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.”