SPRINGFIELD - Illinois came closer to Texas on Wednesday in the race to land a $1 billion experimental power plant.

Senate lawmakers approved a measure that protects Illinois from some lawsuits if problems arise with the FutureGen project.

Mattoon and Tuscola are two of the four remaining finalists for the coal-fired plant, which pumps carbon dioxide emissions thousands of feet underground, instead of into the air. Two towns in Texas also are finalists.

Texas already has laws to deflect FutureGen-related lawsuits, so Illinois needs its own, lawmakers said.

"This is a major step forward in that regard," said state Sen. Dale Righter, a Mattoon Republican who represents both Illinois finalists. A decision is expected in September.

Gov. Rod Blagojevich expressed confidence in Illinois' plans to lure the project.

"Not only does Illinois have the geology, infrastructure and a strong track record of developing clean coal technology," he said, "but we also have a dedicated group of bipartisan leaders in Springfield, as well as in Washington, that believe in FutureGen's tremendous possibilities for our state and our country."

The measure passed by a 59-0 vote, and now moves to the House.

Angela Griffin, leader of the Coles Together economic development group based in Mattoon, said she was glad to hear the vote was unanimous and not controversial.

"For me, that means senators from all over Illinois support our bid in Central Illinois to land FutureGen," she said.

Griffin said she didn't necessarily think the plan would be controversial. But she says the vote reaffirms the work of locals to land the plant, which would create thousands of construction jobs and 200 permanent ones.

"It's been our life for a year and a half," she said.

Mike Riopell can be reached at mike.riopell@lee.net or 789-0865.