Gov. Pritzker signs clean energy bill into law

Gov. Pritzker. (Photo courtesy: WJBC/File)

By WJBC Staff

CHICAGO – Gov. JB Pritzker is signing a clean energy bill into law that he says makes Illinois a national leader.

The sweeping measure puts the state on a path to reach 100% clean energy by 2050 and one million electric vehicles on the road by 2030.

It also invests in wind and solar projects and adds consumer protections like eliminating the online payment fee for all customer utility bills.

“In short, with economic growth and jobs are woven into its fabric, this new law is the most significant step Illinois has taken in a generation toward a reliable, renewable, affordable, and clean energy future in a generation,” the governor said during a press conference in Chicago.

Senator Mike Hastings (D-Frankfort) said the clean energy bill is a plan that could not wait.

“We have increased high heat days. We have increased global carbon emissions. We have increased extreme weather events. Our world is changing, and inaction would be an injustice for all of us, and that’s why I’m very proud of this piece of legislation.”

That law also includes a $4,000 rebate for purchasing an electric vehicle and money to keep Illinois’ nuclear plants open.

WJBC Staff can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…