Climate Action

Illinois lawmakers just passed another big clean-energy bill

Batteries are the centerpiece of the state’s third major piece of energy legislation in a decade. The governor has pledged to sign the bill. Illinois legislators passed a major energy bill that creates grid-battery and geothermal incentives and a virtual-power-plant program, during the final hours of a fall veto session Thursday. Advocates and industry sources describe the legislation as the crucial […]

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1,000-page multi-step energy reform bill passes in Illinois

Illinois (KHQA) — Environmental and clean energy advocates are praising the passing of a 1,000-page energy omnibus bill in the Illinois congress on Oct. 30. The bill has taken several names as its transformed over the years, from the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act to the Municipal and Cooperative Electric Utility Transparent Planning Act. Now, according to supporters, this

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Advocates gather in the Rotunda for a climate action rally.

Illinois Environmental Council Lauds Biggest 24 Hours in State Climate Action in State History

Springfield, IL — Today, following months of negotiations and mere hours after the passage of the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, which accelerates Illinois’ clean energy goals, the Illinois General Assembly passed another major climate action bill – the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act (SB2111). The NITA Act addresses air and climate pollution

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Advocates gather in the Rotunda for a climate action rally.

Illinois Environmental Council Applauds Passage of Next-Generation Climate Policy 

Springfield, IL — Today, after passage in the State House yesterday, the Illinois State Senate passed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act (SB25), which accelerates Illinois’ clean energy progress and gives consumers tools to save money on their energy bills. In response, Illinois Environmental Council Chief Executive Officer Jen Walling released the following statement:

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Gov. JB Pritzker set to approve energy bill boosting battery storage for renewables despite debate over costs

SPRINGFIELD — Sweeping energy-related legislation that backs the use of big batteries to help make wind and solar power more effective but has raised questions about whether it will increase or decrease energy bills cleared the Illinois Senate Thursday night and will be headed to Gov. JB Pritzker, who signaled he would sign the measure into law.

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House passes energy bill amid debate over costs to consumers

Proponents say energy storage, efficiency programs will save money, critics wary of claims SPRINGFIELD — Illinoisans could see a new line item on their electric bills under a bill passed Wednesday night by the Illinois House. Under the proposal, contained in an amendment to Senate Bill 25, ratepayers will subsidize energy storage projects like large battery

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Renewable Energy Act Before Illinois Legislature Would Decrease Stress on Ratepayers, Advocates Say

Groups are pushing the state General Assembly to pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, as increased strain on the grid has led to energy price spikes. Illinois advocacy groups are pressing state legislators to pass a package of comprehensive energy reforms that would help the state reach its clean energy goals and could

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Illinois Residents Urge Lawmakers to Act on Transit, Energy Bills

As part of a “People Over Polluters” event, more than 100 local environmental advocates traveled to the state capital to lobby during the state’s short fall veto session. SPRINGFIELD, Ill.—To meet with state lawmakers here, Michael Churchill, 24, left his home south of Chicago at 3 a.m. Wednesday, took a rideshare to a commuter rail

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Advocates gather in the Rotunda for a climate action rally.

Hundreds Rally at the State Capitol Urging State Lawmakers to Prioritize People Over Polluters Amidst Mounting Federal Attacks

Advocates calling for passage of bills that accelerate clean energy and fix and fund public transit Springfield, IL — Hundreds of community leaders, environmental advocates, faith leaders, business representatives, consumer groups, and state legislators rallied at the Illinois State Capitol today to call on lawmakers to pass critical climate bills in the October veto session, including

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President Donald Trump cancels $583M in energy projects for Illinois, one of many blue states affected

Amid a funding stalemate in Congress and a federal government shutdown, President Donald Trump’s planned termination of nearly $8 billion for energy projects primarily in states that didn’t vote for him includes $583 million in cuts for projects in Illinois. Among those set to lose tens of millions of dollars in anticipated funding are power giant Exelon,

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