Sen. Sue Rezin at the energy bill signing with Gov. Pritzker | Facebook
Sen. Sue Rezin at the energy bill signing with Gov. Pritzker | Facebook
Veteran state Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) is applauding Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s recent decision to sign new clean energy legislation into law.
“It’s official,” Rezin posted on Facebook. “This morning the governor signed Senate Bill 2408, which ensures that our state’s nuclear fleet stay online and preserves thousands of jobs that they provide to our local communities.”
In signing off on the measure, Pritzker stressed Illinois is the first Midwestern state requiring 100% carbon-free energy by 2045.
"We can't outrun or hide from climate change," Pritzker told WQAD. "There is no time to lose. But what we can and must do, is fight to stop and even reverse the damage that's been done to our climate. As of today Illinois is a force for good, for an environmental future we can be proud of."
With the legislation including a provision that earmarks $700 million for Exelon as part of a plan to keep nuclear plants in Byron and Morris operational, the governor is also selling the legislation as a measure that “doubles” the state's investments in renewable energy and "makes it clear to the world that Illinois is open for business with long-term stable financing to boot."
In addition, the new law also establishes a $4,000 electric vehicle credit for all Illinoisans and up to an 80% rebate for building a charging station.
"In short, with economic growth and jobs woven into its fabric, this new law is the most significant step Illinois has taken toward a reliable, renewable, affordable, and clean energy future in a generation," Pritzker said.
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