Gov. J.B. Pritzker | Facebook
Gov. J.B. Pritzker | Facebook
More than half a century since Illinois created its first state agency to clean and protect the environment, the Prairie State marked another milestone in its environmental efforts with a new clean energy bill.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Sept. 15 signed the historic energy legislation, which had been a white whale for the Illinois General Assembly for some time.
WQAD reported that the bill puts Illinois at the forefront of the climate change battle.
While the measure also saves two nuclear facilities in the state from closure, state Sen. Dave Syverson (R-Rockford) said the bill will make Illinoisans pay dearly “for the privilege of keeping our low-cost affordable, reliable, green nuclear energy going.”
“This will be the largest rating increase ever on consumers, and it did not have to happen,” Syverson wrote on Facebook. “And is one of the reasons why I reluctantly had to vote no.”
WQAD reported that it will cost $700 million to keep each nuclear plant located in Byron and Morris.
Pritzker asserted that the bill distinguishes Illinois as the first Midwest state to require 100% carbon-free energy by 2045.
All Illinoisans will qualify for a $4,000 electric vehicle credit under the measure.
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