Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy
SUBSTITUTE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Illinois is not keeping up with climate and energy policies being enacted in other states, nor is it on track to meet the clean energy goals already on the books, and
WHEREAS, Renewable energy comes from natural, inexhaustible, and safe sources that diminish reliance on fossil fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
WHEREAS, Clean and renewable energy provides substantial benefits for our climate, public health, and economy and is the way of the future; and
WHEREAS, In 2016, The State of Illinois passed The Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) allowing the creation of and investment into an equitable and just transition for a clean and renewable energy future; and
WHEREAS, FEJA stimulated job creation, training, and clean and renewable energy markets, attracting investment and new companies to the State, while preserving Illinois' low energy rates for residents and businesses; and
WHEREAS, There are nearly 90,000 energy efficiency jobs in Illinois; and over 120,000 clean energy jobs in Illinois; and
WHEREAS, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is poised to order changes to electricity
capacity markets designed to prop-up coal, natural gas and oil power plants that will require Illinois consumers to pay an estimated $864 million a year in higher electric bills; and
WHEREAS, In the spring of 2019, The Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). SB2132/HB3624 was introduced and aims to achieve a carbon-free power sector by 2030 and put Illinois on the path to 100% renewable energy by 2050, while growing the clean energy economy in a way that expands equitable access to public health, safety, a cleaner environment, and quality jobs and economic opportunities; and WHEREAS, CEJA includes a plan to responsibly phase out coal, support communities and workers affected by the decline of coal, and transition to 100% renewable energy by 2050; and
WHEREAS, CEJA is expected to save the State a potenti...
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