Executive Report Energy reorganization by executive order The first executive order of the second year of Gov. James R. Thompson's administration was issued March 31. The order transfers the energy powers of the Department of Business and Economic Development and its Division of Energy to a new agency, the Illinois Institute of Energy and Environmental Resources. The reorganizational move is "aimed at bringing the state's energy and environmental efforts into a working balance," Thompson said. He cited the state's dependence on coal sales and a decision by Commonwealth Edison to stop burning high sulfur Illinois coal because of technical problems in its scrubbers, as examples of the conflict between energy and environmental concerns that must be addressed by the new agency. In addition, the institute will attempt to manage energy allotments when shortages occur, keep a healthy economy with adequate fuels, conserve energy and develop new energy sources and technology. The reorganization accomplished by Executive Order Number 1 is allowed under Article V, Sec. 11 of the state Constitution for agencies in the executive branch. The order takes effect July 1, 1978. Thompson's reorganization in this case goes against the recommendations of a task force headed by Donald R. Bonniwell on reorganization, which advised that all environmental functions be consolidated under a single agency.
June 1978/Illinois Issues/29
|