Issue Position: Clean and Renewable Energy

Issue Position

As noted in the 2019 Clean Jobs Midwest Report, Illinois currently leads the Midwest in renewable energy generation, energy efficiency and advanced grid jobs. This is in large part due to the passage of the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016, and this session we continued to build on this positive momentum. As Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, I continue to work closely with environmental advocates and energy producers on policies to address climate change and protect our environment while also expanding our clean energy economy.

This session, the legislature moved the ball forward in this regard when Representative Williams introduced the Clean Energy Jobs Act (HB 3624). This groundbreaking piece of legislation puts Illinois on an equitable path to 100% renewable energy by 2050. It also aims to cut carbon from the power sector by 2030, and reduce gas and diesel vehicles from the transportation sector. Most importantly, it creates jobs and takes steps to ensure that all Illinoisans can take part in the new green economy and share in the benefits of clean renewable energy. More information about the bill can be found HERE. Representative Williams' plan is to continue to work on this initiative over the summer and hopefully pass a comprehensive and substantive package in the fall veto session.

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