THE ILLINOIS HOUSE IS TAKING A BIG STEP TOWARD SLOWING CLIMATE CHANGE WITH APPROVAL OF A COMPROMISE CLEAN ENERGY PACKAGE. 

THE GOAL IS TO ELIMINATE CARBON EMISSIONS BY 2050 AND KEEP THE STATE’S NUCLEAR FLEET UP AND RUNNING. THE LEGISLATION INCLUDES INCENTIVES FOR PURCHASING ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND INVESTS IN WIND AND SOLAR POWER. REPRESENTATIVE ROBYN GABEL OF EVANSTON IS A BIG SUPPORTER.

REPRESENTATIVE DAN BRADY OF BLOOMINGTON SAYS THIS WILL COME AT A PRICE.

AS FOR ONE OF THE BIGGEST STICKING POINTS, MUNICIPALLY-OWNED COAL-FIRED POWER PLANTS IN DOWNSTATE SPRINGFIELD AND MARISSA WILL HAVE TO REDUCE CARBON EMISSIONS BY 45 PERCENT BY 2035, AND THEN CLOSE IN 2045 IF THEY CAN’T REACH ZERO EMISSIONS. 

THE SENATE WILL ALSO NEED TO AGREE TO THE BILL.