Quinn signs bill to study offshore wind energy

Gov. Pat Quinn has signed bills creating a council to study the potential for wind energy projects in Lake Michigan and allowing counties to establish wind farm districts.

Quinn’s office announced the new laws Sunday and said both take effect immediately.

Two Evanston lawmakers — state Rep. Robyn Gabel and Sen. Jeff Schoenberg — sponsored the bill that creates the Lake Michigan Offshore Wind Energy Advisory Council to review the potential for offshore wind energy projects.

It will be chaired by the state Department of Natural Resources director and will include members representing state agencies as well as environmental, tourism, education and energy interests.

The council will identify areas that might be appropriate for offshore wind development and present its recommendations to Quinn and the legislature by June 30, 2012.