Governor JB Pritzker signed a major climate change plan in Illinois over three years ago, aiming to transition to solar and wind energy and phase out coal and gas plants. However, due to a surge in demand for electricity from data centers, fossil fuels are making a comeback in the region. The delay in connecting renewable energy sources to the grid has hindered progress towards clean energy goals, leading to increased emissions and health issues. The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in the state set targets to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, but the rapid demand for energy was not anticipated. Lawmakers are now looking to address the challenges in legislation expected to be introduced soon.
Despite federal climate programs being shut down, the resurgence of fossil fuels is driven by market forces within the state. Renewable energy projects are struggling to connect to the grid, leading to a reliance on natural gas. Actions to address these issues include exploring battery storage options and implementing deliberate policies to accelerate the generation of clean power. Efforts are also being made to transition from coal-dependent power sources to cleaner energy solutions.
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