In 2021, when the Climate Equitable Jobs Act was signed, I was a staunch opponent, citing the risks of less available energy and skyrocketing electricity costs that would affect Illinoisans. This May, I continued to voice my concerns by signing on to a letter sent to the House Energy and Environment Committee’s Chair and Vice Chair, insisting that a joint hearing between the House and Senate energy committees meet to fix Illinois’ ineffective energy policies, as Ameren Illinois had warned of electricity hikes as high as 18%-22% more than summer 2024. Our pleas were brushed off and Democrat Leaders have refused to act.
Now, with the weeks of 90-100 degree weather, Illinoisans are receiving unaffordable electric bills. House Republicans warned this would happen when CEJA and the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA) were signed into law, but Democrats chose climate alarmism over effective energy policy.
To combat the high electricity costs, I have signed on to HB 4088 as the Chief Co-Sponsor, which is a measure that would repeal CEJA and its 2045 deadline on carbon-emitting fossil fuels. This legislation will put Illinoisans first and provide reliable and affordable energy, as Illinois families cannot afford these intense hikes in electric bills on top of the taxes our state has imposed.
I am once again calling on Democrat Leaders to convene a joint hearing of Senate and House energy committee leaders to work to fix the broken policy and provide relief to Illinois families. If you agree, add your name to the petition below.