Hundreds of community members in Illinois came together outside the Illinois Capitol to rally for crucial clean energy legislation currently under discussion. The event highlighted the urgency for bold solutions to combat climate change and promote renewable energy.
Jennifer Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, emphasized the need for significant action, stating, “We’re ready for big, bold solutions.” The rally featured various speakers, including Gina Ramirez, senior advisor with the Southeast Environmental Task Force, who advocated for the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act. This act aims to accelerate Illinois’ transition to clean energy through several progressive initiatives.
The proposed legislation includes:
- Solar Bill of Rights: This initiative seeks to expand community solar access, particularly for low-income residents, through various incentives.
- Illinois Storage for All: Directs up to 25% of funds toward grants and incentives for renewable energy storage paired with solar projects.
- Procurement Plan: A plan for larger-scale battery projects to enhance energy storage capabilities.
- Virtual Power Plant Program: Establishing a system that connects multiple energy resources to operate as a single power plant.
- Fair Credit Standards: Ensuring that residents investing in rooftop solar are credited fairly.
- Utility Regulations: Directing utilities to propose new rules for large-scale data centers to ensure they develop clean energy resources.
Ramirez pointed out that Illinois has historically seen utility companies and the “dirty fuel industry” dominate energy legislation. However, since the passage of the Clean and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) in 2021, environmental justice advocates have gained a voice in shaping energy policy. CEJA not only expanded the Illinois Solar for All program from $30 million to $70 million per year but also set ambitious renewable energy targets of 40% by 2030 and 50% by 2040.
Currently, solar energy accounts for only 2.46% of Illinois’ electricity, although the state ranks 10th in solar capacity and 11th in solar generation per capita, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. Illinois is also the sixth-largest energy consumer and the eleventh-largest energy producer in the U.S., generating more nuclear energy than any other state.
Ramirez warned that Illinois’ power grid is struggling to meet the increasing demand driven by power-hungry data centers, many of which are located in environmental justice communities. These facilities promise economic growth but also pose risks to the electric grid and contribute to pollution in already burdened neighborhoods.
Recent analysis from Synapse Energy Economics suggests that delaying the retirement of coal plants to accommodate data centers could increase CO2 pollution in Northern Illinois by at least 64%. Ramirez stressed, “We cannot allow these power-hungry facilities to drive up costs for consumers that are already struggling to pay their bills.”
The rally at the Illinois Capitol underscores the community’s determination to advocate for clean energy solutions that prioritize both environmental health and economic equity. With the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act on the table, advocates remain hopeful that Illinois can lead the nation in addressing climate change while ensuring a fair transition to renewable energy.
