to do so,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “We are well-positioned for both generating hydrogen and using it as a fuel and chemical to benefit our agricultural, refinery and transportation industries.”

The Hydrogen Economy Task Force established under Senate Bill 3613 will be responsible for publishing a plan to make Illinois a leader in a regional hydrogen hub, identifying opportunities to integrate hydrogen into the economy, analyzing barriers for development, and recommending policies to catalyze deployment of hydrogen into the state economy. The law aims to put Illinois at the forefront of a Midwest Clean Hydrogen Hub and create good-paying jobs to the state.

"With climate change posing an urgent threat to everyone on this planet, it is crucial for us to move to a clean energy economy – and I want Illinois to lead that change. The Hydrogen Economy Task Force is an integral first step in making Illinois a Clean Hydrogen Hub,” said State Representative Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn), House sponsor of the bill. “This legislation will benefit our economy and our planet. I’d like to thank Senator Ellman, as well as our colleagues in the House and Senate, for their support of this important initiative.”

Signed on Friday, the law is effective immediately.

Ellman to host two upcoming town hall events

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is hosting two local town halls to offer community members an opportunity to ask questions about the spring legislative session and raise concerns of their own.

“I always enjoy sitting down with members of the community and getting to the heart of what matters most to them,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Their concerns drive the work we do in Springfield.”

The first of the two town halls will be held in Room B of the 95th Street Library in Naperville, 3015 Cedar Glade Dr., on June 15 at 6:30 p.m. The second will be held in Warrenville at the Warrenville Library, 28W751 Stafford Pl., on June 16 at 7 p.m.

Ellman encourages residents to take advantage of this opportunity to ask questions and express their concerns.

“These conversations help me bring our community’s needs to the table,” Ellman said.

More information about the Naperville and Warrenville town halls is available online, and questions can be directed to Ellman’s office at 630-601-9961.

Ellman to host Women Veterans Day donation drive

NAPERVILLE – To celebrate the first Women Veterans Day in Illinois, State Senator Laura Ellman is hosting a donation drive to benefit women serving overseas.

“Women who serve our county have shattered glass ceilings and blazed trails for generations of women to come,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “I can’t think of a better way to thank them for the sacrifices they’ve made and celebrate Women Veterans Day than by giving back to them when they’ve given so much for us.”

Community members wishing to participate can bring items for donation to the parking lot at the former Butera Grocery, 1270 E. Chicago Ave., Naperville, from 10 a.m. until noon on June 12.

Requested items for donation are:

• Menstrual products
• Lip balm
• Lotion
• Sunscreen
• Hair brushes & ties
• Nail clippers & files
• Toothbrushes & paste
• Disposable razors
• Hand warmers
• Sewing kits

In honor of Flag Day on June 14, community members can also drop off old or damaged American flags at this event to be disposed of properly.

“I’m always overwhelmed by the generosity of our community when they’re offered an opportunity to give,” Ellman said. “This is a fantastic cause and I’m looking forward to partnering with our community to lift up the women who protect us all.”

Questions or concerns about the event can be directed to Ellman’s office at 630-601-9961.

Ellman, Yang Rohr designate Dolostone as the state rock

NAPERVILLE – Signed into law Monday, legislation by State Senator Laura Ellman and State Representative Janet Yang Rohr on behalf of local students designates Dolostone as Illinois’ official state rock.

“Students played a large part in the designation of our state tree and flower over a century ago, and once again they will play a large part in our state’s history through their work in designating Dolostone as the state rock,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “These exceptional young people went above and beyond to take advantage of this great learning opportunity, and all the students and teachers involved have been true gems.”

House Bill 4261 was brought to the General Assembly by students from Pleasant Dale School in Burr Ridge and Maplebrook Elementary School in Naperville who discovered Illinois did not have a state rock. The students interviewed regional geology scholars, visited museums and carried research to develop a ballot with three choices. They then asked schools across Illinois to vote on a state rock. Dolostone was the winner.

Dolostone is a sedimentary rock that underlies nearly all of Illinois, with the exception of the northernmost part of the state. It helps enrich soil across the state by providing valuable nutrients for plant growth, and caused a major mineral rush in Galena, Ill. in the early 1800s.

In addition to its natural abundance throughout the state, Dolostone plays a significant role in Illinois through its utilization in many important structures. Most notably, 3,300 exterior dolomite stones were used in the construction of the Old Illinois State Capitol. The quarry the stones were sourced from is now under Lake Springfield.

“I was very happy to join with our community's students and teachers to select Dolostone as Illinois’ official state rock," said State Representative Janet Yang Rohr (D-Naperville), House sponsor of the bill. "Dolostone is the foundation for our former state capitol building, so this is a wonderful way to connect to our state’s past. Working with such a bright group of students served as another reminder that our children deserve the best education possible.”

Dolostone will officially become the state rock of Illinois on Jan. 1, 2023.