SR1255 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SR1255 LRB103 42817 ECR 76066 r

SENATE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois Senate are saddened to learn of the death of Norm Peterson, who passed away on September 16, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Norm Peterson notably served as the longtime director of government relations for the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory (Argonne) for more than 36 years; in this position, he built and maintained relationships with elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels as well as economic development agencies, universities, and companies, and his work proved critical to Argonne's success and impact; and

WHEREAS, Norm Peterson was instrumental in arranging meetings with members of the Illinois General Assembly to help them understand the complex potential of energy storage, the capabilities of Argonne's GREET modeling system to calculate the carbon intensity and greenhouse gas emissions of vehicles on the road, and how scientific facilities at Argonne can create new energy infrastructure or revitalize aging infrastructure; and

WHEREAS, Norm Peterson contributed to many momentous projects at Argonne during his career, including the establishment of the Argonne Guest House becoming the first lab building funded by the State of Illinois and the selection of Argonne by the DOE to lead the Joint Center for Energy Storage Research, the Q-NEXT quantum center, and the Energy Storage Research Alliance; his efforts also helped Argonne construct multiple facilities that broadened the lab's scientific capabilities and powered groundbreaking research by scientists around the globe while raising awareness of the many benefits of science and technology for national prosperity and security; and

WHEREAS, Norm Peterson retired from the role of director of government relations at Argonne in 2023; since then, he had continued to serve as a senior advisor on a part-time basis; throughout his career, he was noted for successfully generating interest and enthusiasm among lawmakers, staff members, and others in the work being done at Argonne; and

WHEREAS, Prior to joining Argonne, Norm Peterson worked at the Tinley Park Mental Health Facility for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services before joining the administration of former Illinois Governor Jim Thompson, where he was tasked with developing and launching an innovative youth program statewide; he then became the first executive director of the Governor's Commission on Science and Technology for the State; and

WHEREAS, Norm Peterson will be remembered as a trusted confidant, a remarkable colleague, and a mentor and friend to many; and

WHEREAS, Norm Peterson is survived by his longtime partner, Lori Clark; his daughter, Erika Peterson; and his granddaughter, Emma Moon; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Norm Peterson and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Norm Peterson as an expression of our deepest sympathy.