Pritzker Administration to Weigh In on Clean Energy Proposals
Steam from the Exelon nuclear generating plant in Byron.
Hannah Meisel of NPR Illinois reports Governor JB Pritzker’s administration is quietly circulating a plan on clean energy. Energy has been one of the simmering topics of the spring session, following power giant Commonwealth Edison’s deferred guilty plea in a long running bribery scheme.
Pritzker’s plan incorporates some elements of the other already-proposed measures, including ending an energy rate formula lawmakers approved in 2011, championed by utility giants Commonwealth Edison and Ameren. The proposal would also phase out coal by 2030, and end natural gas use by 2045 by reducing caps on greenhouse gas emissions year over year, and implementing an $8 per ton carbon price on emissions from fossil fuel-fired electric plants.
Atop a fact sheet distributed to stakeholders Wednesday and obtained by NPR Illinois, Pritzker’s office said the governor “believes it is past time to combat climate change, hold utility companies accountable to the ratepayers they serve, and rapidly begin the transition to renewable energy.”
While “clean” energy legislation has been atop Pritzker’s wish list since entering office, the issue has taken on new urgency in the last year after ComEd signed off on a $200 million fine and admitted in a deferred prosecution agreement that the company engaged in a years-long bribery scheme attempting to curry favor with longtime former House Speaker Mike Madigan.
“A clean energy future must be an equitable future built by a diverse workforce and good-paying jobs, a future with clean air and water, a future where utility bills no longer burden Illinoisans, and a future where utility companies deliver electricity without corrupt practices,” Pritzker’s fact sheet said. “Illinois can and must lead on clean energy, and it must lead in the light of day — ethically, honestly, and toward the collective goal of empowering Illinoisans to lead the United States in transitioning to a clean energy economy.”
Pritzker's energy proposal would prohibit utility companies from using ratepayer funds for charitable contributions, noting those are “often used to bolster their political power” as ComEd has been noted to donate to politicians’ preferred charities or churches. The plan also would require the Illinois Commerce Commission — the state’s utility regulator — to investigate whether ComEd used ratepayer funds in connection with its deferred prosecution agreement.
Progressives in Springfield have been championing the so-called Clean Energy Jobs Act, which would move Illinois to 100% renewable sources by 2050. Opponents claim the measure would make energy costs unaffordable for many Illinoisans.