Despite progress, more climate action needed
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act legislation passed in September 2021 requires the closure of all private coal-fired electric generating units by 2030, and closure of private gas generators by 2045. Illinois will also be spending hundreds of millions annually in support of new wind and solar installations.
Despite this legislation, methane gas-electric power stations are being built or planned in Will, Grundy, and Sangamon counties.
According to the EIA, Illinois is adding the most gas-fired capacity in the nation at 3.8 GW through 2025. The owners of these units believe they will be profitable in replacing coal generation, even with reduced lifetimes and increased competition from renewables.
These installations will be major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions and will produce large amounts of pollutants such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter. The adverse health effects of these pollutants are well documented, and will affect people working and living near the facilities the most.
Illinois has done its part to provide a healthier future for its citizens. The construction of three new facilities proves that incentivizing clean energy alone is not enough. To truly improve our air and meet America's climate goals we need federal legislation that stimulates development of clean energy while simultaneously discouraging continued use of fossil fuels.
Economists have long argued that the best way to do this is to place a gently rising price on all fossil fuels and use the proceeds constructively. The revenue can be used as a dividend to all Americans, protecting that families from price increases. Funds can also be used to assist communities in transitioning away from jobs reliant on coal, oil, and gas.
Legislation that could accomplish this is seriously being considered in the Senate reconciliation process. Please encourage your legislators to support a price on carbon to show that our country is serious about addressing climate change.
Thomas Rausch
Glen Ellyn