Mason Secures Property Tax Relief and Decarbonization with Clean Energy Bill

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – With the passage of the 2021 clean energy bill, state Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, successfully secured millions in property tax relief and grants for Zion, paved the way for new green jobs and set out a plan to reduce carbon emissions in Illinois.

“I’m grateful that we’ve found a legislative solution that will provide much needed property tax relief to the people and businesses of Zion,” Mason said. “In addition, we are addressing the climate crisis, creating new opportunities for good-paying careers, expanding job training and putting Illinois on the path to be 100 percent renewable energy.”

When the Zion Nuclear Power Station closed in 1998, the city lost 800 jobs and the tax income from the plant went from $20 million to less than $1 million annually. Additionally, due to nuclear waste, the city has been unable to develop the 257 acres of valuable lakefront land. Mason worked to ensure clean energy job legislation that passed the House this week includes a path for the state of Illinois to transition to 100% clean energy. This change will bring approximately $15 million of additional income to the city annually.

Mason’s vote for Senate Bill 2408 also takes concrete steps to protect our environment by requiring decarbonization over the coming years and setting the goal of Illinois transitioning to 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.The legislation also creates new training programs across the state to train people for green and foster new small businesses in renewable energy.

“This didn’t get done without Representative Mason spearheading these efforts,” said Zion Mayor Billy McKinney. “She worked on this matter non-stop and showed us how much she cares and how much she will fight for the residents of her district. The efforts of Representative Yingling and the rest of the house delegation should be commended as well. Thank you, Joyce, Sam, the rest of the delegation on behalf of the people of Zion.”

“The Zion community has been floundering alone, without a voice, for 23 years after the devastating impact the plant closure caused,” said David Knabel, Zion City Administrator.  Representative Mason jumped when she heard our pleas and gave us a voice. This is a turning point in the future of our community and could not have been done without her and her peers and we cannot thank them enough.”

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the support and efforts of City of Zion Mayor Billy McKinney and City Administrator David Knabel, as well as the members of the Lake County House Delegation, which includes Representatives Johnathan Carroll, Dan Didech, Rita Mayfield, Bob Morgan, and Sam Yingling,” said Mason. “I’m especially grateful to Rep Yingling, who has worked very hard to help draft this legislation, sharing his experience and knowledge from his tenure in the legislature and his service as Chairperson of the Counties and Townships Committee and Sub Chair of the Property Tax Committee. I am so fortunate to work with an incredible group of people who were committed to making this happen.”