Legislation introduced in Springfield calls for stricter statewide energy efficiency and renewable energy standards.
Advocates for clean energy say that increasing the amount of energy generated by renewable resources, such as wind and solar power, will bring jobs to Illinois. A large group of bipartisan lawmakers have signed on to a proposal to increase energy efficiency standards to 20 percent by 2025, then 35 percent by 2030.
Nick Magrisso of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition says Illinois exports some of that energy to other states, which helps create jobs.
"This bill is exactly the shot in the arm Illinois needs to put people to work for generations to come, while giving consumers a reliable energy system that costs less," he said. "It is a win for people all across the state, and now is the time to act."
The group says energy efficiency is an investment because it is less expensive than non-renewable resources. Supporters also herald its health benefits, through pollution reductions.
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