Ammons-Backed Energy Bill Passes

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, is proud to support legislation which seeks to lower energy costs by investing in clean energy capture, battery storage, and energy efficiency programs. Chair of the Energy & Environment Committee, Ammons has led repetitive efforts in the last few years to push for utility bill assistance for modest and low-income families.

“So many people in my district have seen their utility bill increase exponentially. It’s not sustainable— not for families’ pockets or for the environment,” said Ammons. “This bill is not just a short term fix, it’s also a long term solution. Not only will utility bills start decreasing soon, they will continue to decrease, so hardworking families can see relief.”

Senate Bill 25, the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, aims to decrease energy cost and increase energy production by investing in more efficient energy capture and expanding battery storage, which decreases the overall demand for energy. Simultaneously, up to 150,000 jobs will be created to counteract job insecurity and layoffs caused by the federal budget bill— including over 50,000 lost manufacturing jobs in Illinois— to help facilitate the more efficient, cost effective capture, storage, and dispersal of energy.

“This bill is a win-win-win: renewable energy use is improved, families have lower utility costs, and thousands of jobs will be created,” said Ammons. “While federal Republicans eliminate manufacturing jobs and contribute to the cost of living increasing, Illinois Democrats protect our people and work to take some of the burden off their pocketbooks.”