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IL is poised to become the first state in the Midwest to ban coal-burning power plants
As legislature reconvenes, Illinois is poised to become the first state in the Midwest to ban coal-burning power plants
Illinois, one of the nation’s largest producers of coal, is on the verge of becoming the first Midwest state to ban energy companies from burning the lung-damaging, climate-changing fossil fuel to generate electricity.
The end of gas-fired power might not be far behind.
Phasing out the combustion fuels — coal by 2035 and gas a decade later — is a key element of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s plans to move Illinois into a clean energy future. If the Chicago Democrat can muscle his legislation through the General Assembly this week, new government requirements would speed up a transition to climate-friendly electric generation and transportation that already is embraced by some in the private sector.
Among other things, the bill would double the state’s commitment to renewable energy, with a goal of raising the amount of wind and solar power to 40% of the state’s electric generation by the end of the decade, up from 8% in 2019.
The end of gas-fired power might not be far behind.
Phasing out the combustion fuels — coal by 2035 and gas a decade later — is a key element of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s plans to move Illinois into a clean energy future. If the Chicago Democrat can muscle his legislation through the General Assembly this week, new government requirements would speed up a transition to climate-friendly electric generation and transportation that already is embraced by some in the private sector.
Among other things, the bill would double the state’s commitment to renewable energy, with a goal of raising the amount of wind and solar power to 40% of the state’s electric generation by the end of the decade, up from 8% in 2019.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/environment/ct-illinois-pritzker-coal-clean-energy-20210615-lgx35ouufjfsvgimmfoqa37qdu-story.html
There are advantages to having a super majority of Dems in the state legislature and a Governor like Pritzker
