Illinois had a chance to pass one of the most progressive clean energy bills. It failed.

[marmar]

(Grist) After two years of negotiations, it seemed likely that Illinois was finally going to pass ambitious clean energy legislation during its latest legislative session. There were over five bills on the table that included decarbonization goals, expanded renewable energy programs, equity measures, improved energy efficiency standards, and job creation strategies. Even Governor J.B. Pritzker had submitted a bill into the mix. And then, nothing happened.

The Illinois legislature managed to officially declare a state microbe and mandate that Illinois and U.S. flags be purchased from U.S. suppliers, but it couldn’t pass much needed — and much wanted — energy legislation before the end of its session.

The failure to approve a clean energy package hinged on debate over nuclear subsidies for controversial energy giant Exelon and the closure date for one of the most polluting coal-fired power plants in the United States. The situation demonstrates how even with strong support for climate action from the White House, the battle for clean energy at the state level is still far from over.

“We’re one of the last two states with Democratic legislators and Democratic governors that have not passed legislation on 100 percent [decarbonization or renewable energy],” said Jennifer Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council. ............(more)

https://grist.org/politics/illinois-had-a-chance-to-pass-one-of-the-most-progressive-clean-energy-bills-in-the-country-it-failed/

[Midnight Writer]

1. I saw and heard dozens of ads and yard signs against this, nary a one in favor.

Same with our push for the progressive state income tax. We got swamped with ads against. (and lost the fight)

The Right has a ready made mobilization machine that leaps into action every time a progressive proposal is even hinted at.

The Left seems to have ceded downstate to the MAGAs.