SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) supported a comprehensive energy package that will overhaul Illinois’ energy industry, including by establishing a goal of 100% clean energy statewide by 2050.

“I am very proud of how hard everyone worked and negotiated to get the bill to where it is today,” Hunter said. “I am confident we have made strides that will impact people from different walks of life, especially for Black and Brown workers, who will have increased access to employment opportunities in the energy sector.”

This legislation creates programs to support communities that have been disproportionately impacted by pollution and climate change, establishes an Equitable Energy Upgrade Program to permit customers to finance energy efficiency upgrades through their utility bills, and enables the governor to commission a carbon pricing study, all of which aim to improve Illinois’ trajectory on clean energy.

The state’s budget for renewable energy will be doubled to help Illinois reach a goal of 50% renewable energy by 2040 and 100% renewable energy by 2050. New renewable energy projects will be required to comply with equity and labor standards to ensure every community has a stake in the industry.

Additionally, the package establishes green bank programs such as the Jobs and Environmental Justice Grant Program, which will provide minority-owned businesses with funding and support for renewable energy projects.

Further, consumers may find it easier to pay their energy bills, as utility companies will be prohibited from charging low-income residential customers late fees or security deposits.

“Illinois is becoming a leader on clean energy, and the rest of the country is going to learn from us,” Hunter said. “We’re writing the book, while others are reading it, and I could not be happier with our progress.”

Senate Bill 2408 was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker Wednesday and is effective immediately.