{"id":14494,"date":"2016-12-07T15:09:13","date_gmt":"2016-12-07T21:09:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/energyexchange\/?p=14494"},"modified":"2026-04-06T17:52:13","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T21:52:13","slug":"illinois-future-energy-jobs-bill-shows-states-are-taking-the-lead-to-build-the-clean-energy-economy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.edf.org\/energyexchange\/2016\/12\/07\/illinois-future-energy-jobs-bill-shows-states-are-taking-the-lead-to-build-the-clean-energy-economy\/","title":{"rendered":"Illinois\u2019 Future Energy Jobs Act Shows States are Taking the Lead to Build the Clean Energy Economy"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"WindBy Andrew Barbeau, senior clean energy consultant<\/em><\/p>\n

For a breakdown of the bill’s renewable energy details, see here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n

Two years, three competing<\/a> major energy reform bills, more than 300 diverse organizations and companies, and countless hours of negotiations have now come down to one important moment: Illinois\u2019 Future Energy Jobs Act\u00a0<\/strong>is signed into law today<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A clean energy economic development package of monumental size, the Future Energy Jobs Act will create thousands of homegrown jobs, save billions of dollars in wasted energy, and secure Illinois\u2019 place at the forefront of the nation\u2019s clean energy economy.<\/p>\n

In fact, Environmental Defense Fund\u2019s (EDF) analysis estimates Illinois will see an additional $12 billion to $15 billion in new private investment as a result of the new clean energy priorities in this bill. That\u2019s the greatest economic development package in Illinois in years, and likely will be the largest for the foreseeable future.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also the most significant climate bill in Illinois history. We estimate it will reduce harmful carbon dioxide emissions by more than 33 million metric tons annually in 2030. Combined with the ongoing impact<\/a> of market changes on the fossil fuel industry, this means Illinois will reduce its carbon emissions from the power sector by more than 50 percent from 2012 levels<\/a> by 2030.<\/p>\n

Oh, and did I mention customers\u2019 bills will go down? Based on extensive analysis from the Illinois Commerce Commission<\/a> and Illinois\u2019 consumer watchdog Citizens Utility Board<\/a>, the Future Energy Jobs Bill\u2019s energy efficiency initiatives will lower customers\u2019 electric bills.

At a time when President-elect Trump is threatening to roll back federal environmental protections, state victories like the Future Energy Jobs Act are more critical than ever.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/p>\n

That\u2019s the ultimate win, win, win.<\/p>\n

At a time when President-elect Trump is threatening to roll back federal environmental protections, state victories like the Future Energy Jobs Bill are more critical than ever. And, with strong bipartisan support in the Illinois General Assembly and being signed into law by a Republican governor, the deal is a clear signal that Illinois is ready to reap clean energy\u2019s economic rewards \u2013 even if federal leaders refuse to join us in this endeavor.<\/p>\n

The basics<\/strong><\/p>\n

So far, much attention has been placed on the bill\u2019s zero-emission credits, which reward two at-risk nuclear plants for being carbon-free. Yet that piece only represents a small fraction of the more-than-500-page bill, which encapsulates a series of long, hard-fought victories.<\/p>\n

[Tweet “Illinois\u2019 Future Energy Jobs Act Shows States Must Take the Lead to Build the Clean Energy Economy”]<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s why we\u2019re calling the Future Energy Jobs Act the most significant clean energy economic deal in Illinois\u2019 history:<\/p>\n