| July 2021 |
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By Joyce Blumenshine
Over 100 people rallied at the state Capital on June 15th for equity, environmental justice, and the many climate principals in the pending Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). This legislation has yet to be voted by the Illinois Legislature. Thanks to the support of Governor Pritzker and intense work by his office, most of the essential provisions in CEJA are in a consolidated climate bill that his staff and members of the environmental groups negotiated. Sad to say, this legislation is still awaiting a vote as demands from coal plants and other entities have stalled progress. Stay tuned!
Clean Energy Can’t Wait! You can help by phoning the Governor’s Office at 217-782-6830 or 217-782-6831 and leave a message thanking Governor Pritzker for standing for a strong climate bill that includes equity provisions. Call your state Representative and Senator to urge they help pass strong climate legislation and take action to build a clean energy future for Illinois.
The state-wide environmental, faith, justice, and other groups coalition had this statement when no vote was taken at the end of the legislative session:
SPRINGFIELD — The following statement is from the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition:
“On May 31, there was a tentative deal on a comprehensive energy bill, but it was stopped at the last minute. On June 1, Senate President Harmon said he ‘stand[s] with the Governor on de-carbonization targets that need to be in a final deal,’ but now the Senate is headed home without action on that plan. Thousands of union workers and solar installers may now lose their jobs, while the climate crisis worsens and Black and Brown communities continue to struggle. We are deeply disappointed the Senate adjourned without taking action on a carbon-free energy future, but stand ready to enact the Governor’s plan as soon as possible.”
For more information see About the Clean Energy Jobs Act.