Carbondale Reporter

Rep. Dave Severin recently criticized the Democrat-sponsored energy policies as "reckless."

“The 2021 Climate and Equity Jobs Act (CEJA) is responsible for massive job loss, rising energy costs and threatening the energy grid throughout the State of Illinois,” Severin said. “I’m for an all-of-the-above approach when it comes to being energy independent, and I find the threat of individuals and businesses going bankrupt, and the real possibility of brownouts and blackouts due to reckless Democrat-sponsored energy policies completely unacceptable. Illinois has already lost four downstate coal plants, accounting for more than 2,000 MW of reliable energy, since Gov. Pritzker has taken office. The people I represent cannot afford for the State of Illinois to sit idly by while our energy security is being threatened. My bills will prevent even more price increases and eliminate grid instability for our residents that expect and deserve affordable, reliable energy.”

HB 5780 would repurpose $10 million from fees already collected by Illinois ratepayers for renewables to retrofit coal and natural gas plants with carbon capturing technology. It would also require the creation of a new Power Grid Task Force to study the effect of state laws, including CEJA, on energy prices as well as grid reliability. The task force would also explore ways to improve the power supply mix within the state using existing energy resources and new technologies, with the stated goal of ensuring the future stability and reliability of Illinois’ power grid.

House Bill 5781 repeals the forced 2045 closure date for coal and natural gas power plants that was implemented under the provisions of CEJA, which was signed by Gov. JB Pritzker in 2021.

House Bill 5782 would streamline the permitting process and requires the Office of Business Permits and Regulatory Assistance to implement reforms to improve interagency coordination that allows for expeditious permitting issuance.