HB3481 heading to governor’s desk for signature
SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, the Illinois State Senate voted to repeal the Kyoto Protocol Act of 1998, a law prohibiting the state from creating restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions and addressing climate change.
House Bill 3481, which is sponsored by State Sen. Laura Ellman (D – Naperville), passed with 36 votes and is expected to be signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Once signed, HB3481 will immediately repeal state statute 415 ILCS 140/Kyoto Protocol Act of 1998.
“The Kyoto Protocol Act should never have been signed into Illinois law. It only served to limit our state’s ability to make decisions and prepare for the future,” said Sen. Ellman. “By repealing this legislation, the General Assembly is signaling that Illinois is ready to get serious about tackling emissions that cause climate change.”
The Kyoto Protocol Act expressly prohibits Illinois from reducing carbon and other greenhouse gas emissions beyond the goals set for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol. In 2001, the U.S. withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol, leaving Illinois tied to goals that the federal government no longer intended to meet due to the Act.
“Illinois is ready to lead, and repealing our state’s Kyoto Protocol Act ensures that Illinois can lead while the Federal government continues to not take climate change seriously,” said Kady McFadden, deputy director of the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club. “For the good of our health and the strength of our economy, Illinois should double down on climate action by passing the Clean Energy Jobs Act.”
“A majority of the Illinois House and now Illinois Senate supports action on climate change and reducing Illinois’ carbon emissions. This General Assembly, along with our pro-climate action governor are set to lead the nation on tackling this issue,” said Jen Walling, executive director, Illinois Environmental Council.
The Clean Energy Jobs Act (SB2132/ HB3624) would achieve a carbon-free power sector by 2030 in Illinois by putting the state on a path to 100% renewable energy by 2050 and reducing energy usage. By repealing the Kyoto Protocol Act, Illinois can now set its own greenhouse gas reduction goals.
###