Illinois – The 5th District Appellate Court ruled today to overturn the Illinois Commerce Commission’s issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience (CPNC) to the Grain Belt Express, a critical transmission line that would create 1,400 clean energy jobs and generate $1.3 billion in economic activity during construction in Illinois. The Illinois Commerce Commission’s unanimous approval of the CPNC on March 8, 2023, utilizing its authority under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The ruling jeopardizes Illinois’ ability to reap the benefits of low-cost clean energy.
In response, Samira Hanessian, Energy Policy Director with the Illinois Environmental Council, issued the following statement:
“If upheld, this ruling is a devastating setback for Illinois’ clean energy future, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, and the state’s efforts to address the climate crisis. The 5th District court’s decision will have far-reaching impacts beyond the Grain Belt Express by jeopardizing our ability to build the transmission necessary to achieve an affordable and reliable clean energy future.”
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