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State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, is supporting a bill which would invest in sustainable energy and environmentally-friendly jobs.

The Clean Energy Jobs Act, House Bill 3624, would set aside $25 million to generate employment opportunities throughout Illinois through "clean energy empowerment zones to help communities transition away from fossil fuels," according to a news release. It would also promote a vehicle electrification program and requires the state run entirely on renewable energy by 2050.

"Green technology will drive down the cost of power while lifting up disadvantaged communities with new jobs and business opportunities," Connor said in the release. "By investing in renewable energy, we are investing in our economy and our future."

The bill specifically refers to the transportatiion sector, which it said is the leading source of carbon pollution in Illinois. It calls for removing the equivalent of 1 million gasoline and diesel-powered vehicles from the roads by expanding access to transit, promoting walking and biking and increasing electric vehicle adoption.

"It is time for Illinois to take its place at the forefront of the clean energy movement," Connor said. "Utilizing the endless energy of the wind and sun isn’t just common sense, it’s the way to create a better, cleaner world for our children."

Connor is a co-sponsor of the bill.

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March 11, 2019 at 02:32PM