The Illinois legislature recently passed a law repealing a 1998 law which prohibited Illinois from setting emissions reduction targets beyond those established in the Kyoto Protocol. By repealing the 1998 law, starting January 1, 2020 Illinois law makers are expected to focus on a progressive clean energy bill with the goal of transitioning Illinois to 100% clean energy by 2050.
In addition to the prospective clean energy bill, the Clean Energy Jobs Act, which has yet to come up for a full vote in the General Assembly would set ambitions targets for implementing renewable energy, establish a network of training centers to prepare workers for thousands of new clean energy jobs and generate $30 billion in private investments.
Although the recent repeal of the 1998 law prohibiting Illinois from setting emissions reduction targets beyond those established in the Kyoto Protocol only sets the stage for the Illinois legislature to impose restrictions on carbon and other green house gas emissions, it is apparent that new legislation is on the horizon.
We will keep you informed as the Illinois legislature seeks to implement new regulations on emissions. For more information on how this matter could affect you or your business and for best practice procedures contact the attorneys at Rock Fusco & Connelly, LLC.