SPRINGFIELD, ILL. (AP) -- Environmentalists are beaming over legislation meant to encourage the use of solar energy in Illinois.

The measure would set annual targets for the amount of electricity that power companies must produce through solar energy.

Advocates say the annual targets would help companies gradually reach a requirement that's already state law -- by 2015, 6 percent of renewable energy must come from solar power.

The idea is that instead of delaying until 2015, companies will invest a little more in solar energy each year.

Backers say that should create thousands of jobs.

The legislation is now on Gov. Pat Quinn's desk.

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The bill is HB6202.

Online: http://www.ilga.gov

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