Illinois Misses Chance to Lower Energy Bills and Create Jobs with Energy Bill Non-vote

SPRINGFIELD, IL – The Illinois legislature failed to pass the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability (CRGA) Act, a comprehensive energy bill that would have advanced utility-scale battery storage, set robust clean energy targets, and enhanced energy efficiency investments to continue the state’s energy and climate leadership. The behind-the-scenes watering down of the bill and eventual lack of a vote reinforced the continued hold special interests have on the General Assembly.  

Following is reaction from Kari Ross, Midwest energy affordability advocate at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):  

“In the face of unprecedented federal assaults on the environment, Illinois had a chance today to help fill the void. Instead, the General Assembly backed utilities and fossil fuel companies over communities who have been demanding cleaner air, reduced electricity bills, and more job opportunities. Let's all make sure to remember this when we start experiencing electricity rate spikes this summer.”

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).