Kankakee Times

Village of Hopkins Park residents are fighting to have their voices heard over the issue of a natural-gas pipeline in the community.

"Naomi Davis, the lady that is opposing the Pembroke Natural Gas line, and others from Chicago, like state Rep. Sonya Harper (D-Chicago), seem to think they know what is best for Pembroke residents,” village officials said in a press release. “However both live in communities that enjoy the benefits of natural gas. That's like the residents of Pembroke choosing the next state representative for the 6th District in Chicago.”

Even as House Bill 3404 – legislation to extend a natural-gas pipeline into Pembroke – has passed both Houses and is headed to Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s desk for his signature, the debate over a natural gas pipeline being allowed in the community continues. 

“They are asking him not to sign the bill,” village officials said in the release. “I am confident the governor will do the right thing; he is a businessman and understands that communities need basic infrastructure to sustain themselves. The pipe in the picture below is for a petroleum line like the one that already exists in Pembroke. Naomi Davis and sate Rep Harper did not oppose this line as it did nothing to sustain the community. But they oppose the natural gas line which is only a fraction of the size of the pipe shown.” 

HB 3404 is the first bill introduced by state Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee).

“I am pleased to report that this important legislation was approved by the House Public Utilities Committee,” she said in a post to her website. “The bill has bipartisan support from local, state and federal government officials because it makes a decades-old dream of extending a natural gas pipeline into Pembroke Township a reality. Residents lack utilities and services that so many of us take for granted. Providing safe, reliable and clean energy to Pembroke Township presents a unique opportunity to chart a better trajectory for our neighbors who have to this point been left behind.”