By Dave Dahl
SPRINGFIELD – There’s no word on when – or even if – an energy bill will be ready for a General Assembly vote. Lawmakers were already in Springfield in mid-June, but no bill materialized.
But a labor – business coalition was at the Capitol Thursday to urge the governor and lawmakers to consider job creators and consumers alike. Leaders such as Mark Denzler, president of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, can typically be counted on to cheer on one of the biggest of the big – Exelon, which benefits from much of the energy legislation passed in Springfield. But not this time.
“The (Illinois Commerce Commission) testimony included what I consider to be a shocking statement: ‘It is not clear how Illinois’ electricity needs will be fully met in the event that fossil fuel plants are eliminated,’” Denzler said at a news conference. “Let that settle in for a moment. Illinois’ own energy regulator, led by the governor’s appointees, is sounding the warning alarm that they don’t know how Illinois’ energy needs would be met.”
The voice of labor also rose.
“We urge lawmakers to reject any plan that would prematurely close (nuclear and coal) plants in 2035,” said Chad Goldschmidt, vice president of the Southwestern Illinois Building Trades Council. “Any plan that puts Illinois on a path to a cleaner energy future must protect consumers, workers, and taxpayers.”
The idea is to advance renewables, phase out coal, and hold costs down for consumers, which Gov. Pritzker’s office reiterated in a statement responding to the news conference:
“Bipartisan working groups have met dozens of times over the last year and convened key stakeholders to negotiate the various proposals made in the current draft of the energy bill. The Governor has been clear that any energy legislation must address climate change by making meaningful progress toward moving Illinois to a renewable energy future while also protecting consumers, particularly low income consumers. Today, Illinois was named the number one most sustainable state in the nation by Site Selection. This distinction is an important selling point to potential businesses looking to put roots down in a state that demonstrates its commitment to the environment and provides them opportunities to contribute to a clean energy future.”
Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected].
