Speaking on the House floor in opposition to SB 25, State Rep. Ryan Spain warned of the failed promises of Democrats’ previous green energy laws, which they claimed would bring down costs and ensure reliability, but have caused a supply shortage that has caused rates to skyrocket and damaged grid reliability.
“First, Democrats gave us the Future Energy Jobs Act, then they gave us the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. All the while, they promised their green energy initiatives would ensure reliability and bring down costs.
“Instead, they’ve crippled our energy supply and caused costs to skyrocket for ratepayers. Illinois used to be a net-exporter of energy, but now, not only are we a net-importer of energy, we are having to import energy generated by coal and gas from other states to meet the needs in our state. All because Democrats refuse to accept the reality that we need an all of the above approach to ensure we have an adequate energy supply to keep rates affordable and ensure reliability.
“Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me. Illinoisans cannot afford an $8 billion price tag for more green energy fantasies!”