ILLINOIS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY 

1021 NORTH GRAND AVENUE EAST, P.O. BOX19276, SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS 62794-9276 • (217) 782-2829 

PAT QUINN, GOVERNOR JOHN J. KIM, INTERIM DIRECTOR 

217/785-4140 

217/782-9143 (TDD) 

December 31, 2012 

Ms. Susan Hedman 

Regional Administrator 

U.S. Enviromnental Protection Agency, Region V 

77 West Jackson Boulevard (R -19) 

Chicago, Illinois 60604-3507 

Re: The State of Illinois' llO(a) SIP Requirements for the 2008 NAAQS for Ozone and the 2010 

NAAQS for N02 and SOz 

Dear Ms. Hedman: 

I am writing to confirm that the State of Illinois continues to retain the resources necessary to evaluate 

ambient air quality, develop plans to attain new and existing ambient air quality standards, meet the 

applicable requirements of the new source review program, and effectively enforce all applicable 

requirements. Specifically, the Illinois Enviromnental Protection Agency ("Illinois EPA") has the 

authority and resources to implement and satisfactorily complete the requirements listed below as set 

forth in Section 110 of the Clean Air Act ("CAA'') for the current National Ambient Air Quality 

Standards ("NAAQS") and thus meets the current applicable requirements of Section 110 of the CAA 

for the 2008 revision for the NAAQS for ozone and the 2010 NAAQS for N02 and SOz. 

The State Implementation Plan ("SIP") elements listed below are required under Section II O(a)(l) and 

(2). Section II O(a)(l) provides the procedural and timing requirements for SIPs. Section II O(a)(2) 

lists the basic or "infrastructure" elements that all SIPs must contain. 

Emission limits and other control measures: Section II O(a)(2)(A) requires SIPs to include 

enforceable emission limitations and other control measures, means, or techniques, as well as 

schedules for compliance, as appropriate to meet the applicable requirements of the CAA. 

The Illinois EPA continues to monitor and implement needed revisions to its SIP. The Illinois 

Enviromnental Protection Act ("Act") provides the Illinois EPA with the authority to develop rules and 

regulations necessary to meet ambient air quality standards ( 415 ILCS 5/4). The Act also created the 

Illinois Pollution Control Board ("Board") and grants the Board the authority to develop rules and 

regulations. The Board's rules and regulations are necessary to promote the purposes of the Act, are 

required by law, and are part of the State's attaimnent plan to attain the NAAQS or to comply with the 

requirements of the federal CAA (415 ILCS 5/10). 

4302 N. Main St., Rockford, IL 611 03 (815)987-7760 

595 S. State, Elgin, ll 60123 (847)608-3131 

2125 S. First St., Champaign, IL 61820 (217)278-5800 

2009 Moll St., Collinsville, IL 62234 (618)346-51 20 

PLEASE PRINT ON RECYCLED PAPER 

9511 Harrison St., Des Plaines, IL 60016 (847]294-4000 

5407 N. University St., Arbor 113, Peoria, ll61614 (309)693-5462 

2309 W. Main St., Suite 116, Marion, ll 62959 (618)993-7200 

1 00 W. Randolph, Suite 11-300, Chicago, IL 60601 (312)814·6026 
Ambient air quality monitoring data system: Section 110(a)(2)(B) requires SIPs to provide for the 

establishment and operation of ambient air quality monitors, and procedures necessary to monitor, 

compile, and analyze ambient air quality data. 

In accordance with its SIP, the Illinois EPA continues to operate an extensive monitoring network 

incorporating more than 200 monitors that track the measurements of a variety of pollutants and air 

toxic compounds throughout the State. The Illinois EPA publishes an annual report, most recently the 

Illinois Annual Air Quality Report 2010 (the 2011 report is due to be available shortly), which 

describes the monitoring network and summarizes the measurements for the year. The Illinois EPA 

also prepares and publishes for public comment its plans for the coming year. USEP A provides 

approval of the plan in advance of each calendar year. All reports and data are routinely shared with 

the USEPA or readily available to the USEPA upon request. The 2013 Illinois Air Monitoring 

Network Plan is available on the Illinois EPA's website at www.epa.state.il.us/air/monitoring/. 

Program for enforcement, PSD, and NSR: Section 110(a)(2)(C) requires States to include.a program 

providing for the enforcement of all SIP measures and the regulation of construction of new or 

modified stationary sources to meet prevention of significant deterioration ("PSD") and nonattainment 

New Source Review ("NSR") requirements. 

The Illinois EPA continues to staff and implement a vigorous enforcement program that includes the 

Compliance Section and Division of Legal of Counsel. Section 4 of the Act provides the Director with 

the authority to implement and administer this program ( 415 ILCS 5/4 ). In Illinois, enforcement 

actions are brought by the Office of the Illinois Attorney General or local States' Attorney offices, with 

whom the Illinois EPA consults. Illinois enforces all tenns of our PSD and nonattairnnent NSR 

construction and operating pennits. 

Since USEP A has not developed a guidance document for ozone, NOz, or SOz infrastructure SIPs, 

Illinois EPA has used USEPA's previous guidance for the lead infrastructure SIP along with Illinois 

EPA's previous PM2.5 infrastructure SIP submittal as guidance. The previous guidance for the lead 

infrastructure SIP included concerns for PSD pro grams. Specifically, these concerns address the 

construction or modification of major stationary sources that may cause or contribute to a violation of 

the NAAQS for lead. The concern for purposes of this submittal is ozone, N02, and S02. This 

guidance also stated that PSD programs adequately address sources that emit greenhouse gas (GHG) 

emissions consistent with USEPA's Tailoring Rule. Illinois EPA administers the Federal PSD 

regulations under 40 CFR 52.21. These regulations contain provisions specific to ozone, NOz, and 

SOz, as well as the appropriate Federal threshold for the pennitting of GHG-emitting sources. 

Therefore, requirements related to PSD for this section have been met. 

Interstate and International transport provisions: Section 110(a)(2)(D)(i) requires SIPs to include 

provisions preventing any source or other type of emissions activity in one state from contributing 

significantly to nonattainment, or interfering with maintenance, of the NAAQS in another state, or 
from interfering with measures required to prevent significant deterioration of air quality or to protect 

visibility in another state. 

On August 8, 2011, US EPA adopted a final Federal Implementation Plan addressing the majority of 

interstate transport in Illinois and 26 other States for purposes of the 2006 fine particulate matter 

NAAQS (76 Fed. Reg. 48208). In addition, the Illinois EPA has adopted and implemented two major 

programs related to the interstate transport of pollution. Title 35 of the Illinois Administrative Code 

Part 225, Control of Emissions from Large Combustion Sources, sets forth provisions pertaining to the 

control of mercury emissions from coal-fired electric generating units ("Illinois Mercury Rule") (35 Ill. 

Adm. Code Part 225). In particular, the Illinois Mercury Rule contains a multi-pollutant standard to 

reduce NOx and S02 emissions from coal-frred electric generating units. These provisions, which will 

result in reductions of S02, NOx, and Hg beyond federal requirements, will significantly reduce the 

interstate transport of pollutants from sources in Illinois. Moreover, the State ofillinois has good 

working relationships with the States of Missouri, Indiana, and Wisconsin as part of the continuing 

effort to achieve compliance in Illinois' multi-state nonattainment areas. Furthermore, Illinois' SIP 

revision to address the visibility protection requirements of Section 169A of the CAA for Federal Class 

I areas, including provisions to apply Best Available Retrofit Technology ("BART") to subject 

emission units, was approved by US EPA on July 6, 2012, thereby meeting the visibility requirements 

of this section. Together these regulations and cooperative agreements amply address Congressional 

and USEPA concerns over the interstate transport of emissions of regulated pollutants. With respect to 

the PSD requirements of section 11 O(a)(2)(D)(i), we reiterate that Illinois EPA administers the Federal 

PSD regulations, and therefore Illinois satisfies the applicable PSD requirements of Section 

110(a)(2)(D). 

Section llO(a)(2)(D)(ii) requires SIPs to contain provisions that address Section 115 and Section 126 

of the Clean Air Act. Illinois has no pending obligations under Section 115 of the Clean Air Act, 

which pertains to international pollution abatement. With respect to the requirements of Section 

126(a), which requires Illinois to notifY states of new or modified sources, we administer the Federal 

PSD regulations per 40 CFR 52.21 which contain the necessary provisions to satisfY the applicable 

requirement of Section 126(a). Furthermore, Illinois has no obligations under Section 126(b), which 

pertains to petitions for finding that major sources emit or would emit prohibited air pollutants. 

Adequate resources: Section 110(a)(2)(E) requires states to provide for adequate personnel, funding, 

and legal authority under state law to carry out its SIP and related obligations. 

On July 12, 2011, Governor Quinn signed into law Public Act 097-0095/House Bill1297 (the full text 

can be found at http://www.ilga.gov/legislationlpublicacts/97/097-0095.htm). The revisions to the Act 

increase operating permit fees in Illinois and provide additional funding for the Clean Air Act Penni! 

fund. Including the revisions to the Act, State appropriations provide $6l.ltnillion of appropriations 

for the Illinois EPA Bureau of Air programs and 292 full time equivalent staffing positions (see: 

www.ilga.gov/legislation/96/HB/PDF/09600HB0859sam003.pdt). In combination with the funding 

provided by the Illinois EPA's Performance Partnership Agreement ("PPA") with US EPA, Illinois has 

the resources to carry out the required air programs. The Act provides the Director, in conjunction 

with the Board, with the legal authority to develop rules and regulations necessary to meet ambient air 
quality standards and respond to any EPA findings of inadequacy with the Illinois SIP program (415 

ILCS 5/4 and I 0). The Board may also enact regulations that are required by law, that are otherwise 

part of the State's attainment plan and are necessary to attain the national ambient air quality standards, 

or that are necessary to comply with the requirements of the federal CAA ( 415 ILCS 511 0). 

Section 110(a)(2)(E) also requires states to comply with the requirements respecting state boards per 

Section 128 of the Clean Air Act. Board Member Rules can be found under Part 101 ofillinois 

Administrative Code Title 35, Subtitle A, Chapter 1. Further rules addressing the state board 

requirements of Section 128 can be found in 5 ILCS 420/, 5 ILCS 430/, and Illinois Executive Order 

10. 

Stationary source monitoring system: Section 110(a)(2)(F) requires states to establish a system to 

monitor emissions from stationary sources and to submit periodic emissions reports. 

The Act gives the Illinois EPA and the Board the authority to require regulated sources to install and 

operate monitoring equipment, to perform emissions testing, and to submit emission reports, 

depending on applicable requirements and the type of permit issued to the source, to the Bureau of Air 

for review. All reasonable efforts are made to maximize the effectiveness of available resources to 

review the required reports. 

Emergency episodes: Section 11 O(a)(2)(G) requires states to provide for authority to address activities 

causing imminent and substantial endangerment to public health, including contingency plans to 

implement the emergency episode provisions in their SIPs. 

Section 34 of the Act allows the Illinois EPA to declare alerts upon a finding that episode or 

emergency conditions exist (415 ILCS 5/34). Further, Section 43(a) of the Act authorizes the Illinois 

EPA to request a State's Attorney of the Office of Illinois Attorney General to seek immediate 

injunctive relief in circumstances of substantial danger to the environment or to the public health of 

persons ( 415 ILCS 5/43(a)). Thus, the Illinois EPA has the necessary authority to address activities 

causing imminent and substantial endangerment to public health, as required by Section 110(a)(2)(G). 

Future SIP revisions: Section II O(a)(2)(H) requires states to have the authority to revise their SIPs in 

response to changes in the NAAQS, availability of improved methods for attaining the NAAQS, or in 

response to a USEP A finding that the SIP is substantially inadequate. 

The Act provides the Director, in conjunction with the Board, with the authority to develop rules and 

regulations necessary to meet ambient air quality standards and respond to any USEP A findings of 

inadequacy with the Illinois SIP program (415 ILCS 5/4 and 10). 
Nonattainment area plan or plan revision under Part D: Section 110(a)(2)(I) references 

nonattainment area planning. Although there are two ozone nonattainment areas in Illinois (Chicago 

area and Metro-east), planning requirements for these areas are on a different schedule than general 

infrastructure SIP elements. USEP A's guidance does not expect states to include these planning 

requirements as part of the infrastructure SIP. 

Consultation with government officials, public notification, PSD, and visibility protection: 

Section 110(a)(2)(J) requires consultation with government officials. Specifically, this section requires 

states to provide a process for consultation with local governments and Federal Land Managers 

carrying out NAAQS implementation requirements pursuant to Section 121 relating to consultation. 

The Illinois EPA is required to give notice to the Office of the Attorney General and the Illinois 

Department of Natural Resources during the rulemaking process. The Illinois EPA provides notice to 

both entities during every rulemaking and includes each as a stakeholder during outreach. The Illinois 

EPA further provides notice to reasonably anticipated stakeholders and interested parties. The Illinois 

EPA also gives notice to the Federal Land Manager ("FLM") if the mlemaking applies to Federal land 

over which the FLM has authority. Finally, the Illinois EPA consults with the USEP A and the States 

oflndiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio through its membership in the Lake Michigan 

Air Directors' Consortium ("LADCO"), and consults with the State of Missouri through a process 

established in a Memorandum of Agreement ("MOA"). 

Public notification: Section 110(a)(2)(J) further requires States to notify the public ifNAAQS are 

exceeded in an area and to enhance public awareness of measures that can be taken to prevent 

exceedances. 

The Illinois EPA and the Cook County Department ofEnviromnental Control routinely monitor air 

quality throughout the state and notify the public when unhealthful air quality is measured or 

forecasted. The Illinois EPA provides air quality data to USEP A's AIRNOW program, and also 

provides the daily air quality index ("AQI") to the media. In addition, the Illinois EPA provides the 

AQI to local stakeholder groups, Partners for Clean Air in Chicago, and the Clean Air Partnership in 

St. Louis, who post the information online. Through these collaborative efforts, the Illinois EPA and 

the Cook County Department ofEnviromnental Control provide information to the public on measures 

that can be taken to prevent exceedances and this information is also posted on the Illinois EPA's 

website. 

PSD and visibility protection: Section 11 O(a)(2)(J) also requires States to meet applicable 

requirements of Part C related to prevention of significant deterioration and visibility protection. 

The Illinois EPA is addressing both the long term requirements to meet natural visibility levels by 

2064 and the ongoing review of new major sources and major modifications under Illinois' approved 

PSD new source review program. On July 6, 2012, USEPA approved Illinois' regional haze SIP, 

including provisions to implement Best Available Retrofit Technology ("BART") (77 FR 3966). 
Illinois EPA provides public notice for all SIP revisions and public hearings for those revisions when 

requested. Requirements for consultation with other government officials and PSD requirements have 

·been addressed in other sections of this document. Specifically, PSD requirements have been included 

in the discussion addressing Section I I O(a)(2)(C), and to reiterate- Illinois EPA administers the 

Federal PSD regulations per 40 CFR 52.21; therefore, the applicable requirements for section 

I IO(a)(2)(J) regarding PSD have been met. 

Air quality modeliug/data: Section 11 O(a)(2)(K) requires that SIPs provide for performing air quality 

modeling for predicting effects on air quality of emissions for any NAAQS pollutant and submission 

of such data to USEP A upon request. 

The Illinois EPA maintains a capability to perform modeling of the air quality impacts of emissions of 

all criteria pollutants, including the capability to use complex photochemical grid models. The Illinois 

EPA performs modeling in support of the SIP for all nonattaimnent areas in the State. The Illinois 

EPA also requires air quality modeling in support of permitting the construction of major and some 

minor new sources under the PSD program. These modeling studies are thoroughly documented and 

are available to the USEP A and the public upon request. Furthermore, the Illinois EPA participates in 

multi-state regional modeling efforts, including participation and providing funding for LADCO. 

LADCO conducts regional modeling that is utilized for statewide planning purposes. 

Permitting fees: Section 11 O(a)(2)(L) requires SIPs to require each major stationary source to pay 

permitting fees to cover the cost of reviewing, approving, implementing, and enforcing a permit. 

The Illinois EPA continues to implement the approved Title V operating pennit program as set forth in 

Section 39.5 of the Act, which includes requiring major sources to pay permit fees (415 ILCS 5/39.5). 

The Illinois EPA also requires fees from applicants of potential new or modified sources in the form of 

construction permit application fees. 

Consultation/participation by affected local entities: Section 11 O(a)(2)(M) requires States to 

provide for consultation and participation in SIP development by local political subdivisions affected 

by the SIP. 

The Illinois EPA follows approved procedures for allowing public participation, consistent with 35 Ill. 

Adm. Code Part 164, Procedures for Informational and Quasi-Legislative Public Hearings, and 35 Ill. 

Adm. Code Part 252, Public Participation in the Air Pollution Control Permit Program. Part 252 is an 

approved portion of Illinois' SIP. 
Based on the infonnation provided in these discussions, I believe that the Illinois EPA meets or 

exceeds all ofthe necessary CAA Section 110 infrastructure needs, enabling us to continue to satisfy 

those requirements of the CAA. Ifthere are any questions, please feel free to contact David 

Bloomberg (217-524-4949), or myself. 

m 

Interim Director 

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency 

Attachments 
PAT QUINN 

GOVERNOR 

December 18, 2012 

Interim Director John J. Kim 

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR 

JRTC, 100W. RANDOLPH, Sum 16-100 

(HIC-\GO, ILUNO!:. 60601 

lllinois Environmental Protection Agency 

1021 North Grand Avenue, East 

P.O. Box 19276 

Springfield, lL 62794-9276 

Re: Authorization to submit State Implementation Plan revisions 

Dear Interim Director Kim: 

I hereby designate the Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency with the 

authority to sign all State Implementation Plans, revisions, and other supporting documents 

submitted on behalf of the State of illinois to the United States Environmental Protection 

Agency. As Interim Director, you are granted the same authority during your tenure as Interim 

Director. 

'it-~~ ~"m" Governor 

State of lilinois 
Sims, Jackie 

From: Frost, Brad 

Sent: 

To: 

Monday, December 31, 2012 8:25AM 

Sims, Jackie 

Subject: Ozone, N02 and S02 Infrastructure SIP comments 

Jackie, 

We received no comments or requests for hearing during the recent comment period for the Infrastructure SIP 

for ozone, N02 and 502 which ended December 26, 2012. 

Brad 

Brad Frost 

Office of Community Relations 

Illinois EPA 

1021 North Grand Avenue, East 

PO Box 19506 

Springfield, IL 62794-9506 

217/782-7027 

217/524-5023 fax 

brad. frost@ illinois. gov 

1 
Sims, Jackie 

From: Frost, Brad 

Sent: 

To: 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012 9:24AM 

Sims, Jackie; Bloomberg, David E. 

Attachments: Public notice for Ozone-N02-S02 ISIP 2012.doc 

Attached is the notice that ran. 

A list of the people that the notice was e-m ailed to: 

Ann Alexander- NRDC 

Amy Funk- U IUC 

Verena Owen- Sierra Club 

Constantine Blathras- US EPA 

Brian lmus -Illinois PIRG 

Brian Urbaszewski- Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago 

David Ogulei- USEPA 

Faith Bugel- ELPC 

Heidi Hansen 

James Giampietro- Sierra Club 

Kathy Hodge 

Kristin Henry- Sierra Club 

Lionel Trepanier- Chicago Greens 

Marcus Danny- US EPA 

Rick Diericx- Dynegy 

Senator Dick Durbin 

Susan Zingle 

Angela Tin- American Lung 

Tom Shepherd- Southeast Environmental Task Force 

Keith Harley 

Kathleen Logan-Smith- Washington University 

Andrea Gross- Washington University 

Kathy Andria- American Bottoms Association 

Christine Favilla- Sierra Club 

Robert Kuehn- Washington University 

Michael Stansfield- MO ON R 

Andy Stewart- Wisconsin EPA 

Doug Campbell-Iowa DNR 

Linda McDonald- MO DNR 

Mary Douglas- Michigan EPA 

James Morse- Kentucky EPA 

Patty Pear-IN OEM 

I'm tracking down the tearsheets and will forward to you when I have them. 

Brad Frost 

Office of Community Relations 

Illinois EPA 

1021 North Grand Avenue, East 

PO Box 19506 

Springfield, IL 62794-9506 

1 
217/782-7027 

217/524-5023 fax 

brad.frost@illinois.gov 

2 
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency 

Public Notice Order Form 

Division: Air Permits 

Ordered By: Bradley Frost Phone: 217/782-7027 

Public Notice Number: SIP12- 002 

Newspaper or location where ad is to be placed: State Paper (Taylorville, The BreezeCourier) 

Run Date(s): 11/26/2012 

Special Instructions: 

Ad is to run as an ROP Display- NOT as a legal notice 

Please typeset and border ad copy. Ad Size: 2 x 5 

Authorizing Name: Brad Frost Date: November 20, 2012 
Illinois Enviromnental Protection Agency 

Notice oflnfrastructure State Implementation Plan Submittal 

to Address Ozone, N02, and S02 

The Illinois Enviromnental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) is sending nptice for 

cormnent concerning the submittal of an Infrastructure State Implementation Plan for the 

2008 National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) for ozone and the 2010 NAAQS 

for N02 and S02. The Illinois EPA is required to submit an Infrastructure State 

Implementation Plan to the United States Enviromnental Protection Agency under 

Section 110(a)(2) of the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA) concerning the capabilities of such 

Agency to implement, maintain, and enforce the ozone, N02, and SOz protection 

requirements within the State of Illinois already functioning in the State Implementation 

Plan (SIP). 

The infrastructure plan is not a notice for any new rule development or revisions to any 

existing rulemakings, but informs the United States Enviromnental Protection Agency 

that Illinois EPA is able to maintain current monitoring and modeling data systems, 

enforcement and permitting programs including New Source Review and Prevention of 

Significant Deterioration, adequate resources with current funding, and authority for 

existing regulations involving the ozone, N02, and S02 NAAQS. Illinois EPA believes 

that all the requirements under the Infrastructure State Implementation Plan have been 

met. This plan will be submitted for review and approval as a revision to the SIP and 

meets the Federal requirements as set forth under Title 40: Protection of the Enviromnent, 

Part 51 -Requirements for Preparation, Adoption, and Submittal ofimplementation 

Plans. 

It should also be noted that any further action concerning the ozone, NOz, and S02 

NAAQS, be it new rulemaking or revisions to any current regulations, will go through 

proper procedures including public cormnent and hearing. The complete Infrastructure 

State Implementation Plan can be reviewed online at http://www.epa.state.il.us/publicnotices/ and at the Illinois EPA offices at 1021 North Grand Avenue East, Springfield, 

217/782-7027, 2009 Mall Street, Collinsville, 618/ 346-5120, and 9511 West Harrison in 

Des Plaines, 847/294-4000 (for all locations, please call ahead to assure that someone 

will be available to assist you). 

The Illinois EPA is accepting cmmnents on the Infrastructure State Implementation Plan. 

Comments must be postmarked by midnight December 26, 2012. Cmmnents or requests 

for public hearing concerning the Infrastructure State Implementation Plan can be mailed 

to Brad Frost, Illinois Enviromnental Protection Agency, Bureau of Air, 1021 North 

Grand Ave. East, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, IL 62794-9276 or emailed to 

Brad.Frost@illinois.gov. 
i, ILLINOIS 

perhaps he can be helpful in 

.e process of getting the gover-

>r to the table." 

Senate President John 

ullerlon favors a ncgoUalcd 

1cl, but hasn't commiltcd to 

:Uon before Januruy, when 

wmakcrs arc scheduled to 

cct next, spokeswoman 

keesha Phelan said. 

Quinn's office did not respond 

requests for comment. In ear-

:r comments to the AP, Quinn 

nmded uncharacteristically 

Jbeat about a casino plan, 

''I'm optimistic we can put 

1meth1ng together," he said. 

In cmiUng a state budget last 

inter, Quinn slashed spending 

lth plans to close several cor· 

ctlonal facilltics and units for 

ental health treatment and 

tre of llie developmentally dis· 

lied. 

Lawmakers objected, sending 

m a buclget with money appro· 

'fated to keep open places Uke 

c Tamms htgh-sccurtty prison 

1d the women's lockup at 

wight. Quinn stood Orm, 

clueing that allocation by $57 

illJon and saying he wanted to 

;e the money for other proams, such as chUd protective 

:rvlccs. 

Cullerton, a Chicago 

~mocrat, is preparing an overmtly slowing the economic 

covery. 

The figures echo estimates 

' private forecasters and by 

te Congressional Budget 

ffice. 

Congress and Obama have 

J.tll the end of the year to 

'Old across the board tax 

creases that would do away 

lth rates set during the 

lminlstratlon of President 

::orge W. Bush and restore 

gher tax rates In place dur· 

g President Blll Clinton's 

lmlnlstraUon when the 

·anomy was robust and the 

dcral government had a 

1dget surplus. 

Many middle income tax· 

lyers also would be exposed 

automatic tax Increases 

1der the Alternative 

Infmum Tax, which is 

:signed to guarantee a cerln level of lax payment by 

~althlcr taxpayers. 

According to the report, a 

nrrled . , ,s_9uplc .c.arn{ng 

:tween ' -$50,000 and 

15,000 with two chlldren 

)uld sec a $2,200 increase 

their taxes. 

Obama wants U1e Bush-era 

x: rates to remain at U1Cir 

u-rent level for households 

rnlng less than $250,000. 

! Is calling on Congress to 

crease taxes for families 

rnlng more than that 

111on. 

For the holiday season-to· 

1le, comScore found that 

3.7 billion has been spent 

11lne, marking a 16 percent 

crease over last year. The 

<:P$1rrh nrm nrPrllf'b:; th:tt 

ww\v.brccze-courier.com MONDAY, NOVEMBER 26,2012 PAGE 3 

ride of that budget-bill reduc· 

tlon, Phelan said. But it would 

only mean Quinn couldn't spend 

the money as he pleased. It 

would not force the governor lo 

keep prisons and other sites 

open. 

Lawmakers believe the facill· 

tics arc still needed and \vantcd 

to save jobs, parllcularly tl10se 

employed at prisons in economl· 

cally hard·hil southern llllnols 

areas. 

Sen. David Leuchtefeld, R· 

Oka\Wille, hopes he doesn't lose 

gt.m-rclated Jegtslation he sponsored to a Quinn assaultweapons ban. Lcuchlefcld's pro· 

posal would close a loophole that 

prevents Illinois residents from 

buying ammunition through the 

maJl from lliinols suppliers. 

It easily won legislative 

approval, but Quinn used his 

amendatory veto power to sub· 

stitute language banning new 

assault-style weapons, largecapaclly ammunition magazines 

and similar guns. His move, 

which some legislative experts 

believe exceeded his authority, 

came after a gunman killed 12 

people in a suburban Denver 

movie theater. 

Leuchtefcld's got no qualms 

about debating gun control if the 

governor finds a friendly lcglslathreshold. 

Obama's plan Is part of an 

overaii deficit reducUon package that would Increase lax 

revenue by about $1.5 trillion 

and reduce spending by a 

similar amount over I 0 

years. 

Congressional 

Republicans, led by Boehner, 

have said they are open to 

Includlng discussions about 

additional revenue but have 

baJked at any plan that rals· 

es tax rates on the wealthy. 

They argue that the higher 

rates would also hit some 

small businesses, stifling 

economic growth. 

Instead, they have advocated changes in the tax code 

that would eliminate tax 

breaks and loopholes that 

primarily benefit the wealthy. 

Several key RepublJcan lawmakers have also said they 

would not be bound by a notax-Increase pledge that they 

bnvc adhered tnJn UIC pa&t. - HDllse'MaJO~rty.LcadCr- Eric···· 

Cantor said Mollday the 

urgency of finding solutions 

Intensifies as the end of the 

year approaches. 

"If we don't do anything. on 

Jan. I, 2013, there's a lot 

more people paying a lot 

more," the VIrginia 

Republican said on MSNBC. 

Cantor said the rapidly 

historically earned by tl1e last 

day shoppers could order 

Items with standard shipping 

rates and get them delivered 

before Christmas. That day 

changes every year, but usu- ::~llv f:~ll.c: In l:~tP T)prpmhPr 

tor to write a separate bill, not 

hijack what he sees as common· 

sense legislation. 

"He has to know It's going too 

far to do what he did," 

Lcuchtcfcld said. "He has to 

know I wouldn't allow it lo hap· 

pen." 

Among other issues, Quinn, 

Cullerton and Republlcans 

annolUlced support last week for 

lcg.Jslation to allow lllegallmml· 

grants to gel driver's Ilcenses, 

making roads safer wiU1 bellerlralned and more Insured drivers. Discussions arc under way 

about whether additional money 

might be necessary for htunan 

services and chlld protection. 

Lang said he Js dose to the 60 

votes he needs for House 

app,roval of a medical marijuana 

bl\1, allowing people with Sp:!cillc 

llh1esscs-who, for example, get 

pain relief from marijuana- to 

possess small amounts purchased from licensed dlspen· 

saries. Medical marijuana use is 

OK In 18 states and 

Washington, D.C. 

''This is without any question 

U1e Ugh test and most highly reg· 

ulatcd medical marijuana bill 

ever written In tl1is country," 

Lang said. 

approaching deadline 

accounts for the more serious 

tone to the debate, bul also 

reaffirmed the GOP's opposl· 

lion to raising tax rates for 

the wealthy. "We've got to 

have the president step up 

and say, here's my position 

on how we reform these enU· 

tlements and start managing 

down the deficlts,n he said. 

"What should be on the 

table Is a recipe to fix the 

problem and not give away 

growth," Cantor said, when 

asked whether Rcpubllcans 

would agree to have lncrcas· 

cs In tax rates considered. 

"We were re-elected to fix 

the problems, get the economy going again," he said. 

"Well, the president got reelected and we know at the 

end of the year taxes arc 

going to go up on everybody, 

rich and poor alike... If no 

acllon is taken to avert the 

hikes. 

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99¢ Tables 

Full Of: • Christmas Items 

• Paper Plates 

• Food Storage Ba15s ~~ 

• Children's Gifts 

• Foils 

• Bowls 

lt'lon.-sat , wasza,g~,,, 

9am-GPITIWest side of Historic Square 

Taylorville's Premier Firearm 

Guns • Accessories • Ammunition 

2 Year Almiversarv Sale 

10 DAYS ONlY 

NOV. 23rd - DEC. 1st 

RT.AC'K li'RffiAV SPR.C'TAT.S QAM-dPM ONT:V 
Reid over the wecltend, The 

aides would not reveal details 

of the conversations. Obama 

last met with the bipartisan 

congressional leadership to 

discuss the fiscal cliff on Nov. 

16. No new meeUngs have 

been announced. 

Meanwhile, the stock market edged lower in the mornlOg as the outcome of the 

budget taJks remained Inconclusive. 

Retailers such as Macy's, 

Target and Saks were down 

In early trading, amid fears 

that consumers might cut 

back this season. But the 

National Retail Federation 

reported earlier that 247 million shoppers visilcd stores 

and shopping webslles durIng the long Thanksgiving 

weekend, up 9 percent from a 

year ago. They spent an aver· 

age of $423, up 6 percent. 

The While House report 

also says a sudden Increase 

In· taxes for middle-Income 

taxpayers would reduce consumer spending Jn 2013 by 

nearly $200 billion, signlfiCYBER: 

CONTINUED FROM PAGE ONE 

than they did when Shop.org, 

the digital division of trade 

group The National Retail 

Federation, Introduced the 

term "Cyber Monday." 

"People years ago didn't 

have ... connectivity to shop 

online at their homes. So 

when they went back to work 

after Thanksgiving they'd 

shop on the Monday after," 

said Vicki Cantrell, executive 

director of Shop.org. "Now 

they don't need the work 

computer to be able to do 

that." 

As a result, the period 

between Thanksgiving and 

Cyber Monday has become 

busy for online shopping as 

well. Indeed, online sales on 

Thanksgiving Day, trad!Uonally not a popular day for 

online shopping, rose 32 percent over last year to $633 

million, according to 

comScore. And online sales 

on Black Friday were up 26 

percent from the same day 

last year, to $1.042 bJllion. It 

was the first time online sales 

on Black Friday surpassed $1 

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avoid across the board tax 

increases Utat would do away 

with rates set during the 

administration of President 

George W. Bush and restore 

higher tax rates In place durIng President Bill Clinton's 

adminlslraUon when the 

economy was robust and the 

federal government had a 

budget surplus. 

Many middle income taxpayers also would be exposed 

to automatic tax increases 

under the Alternative 

Minimum Tax, which Is 

designed to guarantee a certain level of lax payment by 

wealthier taxpayers. 

According to U1e report, a 

married couple earning 

between $50,000 and 

$85,000 with two children 

would sec a $2.200 Increase 

in their taxes. 

Obarna wants the Bush-era 

lax rates to remain at their 

current level for households 

earning less than $250,000. 

He IS calllng on Congress to 

Increase taxes for families 

earning more than that 

billion. 

For the holiday season-todate, comScore found that 

$13.7 billion has been spent 

onllnc, marking a 16 percent 

increase over last year. The 

research firm predicts that 

online sales wlll surpass 10 

percent of total retail spending this holiday season. The 

Nal!onal Rctan Federation 

esllmatcs that overall retail 

sales in November and 

December will be up 4.1 per· 

cent this year to $586.1 billion 

But as other days become 

popular for online shopping, 

Cyber Monday may lose some 

of Us cache. To be sure, 

Cyber Monday hasn't always 

been the biggest online shopping day. In fact, up unUI 

three years ago, that title was 

Congressional 

Republicans, led by Boehner, 

have said they are open to 

Including discussions about 

additional revenue but have 

balked at any plan that raises tax rates on the wealthy. 

They argue that the higher 

rates would also hil some 

small businesses, sUfling 

economic growth. 

Instead. they have advocated changes in the tax code 

that would eliminate tax 

breaks and loopholes that 

prlmartly benefit the wealthy. 

Several key Republican Jaw· 

makers have also said they 

would nol be bound by a notax-Increase pledge that they 

hnvc adhered to In th'i, p<~st. 

House Majority Leader Eric 

Cantor said Monday the 

urgency of finding solutions 

intensifies as the end of the 

year approaches. 

"If we don't do anything, on 

Jan. 1, 2013, there's a Jot 

more people paying a lot 

more," the Virginia 

Republican said on MSNBC. 

Cantor saJ.d the rapidly 

hisloricaJly earned by the last 

day shoppers could order 

Items wiUl standard shlpplllg 

rates and get them delivered 

before Christmas. That day 

changes every year, but usu· 

ally falls In late December. 

Even though Cyber 

Monday Is expected to be the 

biggest shopping day this 

year, Industry watchers say H 

could just be a matter of time 

before other days take that 

ranking. 

"Of all lhe benchmark 

spending days, Thanksgiving 

Is growing at the fastest rate, 

up 128 percent over the last 

five years," said Andrew 

Llpsman, a spokesman with 

com Score. 

Notice of Infrastructure State lmplemeniatlon Plan Submlital 

to Address Ozone, N02, and 502 

The Illinois Environmental Proieclion Agency (Illinois EPA) is sending no\Jce ror 

comment concerning the submHtal of an Infrastructure Stale lmplementaUon Plan 

for the 2008 National Ambient A!r Qual~y Standard (NAAQS} for ozone and the 

2010 NAAQS for N02 and S02. The Illinois EPA is required to submit an 

lnfrastruclure Stale Jmplemenlalion Plan to the Uniled States Environmental 

Proteclion Agency under Seciion 110(a}(2) of ihe Federal Clean Air Aci (CAA) concerning the capabilities of such Agency to Implement maintain, and enfor;;e the 

ozone, N02, and S02 protection requirements whhin the Slate of Illinois already 

functioning in I he Slate Implementation Plan (SIP), 

The Infrastructure plan Is not a noiice for any new rule development or revisions to 

any existing rulemaklngs, bui Informs the United S1ates Environmental Protection 

Agency that llllnols EPA is able to maintain current monitoring and modeling data 

systems, enforcement and permliling programs including New Souo::e Rev lew and 

Prevention of S!gniflcani Deierloration, adequate reSOtJrces wHh current funding, 

and authorily for existing regulations involving the ozone, N02, and 502 NAAOS. 

Illinois EPA believes that an ihe requirements under the lnfraslruciure State 

Implementation Plan have been met. This plan will be submilted for review and 

approval as a revision to ihe SIP and meets the Federal requirements as set forth 

under Trtle 40: Protection of the Environment, Part 51 - Requirements for 

Preparation, Adoption, and Submittal of Implementation Plans. 

!\should also be noied that any further ac!Jon concerning the ozone, N02, and S02 

NAAOS, be it new rulemaklng or revisions to any current regulations, will go through 

proper procedures including public comment and hearing. The complete 

lnfrastruclure State Implementation Plan can be reviewed online at 

hllp:lfwww.epa.state.i!.usfpublic-notices/and ai the Illinois EPA offices at 1021 Not1h 

Grand Avenue East, Springfield, 217n82·7027, 2009 Mall Street, Collinsville, 6181 

34&5120, and 9511 West Harrison in Des Plaines, 8471294-4000 (for all locations, 

please call ahead to assure that someone will be available to assist you). 

The Illinois EPA Is accepting comments on the lnfras!ruclure State Jm~emenlation 

Plan. Comments must be postmarked by midnight December 26, 2012. 

Comments or requests for public hearing concerning the Infrastructure State 

Implementation Plan can be mailed to Brad Frosi, Illinois Environmental Protection 

Agency, Bureau clAir, 1021 North Grand Ave. Easi, P.O. Box 19276, Springfield, !L 

62794-9276 or emalled to Brad.Frost@illinols.gov. 

on how we reform these entitlements and start managing 

down the deficits,'' he said_ 

"What should be on the 

table is a recipe to fix the 

problem and not give away 

growth," Cantor said, when 

asked whether Republicans 

would agree lo have Increases In tax rates considered. 

"We were re-elected lo fix 

lhc problems, get the economy going again," he said. 

"Well, the president got reelected and we know at the 

end of the year taxes are 

going to go up on everybody, 

rich and poor alike," if no 

acUon is taken to avert the 

hllms. 

99¢ Tables 

Full Of: • Christmas Items 

• Paper Plates 

• Food Storage 

• Children's Gifts 

• Foils 

• Bowls 

• Cleaners 

• Hundreds of Items 

15 East Main 

.,..,;lllffliTij'··'\~. • ~~.' .. f'ltrr"' . -:~''~''!'' \;l· }f!W l 

Mon.-sat. n9 S"!" W;,.hfdgio,. sJ. · ' sam-s~mWest side of Historic Taylorville 

Taylorville's Premier Firear 

Guns • Accessories • Ammuni 

2 Year Annive 

10 DAYS 

NOV.23rd · 

BLACK FRIDAY SPECIALS 9AM 

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*Youth 22LR RiOes - From $119.99- ~ 

*Ruger LC9 - R,g.$399.99 Sale $35~ 

*Taurus Circut Judge - Reg. $568 Sale $~ 

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TAKE AN EXTRA $10.00 OF ANY PURCHASE 0 

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