The Illinois Senate is voting in favor of new clean energy legislation that Governor Pritzker is expected to sign.
The measure aims for the state to be using 100 percent clean energy by 2050, requires municipally owned coal and natural gas plants including the Prairie State Energy Campus in Southwestern Washington County to reduce carbon emissions to zero by 2045, offers a $4,000 rebate to those buying an electric car and includes money for Exelon to keep nuclear plants open.
Senate President Don Harmon says it was important to act.
“We’ve done all this because we understand the pressing dangers to our environment. The very real threat of climate change. And the need to do something now to protect our future.”
But State Senator Terry Bryant of Mt. Vernon says the bill will result in a large electric rate increase.
“We need leaders who will lift up our job creators not add to the burdens with energy rate increases. And I submit this bill is a blatant attack on small businesses and a disservice to down-state Illinois. I strongly encourage a no vote for the largest utility increase in Illinois history.”
Governor J-B Pritzker is applauding passage of the bill and says he will quickly sign it into law.
