Senate passes energy legislation to use wind and solar power and phase out fossil fuels

Posted on September 13, 2021
State Sen Mike Hastings (D-Frankfort), presenting the energy bill to final passage today, says the word is “decarbonization.” (Photo courtesy: Dave Dahl/WJBC)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The energy legislation which finally passed the legislature Monday could be an example of a debate which leaves you wondering if the lawmakers are talking about the same bill.

“We have an opportunity to … save tens of thousands of jobs, hundreds of thousands of ancillary jobs, and billions and billions of dollars of economic impact on our state,” said State Sen. Mike Hastings (D-Frankfort).

“We need leaders who will lift up our job creators, not add to the burdens with energy rate increases,” said State Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro). “This bill is a blatant attack on small businesses. I urge a No vote for the highest energy increase in Illinois history.”

The bill is meant to power up demand for wind and solar power, phase out fossil fuels, and give consumer-funded financial incentives to energy giant Exelon. While it passed last week on an 83-33 vote in the House, it got only one more vote than the minimum needed in the Senate, a 37-17-3 total.

Dave Dahl can be reached at [email protected]. 

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