Climate and Equitable Jobs Act Signed Into Law

Climate and Equitable Jobs Act Signed Into Law (Springfield, IL) – Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch applauded Governor JB Pritzker signing the most equitable climate legislation in the nation into law on Wednesday.

“The magnitude of this legislation cannot be overstated,” said Speaker Welch. “We have a clear path to a carbon-free future with a more diversified energy sector that includes some of the strictest utility ethics reforms in the country. We did all of this in a bipartisan way with the support of labor and environmental advocacy groups, as well as thousands of others. I want to thank everyone who had a hand in these negotiations that resulted in a final product all of Illinois can be proud of.”

The proposal, which was passed by the Senate on Monday, puts Illinois on the path toward 100% clean energy and gives our state a very clear timeline to a carbon-free economy. The legislation includes safe guards that lay out a just transition to clean energy sources for communities that have been dependent on fossil fuels and also invests in training a diverse workforce for future jobs.

“Bringing together environmental advocates, labor unions, and business groups we were able to create legislation that will protect consumers and workers. We also have a set road map for moving Illinois toward 100% clean energy,” said State Representative and House Leader Marcus Evans (D-Chicago). “This legislation will make Illinois a nationwide model for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy in a way that promotes equity for people of color.”

After more than a year of energy working group meetings, this legislation brings together the best ideas from an incredibly diverse group of stakeholders. It is the result of good-faith negotiations that Illinois is now the first state in the Midwest to set an aggressive timetable for reaching 100% renewable energy by 2050.

“We can’t outrun or hide from climate change,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “There is no time to lose. Thanks to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, Illinois is taking action in the fight to stop and even reverse the damage that’s been done to our climate. As of today, Illinois is a force for good, for an environmental future we can be proud of. With economic growth and jobs woven into its fabric, this new law is the most significant step Illinois has taken in a generation toward a reliable, renewable, affordable and clean energy future in a generation.”