SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — The Illinois Senate passed a massive clean energy bill early Wednesday morning.
The measure will close many private coal fire power plants by 2030, and it would close down municipally-owned coal-fired power plants and natural gas power plants by 2045.
The bill also aims to have one million electric cars on the road by 2030 and provides subsidies to Exelon to keep the Dresden and Byron nuclear plants open.
Senator Darren Bailey (R-Xenia) strongly opposed that part of the bill.
“Our state government has allowed Illinois workers to be held hostage by corrupt, crony, corporate, crime syndicate — think about that for a minute,” said Bailey. “We have been threatened and pushed around by a corporation that has admitted to criminal wrongdoing.”
Exelon paid a $200 million fine to avoid federal corruption charges after a 2016 energy deal raised electric rates.
Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris) spoke in favor of the package, including the portion related to Exelon.
“With this bill, we can protect those jobs and help reinstall stability in their lives,” said Rezin. “This bill would build a 100% clean energy economy in Illinois and will preserve the state’s nuclear fleet.”
Under the plan, it’s estimated that residential ratepayers would see a 3% increase on their monthly bill.
There will likely be changes to the final bill as it moves onto the Illinois House.
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