SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois confirmed its commitment to a clean energy future with the passage of Senate Bill 2408 that was signed Wednesday by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. This historic legislation includes numerous provisions to end Illinois’ reliance on fossil fuels and transition to 100% clean energy by 2050.

“This bill has nation-leading equity provisions, holds utilities accountable, and decarbonizes our energy sector while protecting existing jobs and investing in workforce development to create new ones,” LaPointe said. “Residents of the 19th House District made it clear early on in my term that this was an issue they cared a great deal about, and I am thankful for the leadership changes in the House and Senate that allowed for the passage of this bill.”

LaPointe backed Senate Bill 2408, which would require the eventual closing of all private coal-fired and oil-fired plants by 2030 as part of the state’s path toward 100% clean energy. Municipal plants, including Prairie State, will be required to be 100% carbon free by 2045 with emission reduction guidelines introduced no later than 2035. Municipal natural gas plants that do not achieve zero carbon emissions will be closed by 2045. Private natural gas plants will be expected to close by 2045.

The energy and environment package includes financial support for nuclear plants, ensuring that the Byron and Dresden plants threatened for closure can remain open and jobs protected. It also sets up grant programs and economic incentives to help workers who may be impacted by a fossil fuel plant closure by providing benefits and community assistance.

Consumer protections are a priority in Senate Bill 2408, with new utility ethics reporting guidelines outlined, as well as the elimination of customer deposit requirements and late fees for low-income users among other reforms. The proposal also aims to put more electric vehicles on the road, including a new $4,000 rebate for purchasers of electric vehicles.

LaPointe will be hosting a virtual Environmental Town Hall discussion along with Senator Martwick on September 29^th from 6:00pm-7:15pm. Residents can RSVP by emailing jessica@replapointe.com or calling 773-647-1174.

For more information, please contact jessica@replapointe.com.

GURNEE, Ill. – Continuing her fight against climate change by growing renewable energy in Illinois, State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, co-sponsored legislation recently signed into law to help people in a homeowners association install solar panels on their house.

“Solar panels are a great way for homeowners to do their part in the switch to renewable energy as we continue to fight climate change,” said Mason. “As more and more people are considering placing solar panels on their homes, it is important that systems are in place to protect the interests of everyone involved.”

Mason co-sponsored House Bill 644 recently signed into law by Governor Pritzker. The Mason backed bill helps determine how groups such as home owners associations can work with home owners as they add solar panels to their house. The new law allows associations to create a policy regarding the location of solar panels as long as it does not interfere with their effectiveness. The Mason backed legislation passed both houses of the Illinois General Assembly with bipartisan support along with the support of the Illinois Environmental Council.

“Homeowners should not be prevented from installing solar panels on their property or be forced place them in a less optimal spot,” said Mason. “This law helps protect the rights of homeowners to have effective solar energy for their home.”

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – Reflecting his commitment to a green environment and economy, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, along with state Sen. Ann Gillespie, D-Arlington Heights, recently met with members of the Northwest Cook County chapter of the Sierra Club and accepted their petitions urging lawmakers to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA).

“Illinois has a strong record of fighting disastrous climate change, but the fight isn’t over yet,” Walker said. “CEJA is a great bill that will expand on our current benchmarks and, importantly, creates good-paying, high-quality green economy jobs. CEJA will benefit every corner of our state.”

Committing Illinois to run entirely on renewable energy by 2050, CEJA also calls for the creation of a $25 million clean jobs workforce hub and clean energy empowerment zones – both designed to aid communities affected by the transition from fossil fuels. Over recent weeks, the Northwest Cook County Sierra Club has circulated petitions to residents of Walker’s district advocating for the passage of CEJA.

“Having the help of the Sierra Club in this fight has been great,” Walker said. “Their commitment to a healthier and sustainable economy, like so many others, shows why we have to pass CEJA. We have the public’s support to fight climate change. I’m looking forward to voting on this important legislation.”

LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – To address the impact the Clean Energy Jobs Act will have on our state and communities, state Reps. Mary Edly-Allen, D-Libertyville, and Daniel Didech, D-Buffalo Grove, will host a Clean Energy Town Hall Meeting on Thursday, Oct. 10 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at the Fremont Public Library, located at 1170 N. Midlothian Road in Mundelein.

“I’m excited that Illinois is leading the way in transitioning to clean, renewable energy and cutting carbon pollution from our state’s power sector,” said Edly-Allen, who is a member of the House Energy and Environment Committee. “Renewable energy is an ecnomy of the future, and we have a unique opportunity to not only take meaningful steps to protecting the environment, but also to create good-paying, long-term jobs in the green energy section. We must continue our efforts to ensure that Illinois is on track for 100% renewable energy by 2050.”

Representatives from Clean Power Lake County, Faith in Place, Sierra Club, and the Illinois Environmental Council will join Edly-Allen and Didech for a town hall meeting focusing on the Clean Energy Jobs Act and other statewide efforts to expand production and use of renewable energy. The town hall meeting is free and open to the public.

“It is important that we continue our efforts to move Illinois toward 100% renewable energy,” said Didech. “I encourage anyone who has questions about the Clean Energy Jobs Act or just wants to learn more about what we’re working on to expand clean energy to join us on October 10^th at the Fremont Library.”  

RSVPs are encouraged but not required and may be submitted at ILENVIRO.org/Mundelein or by contacting Edly-Allen’s full-time constituent office at 224-206-7647 or repedlyallen@gmail.com.

ST. CHARLES, Ill. –To discuss the Clean Energy Jobs Act and hear local residents’ ideas on how to protect the environment, state Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, is hosting a Clean Energy Town Hall next week.

“Since Earth is the only home we have, it is critical that Illinois continues to advance its steps as one of the nation’s leaders in fighting climate change, advancing energy efficiency and promoting a green economy,” said Villa.  “I invite local residents to stop by my Clean Energy Town Hall to learn about the importance of reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, promoting the use of renewable resources and to share thoughts or ideas on what more Illinois can do to address global climate change.”

Villa is partnering with the League of Women Voters – Central Kane County and the Sierra Club Valley of the Fox Group to host a town hall about the proposed Clean Energy Jobs Act. Villa has advocated for the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), introduced as House Bill 3624, to increase the state’s renewable energy targets to run entirely on renewable resources by 2050. Through this process, CEJA will also ensure the transition to clean energy and an equitable green economy throughout the state. For her continued efforts to support the environment, Villa was recently distinguished with a 100 percent pro-environment rating by the Illinois Environmental Council.

WHO: State Rep. Karina Villa

League of Women Voters – Central Kane County

Sierra Club Valley of the Fox Group

WHAT: Clean Energy Town Hall Meeting

WHEN: Monday, Sept. 23

7:00 p.m.

WHERE: St. Charles Public Library

1 S. 6th Ave.

St. Charles, IL 60174

For more information, please contact Rep. Villa’s constituent service office at 630-326-9319 or at StateRepKarinaVilla@gmail.com.

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. – State Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, is thanking residents who attended a recent town hall on the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) and recent legislative efforts to move Illinois toward more sustainable energy use position.

“I was excited to see over 100 people who are passionate about our state’s energy future attend this town hall,” Walker said. “The Clean Energy Jobs Act, if passed, will bring thousands of jobs to Illinois while putting us on a path to being 100% renewable by 2050.”

CEJA would set Illinois on course to become carbon-neutral by 2030, as well as making all major power sources renewable by 2050. Walker supports CEJA not only for its important green energy components, but also because of its emphasis on creating new jobs and investing in infrastructure. Attendees of the town hall learned about CEJA and the pathway to a clean energy future, and had time to ask questions of panelists including Walker. Walker was joined by state Sen. Ann Gillespie, D-Arlington Heights, the Illinois Environmental Council, Sierra Club Illinois, the League of Women Voters of Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect and Buffalo Grove, and the Citizens Utility Board.

“While legislation is an important piece of Illinois’ clean energy future, personal action is as well,” Walker said. “People can make sure they’re using the most energy efficient practices in their homes and transportation. Supporting positive changes at all levels is necessary to fight dangerous climate change and ensure a brighter future.”

HANOVER PARK, Ill. –State Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, partnered with local legislators and environmental advocacy groups to host a a town hall meeting last week to discuss clean energy and better environmental policy.

“Climate change is a serious threat, and while the Trump administration continues to overlook the severity of the issue, it is more important than ever to invest in renewable energy and create legislation that will protect our families and our planet,” Mussman said. “We must address climate change with policies that will ultimately put people to work transforming the state into a greener, healthier place to live.”

During the town hall, Mussman and other local elected officials discussed the effects of climate change and ways to prevent environmental catastrophes. Topics of discussion also included the Clean Energy Jobs Act, which would require Illinois to run entirely on renewable energy by 2050, and creating economic opportunities for sustainable business.

“We need to act quickly to prevent climate change from reaching a point of no return and causing unnecessary destruction of our environment,” Mussman said. “Investing in clean energy and implementing better environmental policies will not only help secure a habitable planet for future generations, but it will also create opportunities for economic growth in our community.”

For more information, please contact Mussman’s constituent service office at 847-923-9104 or StateRepMussman@gmail.com.

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. –To help combat climate change and continue her advocacy for clean energy, state Rep. Michelle Mussman, D-Schaumburg, is backing the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA).

“The CEJA is one of the first of many steps we must take to help address climate change and create a better future for Illinois,” Mussman said. “This legislation will not only help our environment, but it will also benefit our economy by creating job opportunities for Illinois residents.”

Mussman’s House Bill 3624 would set the goal for Illinois to run entirely on renewable energy by 2050. The CEJA aims to ensure a structured transition to renewable energy by creating a $25 million clean jobs workforce hub and implementing clean energy empowerment zones. The CEJA will also promote a vehicle electrification program to help further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“We must take action now in order to protect our environment and provide a better future for generations to come,” Mussman said. “This legislation is a smart investment in our planet, our economy and our future.”

For more information, please contact Rep. Mussman’s constituent service office at 847-923-9104 or StateRepMussman@gmail.com.