Clean Energy Jobs Act; Here we go again!

By Connie Schmidt

On February 9, 2021, the Clean Energy Jobs Act was re-introduced in Springfield by the same marvelous co-sponsor we have had for the last two years, IL State Senator Cristina Castro.  State Rep. Ann Williams, House sponsor of CEJA and chair of the House Energy & Environment Committee said, “The days of the big utility companies meeting in back rooms to shape energy policy to benefit their bottom lines are over. CEJA is a product of the most grassroots-intensive energy policy development effort in the history of Illinois. It was put together after over 100 ‘Listen. Lead. Share.’ community meetings were held across the state. As a result of this grassroots effort, the bill addresses head on the issues most important to communities: it tackles climate change, creates equitable jobs in every part of Illinois, and holds utilities accountable. This is what the people of Illinois want, and we’re working to make it happen on behalf of all Illinois communities.”

There was an amazing on-line presence with tweets, Facebook, and Instagram all focused on the hash tag #CEJACantWait. Members of the Sierra Club IL Chapter and groups from all over the state will lobby our elected officials in Springfield to pass CEJA this spring. You can help, by e-mailing your state representative, senator, and the governor. In addition, we are making calls to the governor’s office every Thursday. To get on the reminder list for calling the governor, please send Jeff Gahris jgahris@gmail.com an e-mail and he will sign you up.  

Advocates for CEJA from across the state sent in video footage of why this bill means so much to them.  A wonderful 5-minute video was assembled that definitely shows why CEJA Can’t Wait and needs to pass this spring. I hope you enjoy it, too. Click here to be directed to Facebook for the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition and enjoy the brief film.  https://www.facebook.com/ILCleanJobs/posts/2742921335971181