SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) returned to Springfield Wednesday to pass Senate Bill 18, a comprehensive energy package saving thousands of jobs and protecting Illinois’ future as a leader in cutting-edge energy production. Following the passage of this important legislation, Joyce released the following statement:

“Under this landmark energy legislation, I’m proud and relieved to say the Byron and Dresden nuclear plants – which employ more than 1,500 workers – have a path to remain open. Thousands of hardworking Illinoisans can rest easy tonight knowing their livelihoods will not be stripped away and they’ll be able to put food on their family’s table.

“As a legislative body, we have a responsibility to protect our communities. These plants play an integral role in our community and are more than just a local power source - they have a direct impact on our economy, too. With that in mind, I was proud to vote yes on this package striking a good balance between addressing environmental concerns and supporting the workforce that powers our community and our state.”

SPRINGFIELD – Today, State Senator Robert Martwick (D-Chicago) joined his colleagues to take action on the future of Illinois’ energy production and began laying out the framework for the state to move forward with clean and safe energy and good-paying jobs for future generations.

“This legislation will help us invest in the future of our state,” Martwick said. “Creating tens of thousands of jobs through clean energy programs will ensure that we are on the right path in the fight against climate change.”

This legislation, SB 18 makes Illinois a national leader in reducing carbon emissions through renewable, reliable and affordable energy suppliers, as well as training programs for thousands of well-paying jobs. Creating programs to set Illinois on an aggressive path to fully renewable energy generation by 2050, these investments in renewable energy are the largest in the history of Illinois.

Under the plan, Illinois would be investing in large solar construction across the state to help provide renewable energy to residents. The state would also be investing in nuclear power plants and ensuring that Illinois will not choose to import energy from carbon-polluting plants.

“Our focus is to position Illinois as the leader of the renewable energy future,” Martwick said. “Securing thousands of jobs for the people of Illinois means more economic stability for residents who will find security in the clean-energy sector.”

The legislation would create a number of statewide programs to help train these new workers for the clean-energy sector and green energy jobs with a focus on minority and lower-income communities.

SPRINGFIELD – Upon the passage of landmark legislation that would make Illinois a national leader in clean energy, State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) released the following statement:

“The people I serve have made clear to me that carbon-free nuclear generating stations are essential not only to the communities in which they reside, but also to moving Illinois to a carbon-free energy future.  As we continue to work toward clean and renewable energy here in Illinois, we also must ensure that our communities have reliable and affordable carbon-free energy until electrical storage systems can make renewables as reliable as current nuclear generation.

SPRINGFIELD – Following the passage of energy policy that would save and create jobs and place Illinois at the forefront of clean energy in the U.S., State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) issued the following statement:

“This legislation will protect union jobs across the state, as well as create tens of thousands of good-paying jobs in the clean energy sector. I am thankful to all those who came to the table and made compromises in the name of moving Illinois toward a carbon-free future.

SPRINGFIELD – With the passage of landmark legislation that would establish Illinois as a national leader in the clean energy sector, Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) released the following statement:

“Illinois would be at the forefront of the fight against the climate crisis with this progressive energy policy. We can be proud of our state, as it leads the way with equity-focused legislation to fight global warming.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois could become a national leader on reducing carbon emissions and fighting climate change under the new Energy Transition Act, which passed the Senate Wednesday with support from longtime environmental justice advocate State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“This legislation is an important first step in Illinois’ transition to clean energy,” Johnson said. “Investing in communities that have historically borne the brunt of climate change and putting safety nets in place for displaced power plant workers will help set the stage for a more equitable energy sector that puts people—not fossil fuel companies—first.”

SPRINGFIELD – A long-awaited win for environmentalists, the sweeping energy package that transitions Illinois to 100% clean energy by 2050 garnered support from State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) Wednesday.

“We are in a climate crisis, and we need a unified response to climate change,” Morrison said. “Today, with the passage of the Energy Transition Act, we are one step closer to a just and equitable transition to clean energy.”

ROCKFORD – Today, State Senator Steve Stadelman (D-Rockford) joined his colleagues to protect and create tens of thousands of jobs while setting Illinois on a path toward clean energy for the state.

“This is a smart investment in the future of Illinois,” Stadelman said. “We are saving thousands of well-payingjobs as well as creating tens of thousands of long-term, good-paying renewable energy jobs.”