State Senator Scott Bennett (shown above) is excited about Monday’s passage of a comprehensive Illinois energy bill. ‘’The passage of this important legislation is the moment we’ve all been working for,’’ said Bennett. ‘’This package not only saves and creates thousands of jobs across the state, but puts Illinois on track toward a vibrant, clean and equitable clean energy future,’’ added Senator Bennett.
Senator Chapin Rose was critical of the massive regulatory plan which he says is ignoring downstate Illinois….
The legislation covers the state’s nuclear power plants, solar and wind power, and more…including coal generated power, notes Senator Rose…
‘’We’ve set Illinois on an ambitious path to clean energy generation by 2050, with an agenda that begins now,’’ said Senator Scott Bennett after the Senate approved the bill 37 to 17. It now heads to the governor’s desk.
The comprehensive energy plan would set Illinois on a path toward 50-percent renewable energy by 2040 and 100-percent renewable energy by 2050. The package would cut Illinois’ carbon emissions and enable residents to power their homes and businesses with huge investments in greener electricity.
Senator Bennett also notes the measure would create the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program to support workers impacted by the transition, as well as the Energy Transition Assistance Fund to provide money to workforce development and just transition programs. Bennett says new wind and solar installations to power communities across the state would also support employees in the energy sector by creating thousands of new jobs, and the long-debated Prairie State power plant would be closed.
The legislation has passed both the Illinois House and Senate and now awaits the governor’s signature.
