Clean Jobs Bill good for Waukegan, state

President Obama has finalized the first-ever carbon standards for existing power plants, like the NRG coal plant here in Waukegan. The Environmental Protection Agency's rule known as the Clean Power Plan is the single most significant act ever taken by a U.S. president to address the devastating impacts of climate change.

The Clean Jobs Bill, currently in the Illinois legislature presents the best pathway for our state to achieve the carbon reduction goals under the Clean Power Plan. The Clean Jobs Bill has several components that will uniquely benefit communities like Waukegan.

First, the bill proposes to increase Illinois' clean energy standard with specific programs for low-income solar and incentives for solar projects on previously contaminated sites that Waukegan has so many of. Additionally, the bill expands our state's energy efficiency standard that Citizens Utility Board predicts will save families $98 annually on their energy bills.

Finally, the bill proposes a cost-effective market program to cap carbon emissions from Illinois power plants and have operators like NRG and Dynegy purchase allowances from the state.

The revenue stream created from those purchased allowances will be directed back into communities like Waukegan for new clean energy projects, low-income bill assistance and job training.

The Illinois Science and Technology Institute predicts that over 32,000 jobs will be created in Illinois each year once the new standards are fully implemented. Waukegan needs some of those jobs.

I am pleased to see the momentum behind this legislation.

If Waukegan is serious about revitalizing the downtown and lakefront space and attracting new businesses, visitors, and young professionals, then Mayor Motley and the City Council should make their support for the Clean Jobs Bill immediately in order to add their voice to an effort that would bring jobs and environmental justice to Waukegan.

Mitch Siegel

Waukegan