Kendall County Times

State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) says the new energy bill signed into law by Gov. J.B. Pritzker will preserve Illinois' nuclear plants and the jobs they provide.

“It’s official,” Rezin posted on Facebook of the clean energy legislation that now stands as law.  “This morning the governor signed Senate Bill 2408, which ensures that our state’s nuclear fleet stay online and preserves thousands of jobs that they provide to our local communities.”

In signing off on the bill, Pritzker said Illinois is now the only Midwestern state in the country requiring 100% carbon-free energy within roughly the next two decades.

"We can't outrun or hide from climate change," Pritzker told WQAD. "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."

With the legislation including language 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 measure as legislation 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 establishes 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.