Carbondale Reporter

Representative Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) voted against Senate Bill 25, a green energy measure that passed the Illinois House without Republican support and now awaits the governor's signature.

“Under the guise of ‘green energy,’ Illinoisans will see higher rates, fewer good-paying private union jobs, and a less reliable energy supply,” said Rep. Jacobs. “As Illinois families continue to struggle with Illinois’ cost of living, this bill will raise their energy bills.”

Jacobs stated he supports an all-of-the-above approach to energy policy that is reliable and affordable for consumers. He acknowledged that while repealing the nuclear construction ban is a positive step in the bill, he believes it also includes provisions favoring special interests and increasing costs for consumers.

“We need to bring jobs back to southern Illinois and grow our opportunities for people, but this proposal makes it less likely that job creators will locate their business in Illinois,” Jacobs added. “Small businesses this past summer saw their electricity rates double and triple from last summer. People need to know that this bill further takes away local control for renewable project siting, reduces the permit fees that counties may charge for renewable projects, and does not allow local counties to zone battery projects.”

Jacobs was elected as a Republican representative in 2023 for Illinois' 118th House District, succeeding Patrick Windhorst.