Renner Barsella, renner.barsella@sierraclub.org
SPRINGFIELD, IL -- Today, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker announced a much anticipated proposal for sweeping legislation aimed at reforming the state’s energy sector, phasing out fossil fuel use, and investing in initiatives to lower emissions and mitigate the climate crisis. The Consumers and Climate First Act is the latest of several omnibus energy bills, including the Clean Energy Jobs Act, which has won broad support for it’s policy pillars to address the economic and public health crisis, the racial and economic justice crisis, and a crisis of utility corruption.
In response, Sierra Club Illinois Director Jack Darin released the following statement:
“Crisis cannot be averted with half measures, and for the first time in Illinois history Governor Pritzker has put forward a proposal to confront the climate crisis with the ambition it demands by reducing emissions, creating clean energy jobs, and holding utilities accountable. It is refreshing to see state leaders commit to a vision of 100% clean energy that strives to put the needs of Illinoisians over those of corporate utilities.
“The Governor’s proposal shares many goals with the Clean Energy Jobs Act, including a commitment to build enough clean energy to supply all of our power needs by 2050. These bold actions on climate must also include bold commitments to racial and economic justice. As Illinois moves beyond coal and gas, our climate plan must prioritize emission reductions in communities most impacted by polluters and an equitable transition for those left in an economic lurch by fossil fuel companies.
“We are excited to work together with stakeholders and elected leaders to build a policy for Illinois that puts us boldly on a path towards climate justice.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3.5 million members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.