Kankakee Times

State Rep. Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) has her reasons for taking a stand for Senate Bill 2408.

“I voted for the comprehensive energy bill that passed yesterday in the Illinois House,” Haas posted on Facebook. “This measure, although nowhere near perfect, will ultimately protect local jobs, keep our nuclear fleet online and secure Illinois as a lead energy producer for years to come.”

In signing off on the measure, Gov. J.B. Pritzker said it puts the state in a class all by itself as the first Midwestern state requiring 100% carbon-free energy by 2045.

"We can't outrun or hide from climate change," Pritzker told WQAD.com. "There is no time to lose. But what we can and must do, is fight to stop and even reverse the damage that's been done to our climate. As of today Illinois is a force for good, for an environmental future we can be proud of."

Haas agrees the stakes were too high for political games.

“Given what was at stake for our community – which depended on the result of the success of this bill in the legislature – I was proud to back the future of families and businesses in our 79th District with my support,” she said.     

The measure also includes a provision that earmarks $700 million for Exelon as part of a plan to keep nuclear plants in Byron and Morris operational. The governor is also selling the legislation as a measure that “doubles” the state's investments in renewable energy and "makes it clear to the world that Illinois is open for business with long-term stable financing to boot."

In addition, the new law also paves the way for a $4,000 electric vehicle credit for all Illinoisans and up to an 80% rebate for building a charging station.

"In short, with economic growth and jobs woven into its fabric, this new law is the most significant step Illinois has taken toward a reliable, renewable, affordable, and clean energy future in a generation," Pritzker said.