WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Obama Administration released the final version of the landmark Clean Power Plan.
In response, Jack Darin, Director of the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club released the following statement:
"The Clean Power Plan is the most significant single action any President has ever taken to tackle the most serious threat to the health of our families: the climate crisis.
"Today marks a new era of growth for affordable and safe clean energy sources that don't fuel climate disruption and sicken our communities. It is a step towards improving the quality of life for low income neighborhoods and communities of color, which have disproportionately borne the brunt of power plant pollution in Illinois for decades. It is an opportunity to protect what we treasure most here in Illinois; from Lake Michigan to our state's vital farmland.
"We know we can meet these goals for reducing carbon pollution in Illinois because we've already started. Since Illinois started adding wind and solar to our power grid, and investing in energy conservation, we've created over 100,000 jobs in clean energy, saved consumers over $1 billion on their electric bills and reduced the emissions that threaten our health and our climate. With a strong state Clean Power Plan, we can build on that success to create good jobs where we need them most, protect ratepayers, and clean the air we breathe. The Illinois Clean Jobs bill is the best way to bring Illinois a clean energy future by ramping up renewable energy like wind and solar to 35 percent by 2030 and cutting energy use through efficiency by 20 percent by 2025. These efforts will save consumers money while bringing clean energy investment to new communities to strengthen local tax bases and create family-sustaining jobs.
"We are especially proud that a President from Illinois is leading America to confront the climate crisis, and seize these opportunities. With so much at stake, it's time to come together to build solutions to ensure that no Illinois community is left behind as we shift to a clean energy economy. As we work to build a better future for our children and grandchildren, these efforts must include ensuring good jobs and economic vitality in diverse Illinois communities so families can grow and thrive.
"We stand ready and eager to work together on a Clean Power Plan for Illinois that delivers the better future we all want for our families and our future."
###