Posts by Matt Steffen
Businesses poised to benefit from Illinois’ renewable energy boom
If 2019 is ending a decade of increased awareness of environmental issues, 2020 will usher in the next decade of more aggressive action on combating climate change in Illinois. For many local residents, the solution is clear: decarbonizing Illinois’ economy in the fastest and most effective way possible to sustain a healthy environment — while…
Read MoreRep. Tarver’s Office Talks Clean Energy Jobs Act at Community Meeting
By Alexis Florence | The Chicago Maroon State Representative Curtis Tarver’s office hosted a conversation with constituents and renewable energy proponents to discuss local impacts and issues of equity in what one presenter called “the most progressive climate justice legislation that any state has had,” for the Illinois Clean Energy Job Act (CEJA). CEJA, if…
Read MoreIllinois Consumers To Face Record Increase In Electricity Bills Unless Legislature Blocks New Trump-Backed Fossil Fuels Bailout
Bill pending in Illinois General Assembly would quash the threat of an $864 million increase on Northern IL Customers CHICAGO — Clean energy legislation pending before the General Assembly stands as the only viable alternative to an explosive increase in electricity costs—believed to be the largest in state history—for millions of Illinois consumers, following a…
Read MoreAdvocates of Illinois energy overhaul say new federal rules could raise bills for ComEd customers
By Dan Patrella | Chicago Tribune Backers of a plan to move Illinois to 100% renewable power by 2050 say a recent decision by federal regulators could increase electric bills for the average Commonwealth Edison customer by about $5 per month, giving new urgency to their push for an overhaul of state energy policy. The…
Read MoreClean Energy Jobs Act would halt $846M Trump rate hike
Rep. Williams, Sen. Castro deride Trump administration’s ‘massive bailout of the fossil-fuel industry’ By Ted Cox | One Illinois CHICAGO — Lead sponsors of the Clean Energy Jobs Act touted the measure Tuesday as a way to halt an $846 million hike in Illinois electricity rates brought on by the Trump administration as “a massive…
Read MoreHow can communities across Illinois benefit from clean energy?
For most of us, the closest we ever get to thinking about our energy system is when we pay our utility bill or fill our gas tank. But at a recent event in Springfield, over 70 attendees considered their relationship to energy more deeply, including how it’s made, who makes it, who it impacts, how…
Read MoreHow to stop Trump from jacking up electric bills and hurting our environment
If lawmakers don’t act fast, Illinois ratepayers could be shelling out an extra hundreds of millions of dollars for electricity. By CST Editorial Board Last month, the Trump administration adopted a rule that will raise electricity bills for ratepayers across northern Illinois. The Legislature can put a stop to this, while also moving the state…
Read MorePOWER BILLS TO BALLOON BY $864 MILLION IN NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNLESS STATE TAKES ACTION
Decision by Two Trump Appointees Today Could Lead to Largest Increase Ever for 3.65 Million Illinois Electricity Customers A federal ruling today will increase Illinois power bills by $864 million – believed to be the largest electricity increase in state history – unless the General Assembly takes immediate action to offset the controversial ruling by…
Read MoreJobs act would show companies state is serious about clean energy
By Chris Gersh | Daily Herald Guest Columnist “Growing up as a blue-collar kid from Rolling Meadows I know how important jobs are for Illinois residents. I feel as though Illinois has an incredible opportunity to lead the nation in renewable energy job creation and infrastructure if it could only support the huge amount of…
Read MoreStudents for Environmental Concerns plan second climate strike
BY CLARE BUDIN | The Daily Illini The University’s environmental activist group Students for Environmental Concerns is planning a climate strike on Friday to push for greater action by the University and the governor in addressing climate change. Students and local activists had previously organized a climate strike on Sept. 20 as part of the Global…
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