- Published: Monday, September 13, 2021 03:00 PM
SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Scott Bennett (D-Champaign) supported trailblazing legislation Monday intended to develop Illinois’ renewable energy sector and preserve tens of thousands of jobs throughout the state.
“The passage of this important legislation is the moment we’ve all been working for,” Bennett said. “This package not only saves and creates thousands of jobs across the state, but puts Illinois on track toward a vibrant, clean and equitable clean energy future.”
The comprehensive energy plan would set Illinois on a path toward 50% renewable energy by 2040 and 100% renewable energy by 2050. The package would cut Illinois’ carbon emissions and enable residents to power their homes and businesses with huge investments in greener electricity.
Further, the measure would create the Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program to support workers impacted by the transition, as well as the Energy Transition Assistance Fund to provide money to workforce development and just transition programs. New wind and solar installations to power communities across the state would also support employees in the energy sector by creating thousands of new jobs, and the long-debated Prairie State power plant would be closed.
“We’ve set Illinois on an ambitious path to clean energy generation by 2050, with an agenda that begins now,” Bennett said.
The legislation awaits the governor’s signature.
