"The House will be in order. We shall be led in prayer today by Wayne Padget, the Assistant Doorkeeper. Members and guests are asked to refrain from starting their laptops, turn off all cell phones and pagers, and rise for the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance."
"Let us pray. Dear, heavenly Father, we ask today that you give those in authority wisdom in every decision and help them to think clearly. Grant them discernment and common sense so they'll be strong and effective leaders. Help them to lead and govern with integrity and may their integrity guide them and keep them on track. Finally, Lord, we pray for your protection over our leaders. Protect their hearts and minds, as well as their bodies, so that no evil may befall them as they do their work. Bless them as well, for they carry a heavy burden on behalf of this great state. Heal our state, oh Lord, of hatred an evil that has been allowed to permeate our society. And make whole so that we may truthfully say that we are one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. These things we ask in your son's name, Amen."
"We shall be led in the Pledge of Allegiance today by Representative Halpin." Halpin – et al: "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all."
"Roll Call for Attendance. Leader Manley is recognized to report any excused absences on the Democratic side of the aisle." 10200054.docx 1 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. All Democrats are here and ready to do the people's business."
"Speaker, let the… I'm sorry. Representative Welter is recognized to report any excused absences on the Republican side… oh, I'm sorry. Leader Batinick on the Republican side."
"The Republican Party apparently has no absences."
"Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please… Leader Batinick, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Excuse me, correction. Representative Keith Sommer will be excused for the day."
"The record shall so reflect. Have all recorded themselves who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. One hundred and two Members being present, we are ready to conduct business. Mr. Clerk, Committee Reports."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Reports. Representative Harris, Chairperson for the Committee on Rules reports the following action taken on September 9, 2021: recommends be adopted is the Motion #2 to accept the Amendatory Veto on Senate Bill 539. Representative Rita, Chairperson from the Committee on Executive reports the following committee action taken on September 9, 2021: recommends be adopted is Floor Amendment(s) 2 to Senate Bill 2408. Introduction of Resolutions. House Resolution 401, offered by Representative Spain; House Resolution 404, offered by Representative Ford; House Resolution 405, offered by Representative Robinson; House Resolution 416, offered by Representative Spain; House Resolution 418, offered by Speaker Welch; House Resolution 10200054.docx 2 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 434, offered by Representative Flowers; House Resolution 451, offered by Leader Durkin; House Joint Resolution 51, offered by Representative Caulkins; and House Joint Resolution 53, offered by Representative Elik, are referred to the Rules Committee."
"Members, an announcement. This is a reminder of House Rule 51.5. Please remember to wear a face covering that covers the nose and mouth, except when necessary for eating or drinking. Members may remove their face coverings when speaking into the microphone at their desks. Again, please remember to wear a face covering, pursuant to House Rule 51.5. Thank you. Leader Manley is recognized."
"Mr. Speaker, I move that the following Members be allowed to cast their vote remotely to participate in today's Session. Representatives Buckner, Carroll, Guzzardi, Lisa Hernandez, Jones, Mason, McLaughlin, Moeller, Ozinga, Robinson, Sosnowski, Walsh, Ann Williams, Wheeler, and Yang Rohr."
Speaker Harris: "Leader Manley moves that Representatives Buckner, Carroll, Guzzardi, Lisa Hernandez, Jones, Mason, McLaughlin, Moeller, Ozinga, Robinson, Sosnowski, Walsh, Ann Williams, Wheeler, Yang Rohr be allowed to cast their votes remotely. All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. With a vote of 90 voting 'yes', 3 voting 'no', and 2 voting 'present', the Motion passes. Mr. Clerk."
"Is Representative Buckner present?"
"Present." 10200054.docx 3 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Buckner is present. Is Representative Carroll present?"
"Present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Carroll is present. Is Representative Guzzardi present?"
"Yes, I'm present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Guzzardi is present. Is Representative Lisa Hernandez present?" Hernandez, L.: "Yes, I'm present."
"Representative Lisa Hernandez is present. Is Representative Jones present?"
"Representative Jones is present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Jones is present. Is Representative Mason present?"
"Present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Mason is present. Is Representative McLaughlin present?"
"Representative McLaughlin is present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative McLaughlin is present. Is Representative Moeller present?"
"Representative Moeller is present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Moeller is present. Is Representative Ozinga present?"
"Representative Ozinga is present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Ozinga is present. Is Representative Robinson present?"
"Representative Robinson is present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Robinson is present. Is Representative Sosnowski present?" 10200054.docx 4 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Sosnowski is present. Is Representative Walsh present?"
"Representative Walsh is present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Walsh is present. Is Representative Wheeler present?"
"Representative Wheeler is present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Wheeler is present. Is Representative Ann Williams present? Is Representative Yang Rohr present?"
"Representative Yang Rohr is present."
"Representative Yang Rohr is present."
"Representative Ortiz, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, Mr. Speaker."
"Please state your point."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members of the Body, each year in the United States we observe National Latino Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. Speaking of our rich, diverse cultural legacy is a year-round effort. But during this particular time, our voices grow stronger and louder. Since we will not be here next week… or let me rephrase it. With the hope that we won’t have to be back next week, I would like to highlight the importance of Latino Heritage Month. There is un gran orgullo, which means a great pride in being Latinx. I am here not only as the House cochair of the Latinx Caucus, but also as a proud Latino who is grateful to all those who have fought for equal opportunities and safe healthy communities. I try to carry on this legacy through my life 10200054.docx 5 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 and work as an advocate for healthy and sustainable communities, especially given the continuing health disparities Latinos face. And while we can talk about specific community leaders to highlight their contributions, I want to acknowledge our teachers, our doctors, social workers, the single mother who works multiple jobs to provide for her children. The father who is out all day working in extreme weather, whose dream is to get their kids through college. The organizers educating voters, empowering them to speak up about injustices. Our essential workers who have sacrificed so much every single day that we continue to be in this pandemic. These sacrifices benefit us collectively. Their contributions do not have to be massive in order for them to be recognized. It is a fact that these acts are done out of love that matter most. During Latino Heritage Month, we're reflecting on where we have been and where we need to go so we can begin to pave the way for a more equitable, just future for all. Thank you."
"Representative Batinick, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Two quick points of personal privilege. First off, real quick, tomorrow is Becky and Tom Weber's 33rd wedding anniversary. So, I wanted to wish them a quick congratulations. And secondly, I know some of you were making fun of me as I drove down I-55 at about 45 miles an hour on a little donut tire in my minivan. I would like to thank the bipartisan help from Representative Stephanie Kifowit. A little applause. I always told my kids never change a tire on the side of the road because of the danger of it, 10200054.docx 6 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 especially on an expressway. Try to get off… try to get off the expressway. But as a true Marine, she parked behind me and then stood next to traffic, blocking any semi from hitting me like this so I could get my tire changed. Because I needed to be here at noon, and I was going to be here at noon. So, thank you, Representative."
"Representative Weber, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"A personal point of privilege."
"Please state your point."
"So, today… Representative Batinick kind of let the cat out of the bag, as they say. But I would like to recognize a very special individual. This person has not only made a positive impact on my life, but she's been a blessing to many others who she's come in contact with. She's done many things, from being a caregiver at a nursing home, chairside for a dentist, trailing to Sri Lanka for a medical mission trip, and volunteering as a guardian for a Marine on the Honor Flight. She has a very huge heart. But today I would like to recognize her for having patience, the endurance to be married to me for 32 years, for being my soulmate. And to my wife, I would like to say happy anniversary and thank you for putting up with me. Thank you."
"Representative Davidsmeyer, for what reason do you seek recognition? Got it. Under the Order of Second Reading appears House… Senate Bill 2408. Mr. Clerk."
"Senate Bill 2408, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. This Bill is read a second time previously. Amendment 1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendment 2, 10200054.docx 7 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 offered by Representative Evans, has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Evans on Floor Amendment… on Amendment #2 to Senate Bill… Floor Amendment 2 to Senate Bill 2408. Leader Welter for an announcement."
"Mr. Speaker, the House Republicans request an immediate caucus in Room 114."
"Leader Manley."
"Democrats will caucus immediately following Session, or the break, virtually."
"Republicans will caucus immediately in Room 118. Democrats go to your offices. We will caucus immediately by virtual means. House stands in recess to the call of the Chair. Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Hollman: "Committee Report. Representative Harris, Chairperson from the Committee on Rules reports the following committee action taken on September 9, 2021: recommends be adopted, referred to the floor is Floor Amendment(s) 4 to Senate Bill 2408."
"Mr. Clerk."
"Is Representative Ann Williams present?" Williams, A.: "Present."
"Representative Ann Williams is present. All Members authorized to vote remotely are present."
"The House will come back to order. I'd like to remind Members of Rule 51.5, regarding the wearing of face masks. On page 2 of the Calendar, under Amendatory Veto Motions, appears Senate Bill 539, Representative Burke. Representative Burke." 10200054.docx 8 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to accept the Governor's Amended Veto of Senate Bill 539. We've had extensive debate on this before. So, I will only offer that I ask for your support and recommend a 'yes' vote."
"We have several Members seeking recognition. We will use the three-minute timer for these discussions. Representative Wilhour."
"Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. You know, this… I think this is the third time that we've done this. So, I won’t rehash everything here. But there's a lot of talk from your side of the aisle about how this is just a start, and we need to do more, and yada yada yada. Everything else. I don't think everybody… anybody has ever really answered, what's keeping us from doing more right now?"
"Can you…"
"Do we not know what needs to be done? I mean, what's keeping us from giving the Legislative Inspector General the power that the last three say that they need to be the proper watchdogs over this Body? What's keeping us from doing these things that we say that need to be done, that we all know need to be done?"
"Is this a rhetorical question?"
"No, I'm asking. I am really curious."
"Well, I would… the Legislative Calendar, for one."
"Okay. We entertained scores of Bills through the last Legislative Calendar that dealt with all of these issues. We 10200054.docx 9 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 all know what the issues are. I'm just curious on why… why we can't do them now."
"This is the Bill we voted on during the prior Legislative Session and…"
"I get it."
"…a Bill that was supported by almost every Member of your caucus as well as the Senate Republican."
"Sure. The Bill is clearly watered down, and we all acknowledge that. Thank you. I'll go to the Bill. Let's be extremely clear on what this is and what this is not. You know, a 'yes' vote to this legislation is a vote saying that you're okay with business as usual here in the State of Illinois. And I think we can all see that business as usual has not been in the favor of the taxpayers and the citizens of this state. A 'yes' vote is telling your constituents, the ones we all make these promises to about cleaning up Springfield, that we're okay with a little bit of corruption. A 'no' vote is finally standing up and telling this Governor and this historically corrupt State Government to get to work on real reforms, finally put in the anti-corruption safeguards in place that the people of the State of Illinois have demanded and what they deserve. You know, if I've said it once, I've said it a million times. We don’t compromise when it comes to requiring ethical behavior from elected officials. No more games on this. Vote 'no' and send this back, and let's get to work on real anti-corruption safeguards in this state."
"Representative Bourne."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" 10200054.docx 10 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"She indicates she will."
"Thank you. Representative, I know we've talked about this Bill several times on the floor. So, I want to say, strictly to the Amendatory Veto, if you would answer a couple of questions for me. Could you explain specifically what the Amendatory Veto does?"
"Well, I think the Governor's explanation is contained in his Veto Message. So, if you'd like, I could read his Veto Message. But I assume everyone on your side has the ability to read that as well."
"Yeah. Could you just quickly summarize?"
"The Governor's Amendatory Veto corrects one technical drafting error related to the Section 5 ILCS 430/20-20, Subsection (l). That…"
"So, he claims it’s a technical error, essentially?"
"Correct."
"Thank you. To the Motion, Mr. Speaker. After the Governor issued this Amendatory Veto, he justified it by saying that, if this Amendatory Veto were not made, it could hinder his ability to end the Shakman Decree, which we all know is a federal hiring monitor that is actually increased oversight on hiring. So, in accepting this Amendatory Veto, we are allowing the Governor to go even further with ending the Shakman Decree. So, ultimately, it's taking away some of the accountability that we think is… we should think is required in this State Government. This Amendatory Veto makes a watered-down and weak Bill, that we heard about earlier, even weaker. And if you didn't have concerns after the Legislative Inspector General resigned citing this Bill, if you didn't 10200054.docx 11 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 already have enough concerns that this Bill will make our ethics in Illinois worse, then maybe this will. The Governor, hopefully… he's hoping to, with this Amendatory Veto, strengthen his argument to get rid of a federal hiring monitor on people that his agency hires. This is just another strike against this Bill. I know that you all probably are going to stand with your Governor and stand with this weak and watered- down Ethics Bill so that you can tell your voters back home you did something about ethics when you didn’t. But please, look at it. Look at it. This is weak. We could do better. Please vote 'no'."
"Representative Burke to close."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate all the debate. And I just want to remind the Members that we have an excellent Bill that has many needed reforms. And it was overwhelmingly supported by Republicans in the House and Senate. And, in fact, on the Motion in the Senate, it was unanimously supported. We have a standing committee on ethics that will continue to hear and vet Bills in the new Session. So, please, let's get this Bill into law and then continue our work. I ask for an 'aye' vote."
"The question is, 'Shall the House accept the Governor's specific recommendations for change with respect to Senate Bill 539?' This is final action. All those in favor signify by voting 'aye'; all those opposed signify by voting 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Buckner."
"Buckner's a 'yes'." 10200054.docx 12 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Buckner votes 'yes'. Representative Carroll."
"Representative Carroll votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Carroll votes 'yes'. Representative Guzzardi."
"Representative Guzzardi votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Guzzardi votes 'yes'. Representative Lisa Hernandez." Hernandez, L.: "Representative Lisa Hernandez votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Lisa Hernandez votes 'yes'. Representative Jones."
"Representative Jones votes 'yes'."
"Representative Jones votes 'yes'. Representative Mason."
"Representative Mason votes 'yes'."
"Representative Mason votes 'yes'. Representative McLaughlin."
"Representative McLaughlin votes 'no'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative McLaughlin votes 'no'. Representative Moeller."
"Representative Moeller votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Moeller votes 'yes'. Representative Ozinga."
"Representative Ozinga votes 'no'."
"Representative Ozinga votes 'no'. Representative Robinson. Representative Sosnowski."
"No."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Sosnowski votes 'no'. Representative Walsh." 10200054.docx 13 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Representative Walsh votes 'yes'."
"Representative Walsh votes 'yes'. Representative Wheeler."
"Representative Wheeler votes 'no'."
"Representative Wheeler votes 'no'. Representative Ann Williams." Williams, A.: "Ann Williams, 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Ann Williams votes 'yes'. Representative Yang Rohr."
"Representative Yang Rohr votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Yang Rohr votes 'yes'. Representative Robinson. Representative Robinson, would you please repeat that?"
"Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, take the record. On this question, there are 74 voting in 'favor', 41 voting 'against', 0 voting 'present'. This Motion, having received the required Constitutional Majority, the House accepts the Governor's specific recommendation for change regarding Senate Bill 539. Representative Welter, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Mr. Speaker, please let the record reflect that Representative Randy Frese is excused for the rest of the day."
"The record shall so reflect. Representative Willis, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege, please."
"Please state your point." 10200054.docx 14 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"As the… one of the cochairs of the Firefighter Caucus, I'd like to bring to attention, especially any Members that may be staying overnight, tomorrow is the Fallen Firefighter Memorial that will be taking place outside the Capitol on the lawn at 10 a.m. This is an honor ceremony that we have every year. And we actually have… usually do it in May, but we are doing it tomorrow. We will have honoring those who have perished in the line of the fire service. And then we will honor those that have worked exceptionally hard with the ceremony over at the BOS Center afterwards. So, anybody that happens to be staying overnight, tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. I invite you to see that. Thank you very much."
"Leader Welter, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Mr. Speaker, the House Republicans request an immediate caucus in Room 114. Thank you."
"So, how long do you plan to spend, Leader?"
"As long as it takes us to talk through the Amendment that we just received and saw."
"I hope you can do it in about 30 minutes. Is that a goal?"
"I will try to thoroughly get through this but also be expedient."
"The Republicans will caucus immediately in Room 118. Democrats will sit on the floor. And House stands in recess to the call of the Chair. House will come back to order. A reminder, Ladies and Gentlemen, about Rule 51.5 regarding masks on the floor. And Leader Evans for a Motion." 10200054.docx 15 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Mr. Speaker, I move that the following Members be allowed to cast their votes remotely to participate in today's Session. Representative Ammons, Representative Batinick, Representative Mazzochi, Representative Spain."
"Leader Evans has moved that Representatives Ammons, Batinick, Mazzochi, and Spain be allowed to cast their votes remotely. All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. With 82 voting 'yay', 9 voting 'nay', and 2 persons voting 'present', the Motion passes. Mr. Clerk."
Clerk Hollman: "Is Representative Ammons present? Is Representative Batinick present?"
"Present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Batinick is present. Is Representative Mazzochi present?"
"Representative Mazzochi is present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Mazzochi is present. Is Representative Spain present?"
"Spain is present."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Spain is present. Is Representative Ammons present?"
"Representative Ammons is present."
"Representative Ammons is present. All those authorized for remote voting have been present."
"On page 2 of the Calendar appears Senate Bill 2408. Mr. Clerk." 10200054.docx 16 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Senate Bill 2408, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. This Bill was read a second time previously. Amendment 1 was adopted in committee. Floor Amendments 2 and 4 have been approved for consideration. Floor Amendment #2 is offered by Representative Evans."
"Representative Evans on Floor Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 2408."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's a gut and replace Amendment. I'd like to debate it on Third Reading."
"Are there any questions? Representative Meier."
"I have a parliamentary inquiry."
"Please state your inquiry."
"Return to me after this Amendment is approved, please."
Speaker Harris: "We will do that. There being no further questions, Representative Evans moves that Floor Amendment #2 to Senate Bill 2408 be adopted. All those in favor say 'aye'; opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"Floor Amendment #4 is offered by Representative Hoffman and has been approved for consideration."
"Representative Hoffman on Floor Amendment 4 to Senate Bill 2408. Did you want to state your point now, Representative Meier?"
"Yes. Mr. Speaker, I have filed House Amendment 3 to Senate Bill 2408. Under House Rule 18(g), I move that the Amendment be discharged from House Rules Committee. I ask for a recorded vote on the Motion to Discharge."
"Leader Evans." 10200054.docx 17 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"I object."
"Can we have a recorded vote for that, please?"
"It's still in Rules. There's nothing to vote on, Representative Meier."
"I would like to have a recorded vote on releasing it from Rules. Under Rule 49, 'Any vote shall be recorded by whoever 5 Representatives so shall request'. There at least five Members on my side that wish for a recorded vote on this Motion to Discharge the Amendment from the House Rules Committee."
Speaker Harris: "Representative Meier, I'm informed by the parliamentarian that this Motion would require… your Motion would require unanimous consent, which it does not have. And a recorded vote is not necessary."
"Thank you."
"Leader Hoffman on Floor Amendment #4 to Senate Bill 2408."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Ladies and Gentlemen of the House. Floor Amendment #4 addresses the issues of public generation of energy by publicly-owned coal plants. This would address the issues that have been outstanding concerning decarbonization regarding Prairie State as well as CWLP. This is now agreed with the Governor's Office, and has been agreed to by Prairie State and CWLP that they will remain neutral on this Bill. As you know, there is an issue because many municipalities are actually the owners as well as co- ops or owners of these plants, and there is outstanding debt. So, we've reached an accord on this matter which brings them to neutral. Indicates that by December 31 of 2035, that these 10200054.docx 18 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 plants must be at 45 percent carbon free. If they are not at 45 percent carbon free, the plant shall retire one or more units, or otherwise reduce to 45 percent the amount of CO2 emissions by June the 30th of 2038. And they have to be at zero emissions, regarding carbon dioxide, by 2045."
Speaker Harris: "There being no one seeking… I'm sorry. Representative Ugaste."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have a parliamentary inquiry as well. Can you come to me…"
"Please state your inquiry."
"Can you come to me after this Bill's… the Amendment's been adopted, prior going to Third Reading?"
"We'll come back to you."
"Thank you."
Speaker Harris: "There being no one seeking recognition, Representative Hoffman moves adoption of Floor Amendment #4 to Senate Bill 2408. All those in favor say 'aye'; those opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Amendment is adopted. Any further Amendments, Mr. Clerk?"
"No further Amendments have been approved for consideration."
"Third Reading. Representative Ugaste."
"Thank you. I have filed Senate… Amendment #5 to Senate Bill 2408. What's the status of that?"
"Mr. Clerk, What's the status of Amendment 5 to Senate Bill 2408?"
"Floor Amendment #5 has just been filed and is in the Rules Committee." 10200054.docx 19 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Mr. Speaker, I filed House Amendment #5 to Senate Bill 2408. And under House Rule 18(g), I move that the Amendment be discharged from the House Rules Committee and ask for a recorded vote on the Motion to Discharge under Rule 49. As you know, as Representative Meier just stated, any vote shall be by record vote whenever five Representatives so request. And there are five Representatives on my side that wish for a recorded vote on the Motion to Discharge the Amendment from the House Rules Committee."
"Leader Evans."
"Object. I object."
"There is an objection. And it is not a unanimous consent item, Representative."
"Thank you."
"Mr. Clerk, please read the Bill."
"Senate Bill 2408, a Bill for an Act concerning regulation. Third Reading of this Senate Bill."
"Leader Marcus Evans on Senate Bill 2408."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker and the great Members of this General Assembly, on both sides of the aisle. I stand in front of you with a moment in time in which we can look back and look forward. We can look back on the energy policy that we created. We can look forward to a new opportunity of clean energy, a new opportunity of job growth, and a new opportunity of collaborative work towards making our environment better in the United States of America. And being not only a great, great state, but being a leader within this country. What we're going to do in a few minutes, when we cast our 'yes' votes for this House Bill, is send a message across the 10200054.docx 20 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 country that clean energy and transitioning is possible with collaborative thought and it's possible if we work together. I'd like to thank all of the interested parties, our business community. I'd like to thank our Leadership here. Please think about our Leadership. Leader Hoffman. Representative Buckner. Leader Gabel. Representative Ann Williams. True champions for moving our energy policy forward. So, thank you all. And particularly our staff. Give a round of applause to our staff. Please join me. Our staff worked hard on this legislation. Because while we were going back and forth, they were doing the work. So, thank you to our staff. They did great. But let's get to the legislation. In this legislation, we're moving towards a hundred percent carbon free for Prairie State. In this legislation, we have Alternative Fuels Act to allow the EPA to use existing funds to create a $4 thousand rebate for electric vehicles. We have consumer protection provisions in this legislation. Workforce and labor changes in this legislation. Coal to solar program so we can justly move from the coal plants of existing today to the future of clean energy tomorrow in a respectful manner. Various changes. We've respected… giving opportunities to towns like Zion and Lake County. To give them assistance as they transition their plants. Ethics reform. You've seen the articles and the terrible, terrible news stories of what was going on with some of our utilities. What are we going to do? Well, history will show that we've taken real action on ethics here in the General Assembly. Consumer protection. What are we doing to protect the mothers, and grandmothers, and fathers, and families in the State of Illinois? We're doing 10200054.docx 21 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 it in this legislation. When it comes to decarbonization, we know that carbon is an issue. What actions are we taking? We can look to this legislation to say that we're taking real actions. Actions with true dates and consequences and actions and support for those companies that want to move forward in a correctable way. What are we doing to spurn and push forward a development of renewables and labor standards and workforce opportunities? This legislation is packed full of opportunities. And what are we doing with ratemaking? Our Governor made it crystal clear that free rides for our utility companies and arbitrary numbers are of the past. So, we're going to take over that process with ICC, bulk up the ICC, and ensure that monies from our rate makers will be appropriately given out to our utility companies. Climate financing, transportation. This Bill is a national model. And I want to thank the most important person in this chamber. The person that said, 'Let's come together. Bring the Leaders together. Bring the Senate together.' And that's our Leader, Speaker Welch, who, through his collaborative leadership, has created an opportunity for us to make history. So, please, Ladies and Gentlemen, and join me in wrapping up this Bill so we can send it to the Senate and send a message to the entire country that we're serious about climate change. We're serious about just transition. We're serious about solar development. And we not only want to be a participant nationally, but we want to be the leader. I request your 'aye' vote. And I'm available for questions."
"Representative Butler." 10200054.docx 22 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just an inquiry. What's the debate format? I'm sorry, what are we…"
"Sorry. I did not announce that. We'll be using the three-minute timer, Representative."
"And is it Unlimited Debate?"
"We would like to keep the debate as concise as we can."
"To the Bill. First of all, I… honestly, I really want to thank Leader Hoffman. I just told him. I know he's been put in a tough situation this week, and he's tried to advocate for interests that are dear to my heart. So, thank you, Jay, for what you did. But, you know, you drive through my district to get to here every time, coming down from Chicago. And what you drive through is wind turbines and solar panels and a coal plant to come sit here at this building, powered by coal. What this legislation will do will go against the wishes of the people of my community, who made a decision a decade ago under the Obama Administration and under a Democrat Governor here in Illinois, who approved a state-of-the-art coal-fired power plant that sits on Lake Springfield that's doing wonderful things, providing baseload power when you come here to Springfield and turn on your lights at your apartment or your hotel room. And what you're going to do is shut down that plant. That's what this Bill does. You're going to shut down a facility in Southern Illinois in Representative Meier's district. And as I drove across Interstate 64 the other day, I looked to the south and I saw a few little puffs of white smoke coming out. All that has been said terrible about Prairie, I would encourage you to actually look at it, 10200054.docx 23 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 what that facility is. What this legislation do will put my constituents, my neighbors, Representative Murphy's neighbors on the hook for their utility bills fully funding an out of commission power plant. Guess what? We're already tapped out on our property taxes. Every dime that I pay in property taxes goes to pension debt. Now you're going to say every dime that I pay in my utility bills going to out of commission power plant. I don't have my head in the sand on this issue. I voted for FEJA a few years ago. As I said, I have a district that is home to more renewable energy than almost every one of you who are going to vote for this Bill. I know what it's all about. This is not the right path forward. When you turn off these power plants in Southern Illinois… mind you, MISO, the power grid that covers most of Illinois geographically, when you turn off these power plants, we're going to be getting power from that coal plant I saw just across the river in Indiana last week, that coal plant that I saw just across the river in Kentucky last week. Fifty percent of the energy generated by MISO comes from coal. You're not doing what you think you're doing with this Bill. You're putting people out of work. You're raising rates for my constituents. And you're shutting things down that shouldn't be shut down. To my friends on this side, I would urge a 'no' vote."
"Representative Gabel."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"I just have a few questions here for legislative intent. First, what is the… what is the intent of the self-direct renewable portfolio standard compliance program?" 10200054.docx 24 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"The intent is for the IPA to do all they can to encourage and incentivize private investment in renewable energy through the self-direct program."
"Thank you. Can you explain the intent of the house of worship exemption in the new prevailing wage requirements in the IPA Act?"
"The intent here is secular. We want to provide financial relief from projects that provide an entry to the solar market for the small emergent and equity eligible contractors. This was intended to make it easier for new entrants, who would benefit most from participation in a renewable industry, to bid on projects."
"And what effect… what effect will any legislation or legislation action or inaction have on the state and federal class-action lawsuits currently pending against Commonwealth Edison and Exelon arising out of the conduct described in the deferred prosecution agreement?"
"Any legislative action or inaction will not have any effect on those lawsuits. The course where those lawsuits are pending, having jurisdiction to preside over and adjudicate those lawsuits on their merits through trial and appeal and to resolve all matters raised therein."
"Thank you. To the Bill. I rise today in support of historic energy and climate legislation. This Bill is the culmination of years of community input, smart policy analysis, and a Legislator-led process. It is comprehensive, nuanced, forward-looking, and will lead our state into a clean energy future. When we convened the Legislative Energy Working Group at the start of this year, we came to the table determined to 10200054.docx 25 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 hear from all stakeholders and work together to craft a Bill that represents the complex needs of our state. We heard from workers, businesses, those who speak for our planet, and people representing communities most impacted by climate change and energy policy. If we do not act now on behalf of our world, we will not have a world to live in. This legislation will take meaningful action to address environmental priorities that are absolutely critical to us all. It will preserve jobs, it will create jobs, and it will make Illinois a leader in one of the fastest growing economic sectors in the world. This Bill includes historic provisions for decarbonization of our energy sector and ensuring a just transition to a renewable energy workforce. It establishes significant ethics in consumer protection standards."
"Representative, could you bring your remarks to a close? Representative Willis, gives you three minutes."
"Thank you. It proves that our state's climate and economic goals are not in opposition but, in fact, strengthen and reinforce each other. And it provides a model for other states and the nation. I am proud of the advocates, stakeholders, community and legislative leaders, and staff who have worked together through long hours and passionate discussions to put forward a truly transformative Bill. In particular, I want to thank Speaker Welch for his leadership on this. For Leader Marcus Evans, Leader Jay Hoffman, Rep Ann Williams, Rep Will Davis, Rep Larry Walsh, Rep Kam Buckner, Rep Eva Dina Delgado, and, of course, our advocate extraordinaire Andrew Barbo. So, thank you. I urge an 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Representative Meier." 10200054.docx 26 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Yes. Will the speaker yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Marcus, thank you for being always diplomatic and working with us. Jay, I want to thank you for all you've tried to do for every resident in Illinois. And I repeat, every resident in Illinois. I have several questions here. You know, every time I've opened up my phone, I see this clean energy thing on Facebook. Always the second one. Do they honor businesses for going green?"
"I'm really not sure. You'd have to reach out and ask them. And I'm not sure what you mean by honor businesses."
"You know, they're always bragging about this green project and that green project. I just wondered about that. Can you tell me who owns Prairie State?"
"Prairie State?"
"Yes, the owners."
"I believe they have a board of directors. Is it… I'm not sure."
"Can I help you with that answer?"
"Please."
"Okay. Prairie State is owned by a group of municipalities and co-ops. There's no stocks. There's no dividends. There's no profits. These are citizens of Illinois. These are taxpayers of Illinois. Prairie State's supplying 2.5 million businesses and families with electric. Now, I mentioned municipalities. Can you maybe help me understand? What's their percentage of the electric the municipalities are producing with clean energy?" 10200054.docx 27 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"I don't have that specific number in front of me. I believe I can get it for you. Is your question germane to the legislation?"
"Yes. What is the percentage of clean energy being used in Illinois right now?"
"Again, another question that's not germane to the legislation. Can we address the legislation?"
"I am addressing the legislation. This Bill is increasing cost to Illinois residents. We currently, through our clean energy process, are putting about $189 million a year of Illinois taxpayers' money into clean energy. And they are at seven percent. Once again, I'd like to ask, but you can't give me the answer, where our municipalities are? Our municipalities are at 12 percent clean energy. Illinois municipalities without an energy policy Bill are almost double what the clean energy Bill has been taking $189 million a year out of people's pockets. Can you tell me about the co- ops? Do you have any idea what their percentage is of clean energy?"
"Again, I don't know how many questions you have, Representative, but I'm attempting to present…"
"Representative, your time has expired. Leader Bourne gives you three minutes."
"Our municipalities are at 19 percent. Once again, without Prairie State putting extra cost on Illinois citizens, not asking for a $789 million bailout. They're doing it because they want clean energy. The owners of Prairie State are far further developed into producing clean energy than the clean energy people are right now. You never heard that. Another 10200054.docx 28 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 thing that I see on Facebook all the time mentions Peabody. Mentions Peabody as an owner. Peabody lost Prairie State's… the shares they owned of it in bankruptcy. Another direct lie just made to go out and try to turn you against coal. Now, this Bill has eminent domain in it for a private business. Not a public utility in Illinois. Eminent domain, so they can come right through your back yard, through a town park, maybe even through… right next to a family cemetery. You know, you've not had the experience of farming under utility poles. I do. Extra chemicals are wasted when you're spraying, hurting the environment, 'cause you've got to go around them. It's hard… the overlap. You stand the risk of hitting them and maybe knocking out electric for a million people. (Unintelligible) are working long hours. You know, it's just another thing that you've not looked into. You have much opposition to this Bill…"
"Representative Meier… yeah, may I?
"Yeah."
"Yeah, Representative Meier… and again, I have talked to you, Representative Meier. And when I engage with the Farm Bureau, because we're getting to the point of your frustration. The eminent domain issue, which was brought to us from the Farm Bureau… with you being a farmer and a proud property owner, is the reason why I feel this frustration, Representative. And I understand. South Cook County and Will County area, we have pipelines, transition lines. Across this country, there's interstate transition lines."
"Well, let's get back to the Bill." 10200054.docx 29 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Those transition lines… those pipelines create union jobs, individuals in every one of our communities, specifically your community. So, I understand your frustration. Eminent domain is very difficult."
"Let's go back to the Bill. In this Bill, it takes the debt, over $4 billion, and puts Illinois citizens, Illinois taxpayers on the hook to pay for that. Nowhere is it defined in this Bill that I can see. Nowhere is it defined how that debt is to be taken off our citizens. All those towns, all those counties, because of the co-ops, everybody is going to be on the hook. No, not Chicago. Just everybody south of I- 80."
Speaker Harris: "Representative, your time has expired. Representative Luft gives you his three minutes."
"You know, for a little while, on this Bill, there was $20 million in it. Every year Prairie State was going to get $20 million. That's out of this Bill now."
"Representative, that was removed."
"Yes. That's out of it. I'm still talking to the Bill. So, I won't need an answer on it 'cause I know it's out. And it's just like the broken promises that many of us have had to face. Promises given to us by the State of Illinois. You can go through this state, go to your school districts and see how many of them are still waiting for that money from 2009. 2009. Monies never come. It was promised. I can take you to businesses expanding in Illinois, promised DCEO grants. Sent letters, signed, saying that they would receive these funds so they could use it to go out and get loans. Guess what? Progressive income tax died. That died with it. Never before… 10200054.docx 30 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 the auditor general's report shows never before has DCEO grants, that have been signed, been taken away. Another broken promise from this administration. When you promise money to help take care of these communities that have closed down power plants, you are giving us a broken promise. We are at the bottom of the food chain. Now, I've listened to some of the hearings throughout the years. We never really had much of a chance to ask questions. One time I was lucky enough to ask two. I have yet to been able to receive a letter, or anything, from solar people when solar would be profitable. I asked about solar carbon footprints. It never came an answer on that. I got an answer on nuclear footprints. And nuclear has a big carbon footprint because all that concrete in a nuclear power plant. Well, you need to watch a windmill going up. You need to count how many concrete trucks pull up to that big hole dug in the ground. That concrete doesn't cause any carbon. Only the concrete in a nuclear power plant does. I have a problem with that. Now, let's talk about solar panels. A hundred and twenty-three thousand acres of prime Illinois farmland it will take to replace Prairie State Energy Campus. One hundred and twenty-three thousand acres of prime Illinois farmland. Now, the crops that grow on this…"
"Representative, your time has expired. We'll give you one more. Representative Elik has given you her time."
"This is in my district. I would request the time to go through the issues that, all summer long, we have not been able to get on to this Bill because we have been denied. This is a major changing Bill for the State of Illinois, and I 10200054.docx 31 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 think I should be able to have as much time as it takes. Now, if you study green energy, crops capture carbon. So, taking 123,000 acres out of production in a carbon sinkhole of a crop, which is all part of the new clean energy Bills because of how crops lock in carbon, there is a big impact caused by solar. Now, this crop feeds the world. Now, we've debated ethanol Bills over the past. And in these ethanol Bills there is a term, the indirect land use. This was put in by the State of California. Most Illinois Bills are based off the State of California. And this Bill states that numbers have to be added on to ethanol because farm production is being taken out for food. So, more deforestation is going on in the rainforest in South Africa. So, where is the results on how much extra carbon footprint is there? Where is there ever been a carbon footprint on solar? Where is the footprint on mining, the minerals in it, shipping them overseas? What about the cost of the ag industry? The lost crops. The lost production. The lost fertilizer. The lost spraying. The moving of the grain. The milling of the grain? And you know another problem? Growing plants that capture carbon and that give us fresh oxygen so we can all breath, they thrive off of sulfur. We're not getting sulfur any more. Since already so many power plants have closed down, sulfur now has to be mined, bought, and put on our fields so we can raise crops. So, what is this doing to our natural areas? Those plants aren't getting sulfur. They're not going to put as much oxygen into the air, and they're not going to lock down as much carbon either. The state… the State of Illinois, can you tell me how many coal 10200054.docx 32 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 fired power plants the State of Illinois has? Oh, okay. Well, I've got to say…"
"Is that a question… I'm not…"
"I can't even tell you how many, but I can name off several. The backup source for this building is coal. Power plants of Scholt, Murray are coal. Throughout the state, universities are burning coal. There's no plan in here that addresses any one of those plants and what you're doing to those plants. You have a plan that's never been talked to, thought out, or anything else. You have a plan that has been given to you by clean energy, and we're going to take 100 percent of it, and this is what it's going to be. There's going to be no discussions. We don't want to hear from you."
"But, Representative, I know you're getting a lot out today."
"Well, there's a lot to this Bill that shouldn't be rushed through."
"Representative, we have a coal to solar program… we have a coal to solar program through Illinois Power Agency. All of the private coal facilities in this state, throughout the country, quite frankly, throughout the world, are transitioning out."
"To the Bill. We all know that. Why do you think the owners of Prairie State own more clean energy than the clean energy people do in this state? We realize that. We had an agreement with the Obama Administration, with then President Biden as Vice President, and with the Blagojevich Administration so the Illinois citizens could have a reliable source of energy and know where it was coming from till 2045. They're bonded 10200054.docx 33 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 for it. These citizens have to pay for it. It's coming out of their checks, out of their billfolds. So, don't start telling me how this is all perfectly thought of because these are things we've never thought of. Now, think about it. I'm from Southern Illinois. When you get up in the morning…"
"Representative. Representative, can you conclude your remarks in another three minutes? We're trying to…"
"I will try, but I will not guarantee that. I will not."
"Would somebody like to give him three minutes? Representative Hammond."
"We have to go out and fire up generators when the MISO district doesn't have enough power. That can be a hot day. That can be a cold day. It can be anything going on across the country because we're already importing electric. How would you like to have to go out of your house at midnight and fire up a generator? And you know the really sad thing about this? Think about the people who die because they live in an area where they're afraid their generator is going to get stolen so they start it in their garage and go back to bed and get asphyxiated. This happens every time. People die because of that. Think of it that you're trying to run a business, and you've got to shut your production line down. Or you've got to go out and turn on that gas generator you got. Oh, let's not forget, in 2045, we can't run any of these LP peaker plants. We don't have no back up anymore. There's nothing to address that. Just we're not going to take it. And then we're going to take $180 million a year, $180 million a year to educate people how to work for solar farms. Well, let me tell you something. We've already put a lot of money… we've 10200054.docx 34 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 put it into our junior colleges. They are ready. They are willing. They have the trained staff. They have the facilities. This training should go on right there. Not creating new jobs. Not renting businesses from… and buildings from friends. It should be going through our junior colleges. Now, let's talk about these junior colleges. There's a lot in this Bill about getting our prisoners back to work. Our junior colleges are training them. The one in my district has a 90 percent rate. Three years after the prisoners are released with their degree, ninety percent of them are still working and not in jail. Ninety percent. We don't need a new program for it. We got it. We developed that years ago. Let's not go there trying to spend more money, padding more pockets on a Bill that doesn't need to do it. You know, a lot of times, in everything on the clean energy, I hear Rocky Mountain Institute. I'm sure you never looked where their offices are. But I sure wonder why they have one in Beijing, China. I don't think the Rocky Mountains go that far. Maybe they do, underneath the ocean and that. But I'm not sure. Why do they have one there? You know, China and the Asia… there's 660 new coal fired power plants being built in the world right now. Most of them are not being built with the technology that we have in Springfield and that we have down in Southern Illinois. We're going to buy solar panels from a country that's using and building more coal fired power plants to be able to build them solar panels. They're using dirty technology to go out there and mine these products. They're using any type of worker they can get. China is repeatedly on the list for humanitarian rights." 10200054.docx 35 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Representative… Representative, please conclude your remarks."
"I'm getting closer."
"No, please conclude your remarks."
"I'm going to start concluding them."
"Please finish concluding them."
"If we wanted to do clean energy, if we wanted to change the environment right now, there was Senate Bill 1693, passed the Senate unanimously, dealing with corn refineries, ethanol. And there's House Bill 2229, which would have taken instant carbon out of the air by going to a B20 diesel Bill. They were never allowed to be heard. They were sent to Exec and killed. Why are we debating this Bill now when there is a federally funded program being funded through the University of Illinois? Our University."
"Representative, please conclude your remarks."
"I'm trying."
"We'll go to another Member."
"I'm going… I'm getting close to the end. And there's a lot in there that still needs to be said, and they'll never be said."
"Please get to the end."
"…because of the fact we could not say this in committee. And there is a time the State of Illinois and the residents have a right to know it."
"Thank you, Representative."
"The study will be done this fall. Why is this Bill being done now? You know… and then when I get rushed, I get frustrated and then it takes me longer." 10200054.docx 36 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"We'll move on to another Representative."
"I want to… well, I'll sum it up here. I have a nephew who's a surgeon. He's traveled the world. Doctors Without Borders. Hands for Hope, I think it was, just like Doctors Without Borders. You know, we have to take things and get them ready to help him go. He goes to a new hospital, and we've got to send him LED lights, flashlights so he can do surgery. The people there hold them up so they got light to see. In Kathmandu…"
"Representative."
"In Kathmandu, he had to incubate people from 12 p.m.… or a.m. till 6 a.m.…"
"Representative."
"…because the power's turned off. You will turn Illinois into a third world country."
"Can you move away from Kathmandu and complete your remarks?"
"So, I urge everybody, everybody, to vote 'no' on a Bill that will kill jobs in Illinois. It will take care of the energy shortage, because we won’t have no manufacturing going on. Businesses will not be able to function…"
"Representative."
"…and you should put an Amendment on here that all these panels are made in the State of Illinois. And there should be a study done before they go on any Illinois farm ground of what the hazards are if a hailstorm hits them. Because they're only guaranteed to about an egg size hail. And you're endangering every resident…
"Representative." 10200054.docx 37 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"…in the State of Illinois. Thank you."
"Representative Welter."
"Mr. Speaker, to the Bill. I thought this moment would be a little bit different for me. I thought I would be a little more joyful. For those of you who don’t know, I have the distinct honor of representing half of Illinois' nuclear fleet in my district. Thousands and thousands of jobs. This process has been the most difficult and challenging in my five years serving in this House. I'm frustrated that my side of the aisle has been shut out of negotiations since we left Springfield. For crying out loud, as this Marcus Evans Amendment was coming about, stakeholders were shared the Amendment. But Republican staff, we had to find out from them. It doesn't seem like there's a whole lot of interest at that time of gaining Republican support. I was told by a lot of my colleagues, 'We want this to be bipartisan, David. Energy has been bipartisan.' I voted for 2016 FEJA. A lot of my colleagues did. There was a process in place where we were respected. That did not happen here. So, I don’t want any of you to think, on this side of the aisle, when you see some Republican votes up there, that this was a bipartisan process, because it was not. I'm frustrated because I've got colleagues on this side of the aisle that I respect. And this vote today, they can't be with us because they'd be voting against their interests, their people back home. We tell people they have to vote their districts. We hear that often. That's why I'm up here today. That's why I'm going to support this Bill, because I have to vote my district. But this process is crap. Failed leadership is why we are here today. September? I don’t 10200054.docx 38 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 recall us being in Session in September. Is that regular? Or have we had two years to deal with this? Two years knowing what was coming. We've had time, but we haven't been able to get it done. So, here we are. Here we are. You're prematurely closing plants in Central and Southern Illinois, costing thousands of jobs, property tax base, and grid reliability. This Bill does nothing to actually settle outstanding debt for ratepayers in some of these communities. So, again, I will be voting 'yes' 'cause the people back home expect me to. I can't go back home voting 'no' on this Bill. I'm glad we're saving a lot of jobs. But at the same time, we're pitting communities against each other. And that is wrong. So, yes, I will be a 'yes' vote. But for the rest of the Members in my caucus, I don’t suggest you vote 'yes' if this in a direct contrast to what is in the best interest of your district. That's all."
"Representative Brady."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative Evans, I was struck by your opening comments of all those who worked so very hard from your side of the aisle. Was there any reason none of those you mentioned were from our side of the aisle?"
"When you say your side of the aisle, are you referring to Representative Welter? I know Members of this caucus got in their vehicles and drove to the nuclear plants in his district, I believe, a few months ago. When you talk about this side of the aisle, the countless conversations that we've had on this issue. Energy is not a new issue. We've been 10200054.docx 39 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 talking about energy for months and months and has been tons of engagement. So, I'm not sure. Could you be more specific?"
"I think if I could, Representative… I think if I could clarify. I think Representative Welter was very clear. This was not a bipartisan Bill. I think he was crystal clear on that, in fact. So, am I to believe that possibly, maybe you don't think or others don’t think that were mentioned, that worked so very hard on this Bill, that were Democrats, that Republicans don't use power and energy? Want to conserve? Want to be part of what this state energy policy is or isn't?"
"Again, I'm trying to stick to the facts and be germane to the legislation. We have an important piece of legislation on the board. We're talking about energy in the future of this state, and you're asking me some of these questions and…"
"I'm just trying to get an answer to what was supposed to be, as Representative indicated, a bipartisan piece of legislation. And I just didn't hear any names that I'm familiar with from our side of the aisle when you and other of your colleagues congratulated those who worked so hard on the Bill."
"Representative Welter. Representative (sic-Senator) Sue Rezin was very involved."
"That's trying to kind of close the barn door after the horse is gone. That's a little late now. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, there's little dirty words we're not supposed to use on the House Floor, but I'm going to use a couple, in my opinion, in regards to this Bill. And one of them is the Energy Transition Assistance Charge. That's an increase. That's an increase. So, it doesn't matter if you're the lower 10200054.docx 40 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 class, the middle class, the upper class, your rates for power are going to be going up. And I know one thing. When the citizens across this state open up their power bill or go online to see it, they're not going to like what they see in the future. And they're going to remember it was courtesy of this Bill. I'll be voting 'no'. Thank you."
"Representative Morgan."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. I'd like to take a minute and address what is actually in the Bill. We really haven't had a chance to do that since the introductory remarks from the Leader behind me. What we are going to vote on, what is in this Bill, what we are going to vote on is landmark legislation to address the present and dire issue of climate change. Dire. It's a pretty extreme word, right? Dire. What does that mean? Well, according to United Nations… the United Nations, they're an expert authority. They said this is a code red for humanity. They didn't say this was a code red for Deerfield, code red for Morris, for Springfield, for Decatur. This is a code red for humanity, for all of us. That is why we are here. That is why we are on this floor debating this Bill. So, we have to take it back to a moment where we reflect on what is in this legislation. Passing this legislation will bring Illinois one step closer to a green energy future that will protect consumers, preserve and create jobs, and improve ethical standards and conduct across this particular industry. This will be a boon for some of our local communities, specifically in Lake County. As mentioned before by Leader Evans, this is going to provide relief for the City of Zion who, for the last 20 years, has had to deal 10200054.docx 41 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 with spent fuel pods, pools, and dry cask storage systems just left dormant in our community. This is going to help through proper tax assessing so we can clean up this mess. Many of us in this chamber spoke out loudly, as a result of the deferred prosecution agreement with ComEd. And this Bill… and I'm so glad that this Bill addresses many of those ethical issues. It will direct the ICC to initiate an investigation into how ratepayer funds were used in connection to this conduct outlined in the deferred prosecution agreement. Some of my colleagues heard me tell the story, just a few days ago, when my son started coughing a lot and I was concerned. I took him to the doctor. The doctor said, 'Yeah, this is probably from the fires.' I said, 'Fires? What fires?' And she said, 'The California fires.' The California fires. That is why we are going to vote on this Bill. That is why we must pass this Bill. That is why everyone in this room that is thinking about voting 'no', if you vote 'no', that is a decision about the future of our planet. It impacts my children, your children, and your grandchildren. That is literally what is at stake. That is what a code red for humanity means, everybody. So, I urge an 'aye' vote. This cannot wait. We are out of time. The planet is not waiting for all of us to vote 'yes'. This has to get done. Vote 'yes' today."
"representative Davidsmeyer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"Leader Evans, we had a decent discussion in committee about this. It was fairly one-sided. Didn't get 10200054.docx 42 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 very many answers. I hope that some of the questions that I answered in… asked in committee, that you will be able to provide answers now that's similar to the way the Gentlelady from Evanston asked you questions and you had prepared answers."
"I'll do my best."
"Thank you. How many… how many counties are specifically written into this Bill by name? We can jump to it. How about seven. Seven. How many of those counties were in the negotiations? Zero. Zero. I represent four of those counties. Eminent domain is not a Farm Bureau issue. It's an issue that I've been dealing with, with my constituents, for six years at least. I've had a transmission line come through. And they actually worked really well. It was a public transmission line, public utility provider. I recently had a pipeline come through. And you know what they did? Anybody who signed up with them, they took care of them. Anybody they used eminent domain on, they screwed them over. They're still dealing with the issues that they dealt with back then. Now, we're talking about giving a private company from out of state the ability to take people's land…"
"Representative, take?"
"Nope. We are."
"Representative, you're familiar with the eminent domain process. Again…"
"Yes. Eminent Domain is taking people's land. Yes, it is."
"…again, we've done all…"
"Okay." 10200054.docx 43 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"…types of projects. You understand the process of eminent domain. Taking people's projects is hyperbole. Again, we're trying to focus on a very…"
"You're using my time, Sir."
"…very important piece of legislation."
"Okay. How many Amendments have we looked at today?
"From my understanding, two. One adopted by Leader Hoffman and this Amendment.
"Okay. So, the first Amendment, the Amendment #2, was your original Amendment that ran through committee?"
"Amendment #2, yes."
"Okay. And then Leader Hoffman's Amendment. And then at least one Amendment back here… two Amendments back here were denied. You were able to come up with those two Amendments, at least the last one, very quickly. I don't know why you couldn't remove my counties from this Bill. You never talked to me. You never talked to my Senator about it. Right? I mean, these are people that have been dealing with this eminent domain issue for a long, long time. I know I'm about to run out of time. I just want to request that I'm able to finish off really quick. I want to say, if you want to bring up the UN, why don’t we have them crackdown on China and the real people that are committing the atrocities to our environment?"
"Representative, I've never referred to the UN. I'm not sure…"
"No, I know. One of your colleagues did. And if you want to talk about the environment and fixing the environment, let's talk about the President of the United States, who shut 10200054.docx 44 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 down domestic energy production, and then begged OPEC to increase their oil production so we could continue. What do think's going to happen to the State of Illinois, especially Southern Illinois? If you're shutting down their coal, they are going to import energy from Indiana and Kentucky."
"Representative, there's nothing in this Bill… Representative…"
"…which is coal. You are shutting down coal. Don't pretend like you're not."
"Again, you can believe that, but we're not…"
"That is complete ridiculousness."
"Representative…"
"You are shutting it down without any… without any plan on how to replace it. As one of the other people said earlier, we currently cannot provide all the energy that downstate Illinois needs right now. And so, now we're going to shut it down, without a plan on how to replace it. You heard how many acres it takes to produce solar. Which I'm a big fan of solar because it's actually a fairly efficient way to produce energy. Wind, not so much. But, you cannot take all that out of production and expect for those things to replace it. You have to have a plan. This is…"
"Representative, could you bring your remarks to a close?
"…an energy Bill, not an energy policy. We need a plan for the future, and this is not a plan. Vote 'no'."
"Representative Reick."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Dire threat to mankind. The planet can't wait. This Bill, of course, assumes 10200054.docx 45 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 that there is an existential threat that threatens all of us in the world, and we, in Illinois, are going to stand in the forefront of fixing it. We're going to show the world how clean energy can save it from itself. Tell that to the people in South and Central America, in Asia, in Sub-Saharan Africa, who are looking and saying, I would love to have a light bulb in my house. I don't want to have to burn dung in my living room to stay warm in the winter. We're not faced with a climate problem here. We're faced with a risk problem. A risk problem. By which I mean that nobody knows what the average temperatures are going to be in 50 years. Nobody knows what the sea levels are going to be in 50 years. And if they say they do, they're lying to you. What we're confronted with is a range of possible outcomes from 1 to 100 percent. And by assuming the answer for all those possible outcomes that could be bad is 100 percent, we completely take off the table all the possible mitigations that can either reduce the risks or lessen the consequences of what might come. Don't discount that last… there are risks and mitigations that lessen the outcomes at acceptable cost. At acceptable costs, both economic and in terms of liberty. And don’t discount the latter because a government control of energy generation suffocates innovation and economic growth and will ultimately result in government control of its use, as is being seen in California with rolling blackouts. Think of the incredible transformation that has gone through in the telecommunication industry over the last 20 years. We've gone from sending conversations over copper wire to sending them over fiber optics made of sand. And now we're using wavelengths. We need 10200054.docx 46 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 to use that same sort of thinking for energy in terms of nuclear power and carbon sequestration. Innovation isn't planned. It happens when people try to solve problems in a system that encourages and rewards problem solving. How much economic dynamism are we willing to sacrifice by completely shutting an industry down and not giving it the opportunity to innovate? And what about nuclear? There's no discussion in this Bill about nuclear."
Speaker Harris: "Can you bring your remarks to a close, Representative? Amy Grant has given three minutes."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you, Amy. There's no discussion in this Bill, other than the money that’s being used to bail out or to subsidize the nuclear plants already here in Illinois. It's an aging fleet. It went online in the mid-eighties, and it can't last forever. Nuclear plays, otherwise, no part in this rush to energy… to carbon free energy, either in terms of baseload capacity or backup. Nuclear has its problems. It's never lived up to the promise of providing cheap and plentiful power. But to a great extent, that’s a function of regulatory strangulation and liability concerns. Illinois… one of the big draws to Illinois is the low cost of power here in the state. And as has been pointed out, losing that cheap source of power, because you know darn good and well that that next five years… if you get what you're getting… want tonight, in five years when those subsidies run out and somebody comes and asks for more, what motivation is it for you to give them? The environmental movement has been biased against nuclear since Three Mile Island and Chernobyl, without paying any attention to the 10200054.docx 47 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 advances that have been made in nuclear power over the last 20 years. Small modular reactors that can be placed close to where their power is going to be used, which will not only cut down the cost of development, implementation, but transmission as well. The five-year subsidy is a banana peel. It's going to be pulled out from under the feet of nuclear industry as soon as this Bill passes because you're not going to have any motivation to give them anything. Technological advance is something that, again, doesn't happen by planning. It happens because people try to solve problems. What we have here is a Bill that's full of goals without consequences. And it shuts down an entire industry with no guarantees that it's going to be replaced. We need a more optimistic and realistic environmentalism than is presented in this Bill. Which, once again, puts government in the position of picking winners and losers. We have problems, but they'll only be solved through technological innovation and dynamism. And this Bill does nothing, nothing to do so. So, I'll finish with this question. How many renewable energy credits does it take to screw in a lightbulb? I would say the answer's irrelevant because, if this Bill goes to the extent that it promises to go, there isn't going to be enough power to light that lightbulb. Vote 'no'.
"Representative Scherer."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two simple questions. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield." 10200054.docx 48 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"The way I read the Bill, the definition of existing emissions for CWLP would include all emissions at the Dallman Station for the dates 2018 to 2020. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Does this language mean each unit must reduce that unit's emissions by 45 percent? Or does it intend the total emissions from the coal generation at the plant…"
"The total."
"…to be reduced by 45 percent?"
"The total, Representative."
"So, the intent of the Bill is total emissions from coal must be reduced by 45 percent?"
"Yes."
"Okay. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Appreciate it."
"Representative Crespo."
"Thank you, Speaker. And to Leader Evans, Leader Hoffman, Robyn Gabel, congratulations. This is short of a miracle. It's nice to know that, unlike our colleagues on the other side, we can get things done. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He'll yield."
"Leader Evans, I understand that the cost for ratepayers for this Bill is, I believe, $3.51 a month?"
"According to estimates from the utility board, it's hovering around $3 for residential customers."
"Thank you. To the Bill. I believe that's a correct statement. I haven't had a chance to drill down and look at the numbers. I'll take your word for it. Now, let's be clear. 10200054.docx 49 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 The $3.51 only includes the piece that deals with renewable energy funding, with a new bailout, top training programs. There's another piece that's missing, and that's the delivery charges, which could be a lot more. Now, let me go briefly over some consumer protection issues. I know there are a lot of stakeholders that met. We had the Governor's people. We had the Senate. We had the House. We had the labor folks. We had the environmental folks. Unfortunately, I don't think there was anyone there representing ratepayers. I think that was very, very important. Let me quickly talk about formula rates. Most were put in place to help Commonwealth Edison pay for their grid upgrade. And we wanted to make sure that we can guarantee that they got their rate of return so they can pay for those rates. That's set to expire next year. It's a good thing. This Bill replaces that with a reconciliation process, which is the ability to charge customers more if the prior year cost exceeded the budget. That is the core of formula rates. It's guaranteed a profit for the utility company. That is problematic. Now, what's included in the Bill is that there's a five percent cap on that. That is correct. And based on 2021 filings from Commonwealth Edison, that would cost consumers $136 million a year. Unfortunately, they added some exclusions where they can circumvent this reconciliation process. Any cost associated with storms, weather related events, and other unforeseen expenses, whatever that is, they can claim that, $79.6 million a year for consumers. Speaker, I'm going to run out of time. I think I have someone's… give me three more minutes."
"Representative Yednock gives you his time." 10200054.docx 50 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Thank you. Thank you, Representative. Another exclusion would allow the utility company, Commonwealth Edison, to recover costs associated with investment for new businesses and facility relocations. Annual cost to consumers, $93 million. Here's the kicker. What's included in this Bill is a year-end rate base, instead of an average amount that more truly reflects the company's investments during the calendar year. When I heard that, I wondered, why did I remember that term? And I remembered back in 2011, this was a big issue. Commonwealth Edison wanted to use the year-end rate, versus the average rate, 'cause it was more beneficial to them. And they had a very hard time because the ICC said, 'No, we're not going to do that.' So, they appealed. And it went all the way to the Appellate Court. But in the meantime, because of the behavior that Commonwealth Edison agrees that perhaps was not pure, they got this benefit because, by statute, we allowed the end-year rate instead of the average rate. And the court even opined on that. And the Appellate Court said… found that the issue had become a moot point given the change in law. But also noted the inequity of applying an end-of- year rate base. This was a byproduct of their behavior, which they admitted in the DPA. Why in the world are we going to allow that to happen? You're also going to hear that they're going to make sure the ICC is more robust, they have more staff. I will bring you back to 2013 when we passed legislation to allow Peoples Gas to recover their costs to replace the pipes in Chicago. And we were told ratepayers in Chicago will not pay more than $2 a month. Folks are paying $15 a month today. So, again, it's problematic. Again, this 10200054.docx 51 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 is a good Bill. You don't want to perfect to get in the way of good. I am going to attribute these things that I just read to you to an oversight. This is a thousand page document. Maybe they missed that. There's just no way that they're going to allow a utility company to profit from this that has nothing to do with the nukes. It has nothing to do with renewable energy. So, I sure hope that, as we move forward, that we come back and correct this mistake. In the meantime, congratulations, again. And again, I hope we come back and do what's right for ratepayers. We have a duty, a responsibility to be honest and transparent with our ratepayers. So, I hope you will come back and correct that mistake. Thank you, Speaker."
"Representative Ramirez."
"To the Bill. It is beyond time that we start taking meaningful, measurable, and bold action on climate change. I have always believed that we can make firm commitments to decarbonization, while strengthening our workforce and creating clean energy jobs for communities across Illinois. With Senate Bill 2048, we are taking clear and measurable steps to end our reliance on fossil fuels with firm benchmarks that must be met. We have equity outcomes that are tangible and that are measurable. We strengthen utility ethics and accountability. We expand protections for lower income households. And we are protecting and creating good paying, clean energy jobs with strong equity standards to ensure that the communities most impacted by the effects of climate change will be able to benefit from building a cleaner and a greener future. I, personally, am grateful to the leadership of the 10200054.docx 52 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, to Speaker Welch, to Leader Evans, to Leader Gabel, to Leader Hoffman, Representative Ann Williams, Governor Pritzker, and everyone who's worked endless hours this summer, through Labor Day, through every moment to get us here today. We have to advance the strongest clean energy Bill possible today, and I believe that this Bill does that. I will be supporting this Bill. And I urge an 'aye' vote from both sides of the aisle."
"Members, I'd like to remind you of Rule 51.5 regarding masks. Members on both side of the aisle. Representative Murphy."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Thank you. Could you go over the emissions reduction that's going to be required for City Water, Light, and Power?"
"The new language requires the municipal code, including Prairie State and CWLP Dallman, to be 100 percent carbon free by December 31, 2045, with an in turn reduction goal of 45 percent from existing emission no later than January 1, 2035."
"Does those same emission reductions apply to the power plant a couple blocks away here that services the Capitol?"
"Could you repeat the question?"
"Yeah. Do those emissions reductions, do they apply to the power plant just a couple blocks away that services the Capitol Complex? It's a coal powered plant."
"This language refers to CWLP. So, I'm not sure."
"So, there's no requirements to have emissions reductions at the state plant two blocks away from here? We're not worried about their emissions?" 10200054.docx 53 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Again, this legislation refers to Prairie State and CWLP. So, that's the answer."
"It refers to other power plants across the state, doesn't it?"
"Yes. All private coal will close in 2030. And many other plants are transition to close now."
"Okay. Once again, all private closed, does that include the power plant two blocks away from here that services this Capitol Complex?"
"If it's private coal, it's slated to close in 2030."
"So, I think it's a yes or no? Does any of this Bill require the coal plant that's two blocks away from here to have emissions reductions?"
"If it's private, it's slated to close in 2030."
"So, the answer is no. Does the power plant at Eastern Illinois University, where I was proud to attend, that still has a coal power plant, is it going to be required to reduce their emissions or close?"
"Again, I can repeat the answer. If it's private, it's slated to close in 2030."
"The answer's no. We're worried about coal plants, except the ones that the state operates. Why aren't we worried about them?"
"I'm not aware of state-operated coal plants, Representative."
"A couple blocks away a coal… we have a coal plant that services this building. My brother-in-law works there. I'm sure he will give you a tour if you would like. We have… 10200054.docx 54 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 Representative Meier referenced some coal plants throughout the state. I think one at Murray. What about that plant?"
Speaker Harris: "Representative, your time has expired. Representative Haas has…"
"Okay. Okay. I will pivot from those questions. Can you tell me the cost of this Bill?"
"When you refer to costs, Representative Crespo outlined the average cost to residential customers. But in what category are you referring?"
"Job trainings and equity program. What's the cost of that?"
"Hundred and eighty million dollars per year."
"Increase in renewables? Since my time's running out, I can let you know, 370 million. Exelon payments?"
"Six hundred million, over five years."
"How much?"
"Six hundred million, over five years."
"Thank you. Who's paying for these? How are they being paid for?"
"It's the ratepayers."
"Could you repeat that? I'm sorry. I didn't hear it."
"The… our ratepayers."
"The ratepayers are paying for it. To the Bill. We have a Bill here that we have… I didn't even add up the total. Unbelievable amounts. The ratepayers are going to pay for everything. Not only that, the ratepayers in my district are going to be subject to bond payments till 2040 once you guys shut the plant down. In the same city, the same city, that you're going to allow a state power plant to continue to 10200054.docx 55 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 function. And I know you are because I was with the state architect and looked at the master plants, and I know we're planning to improve the tunnel to that power plant. So, we have long-range plans for that. But we have short-range plans for the power plants that my citizens are going to have to pay for as we import energy from Indiana, Kentucky, and Missouri. You know, I've been in business a long time, and I always tried to lead by example. Obviously, the State of Illinois is not willing to lead by example 'cause we're leaving our power plants, our coal power plants alone. I'm very disappointed. Please, please, for the good of the State of Illinois, vote 'no'."
"Representative McCombie."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"Indicates he'll yield."
"You know, one of the things about all of us here in the House and the Senate… a lot of people complain about Legislators and politicians, and it's because of the hypocrisy that is rampant in this House. You talk about climate change, but we're going to be okay with buying dirty energy outside. But we're not producing it, so that's okay. That's why people don't trust us 'cause we're all full of crap. This was in committee earlier. So, they should be very easy questions. It was stated there is a progressive and equitable investment of $18 billion over the next 30 years. Is that correct?"
"Can you clarify your question? In what regard? I mean, you said it was mentioned. By who?" 10200054.docx 56 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"The renewables. It was in the committee that you were present in this morning. There is a progressive and equitable investment of 18 billion over the next 30 years. Is that correct? For renewables. The answer is yes."
"Again, it's hundreds of millions of dollars of investment."
"Yeah, 18 billion over the next 30 years. The nuclear investment is roughly 700 million, with five year sunset. Is that correct?"
"Saving our nuclear facilities and our nuclear fleet is very important. So…"
"That's… is that correct? Is the nuclear investment roughly 700 million?"
"Again, I'm attempting to answer the questions. So, you have to give me an opportunity to answer the question."
"It's with a five year sunset. You just said it to Murphy, I think."
"Well then… well, we know the answer if I just said it."
"Is there a sunset of five years, is the question."
"Roughly $600 million to save our nuclear facilities. You are correct."
"Is there a sunset in five years?"
"Yes."
"Thank you. Doesn't have to be this tough. Theoretically, renewal investment should go on in perpetuity. Is that correct? Theoretically, renewable investment should go on in perpetuity. There is no sunset. Is that correct?"
"Yes. I mean, theoretically, yeah." 10200054.docx 57 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Thank you. Under FEJA, which you voted for, there were effectively a four-year sunset reconciliation date on renewable funds. Is that correct?"
"No."
"It's not?"
"The answer is no."
"There wasn't?"
"The funds were continually reconciled annually. It was not in perpetuity."
"You're missing what I'm asking. It was about FEJA. There is an intense… is there intense, transparent, and ethical oversight for ComEd? In this Bill. Is that correct?"
"We went over the ethics, but I can go over it again."
"No need."
"They're required… again, I have…"
"Is it… would you, by your definition… I've got three minutes. I'm sorry. Which I think I need…"
"But you have to give me an opportunity to answer the questions."
"…somebody else. Can some…"
"Your time has expired."
"So, we require to actually see initiating…"
"Representative Severin."
"Thank you. No, I'm just asking. Is that part… is there an intense, transparent, and ethical oversight for ComEd or electric utilities?"
"Yes."
"Thank you. Is that same oversight for renewables?" 10200054.docx 58 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Within the department, of course, there'll be oversights as the individuals engage with the state. So, we addressed a critical issue in ethics. We had an issue…"
"Is the oversight the same for renewables as it is for electric?"
"Again, attempting to answer your questions. We had a specific issue with all utilities, and it was addressed."
"The answer is, no, Sir. The answer is, no."
"We have strong ethics that already exist. And we'll continue to monitor our renewables. This is not an identifiable issue in renewable."
"This is $19 billion, $19 billion. You know what government can do with $19 billion? Screw over taxpayers. It needs to have the same, the same, oversight. To the Bill. This is not the compromise Bill. It's not about clean energy. It's about renewable energy. This is not pro-union. This is not pro-family. This is not pro-clean energy. This is extortion. It's funny, I know. It's ridiculous. Media outlets and progressive advocates keep putting the dollars being spent for our nuclear fleet in the forefront. ComEd is blamed for everything. The dollars for the Illinois nuclear fleet is minimal in comparison, but the closure will be devastating. There's been no mention of eminent domain in the press. Eminent domain, not for public utilities, but for private, for-profit donors. The dollars and time… the dollars and the time frame for our fleet is minimal compared to the renewable component. Minimal. The renewable component, again, will cost Illinoisans $18 billion over the next 30 years. And will continue on beyond that. Today I should vote against the 10200054.docx 59 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 Governor, against you, and your unrealistic virtue signaling partners, but you know you have many of us over the barrel. Many of us who feel compelled to support the working families who have built the communities and counties that would be destroyed because of your untenable demands. This is a bad Bill. We can do better. We can do better. The Bill that was passed in the Senate was bad, but it was way better than this one."
"Representative Stoneback."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Today, listening to committee debate, I heard one of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle say we don't live in a bubble. And honestly, I couldn't agree more. We don't. None of us live in a bubble. What one person does effects everybody else. What one city, state, country does, effects everyone else around us. And that couldn't be true more when we're talking about climate change and our earth's natural resources. There's also been a lot of discussion about our districts. All of us are here to represent our districts. We were elected to act in the best interest of our districts. But… and I've seen my colleagues defend what they believe are in our constituents' best interests. The truth is that, I believe, all of our constituents share many interests. We all want to live in a world where wildfires don't ravage our forests and communities. Where shorelines aren't eroded. Where we don't experience, with increasing frequency, extreme weather that is the result of climate change and increasing temperatures. I believe that none of our constituents across Illinois want to see any of this happen. And we also want to live in a world 10200054.docx 60 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 with energy to power our homes and businesses. We need to usher in clean energy, and that is what this Bill does. During the debate on the floor this evening, some of my colleagues have called into question the urgency of passing a clean energy Bill. So, I'd like to say that exactly one month ago, on August 9, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, or IPCC, published a special report demonstrating the urgency with which we, in this Body, share tonight must act. With 195 member states, the IPCC is the UN body for accessing the science related to climate change. It was established by the United Nations Environment Program and the World Meteorological Organization in 1988 to provide political leaders with periodic scientific assessments concerning climate change, its implications and risks, as well as to put forward adaptation and mitigation strategies. The publishing of this report and IPCC's findings could not have been more timely. To give you an idea of who the IPCC is and who this organization comprises, thousands of people from all over the world contribute to their work. Scientists assess thousands of scientific papers published each year and provide a comprehensive summary of what is known about the drivers of climate change."
"Representative, could you bring your remarks to a close?"
"Yes, I will. Thank you. So, I'd like to say that this report found that we are close to point… passing the point of no return. If we do not address climate change in a coordinated effort… and that means all cities, states, countries coming together to do everything they can to reduce 10200054.docx 61 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 carbon emissions, we will pass that point of no return. One of my colleagues mentioned code red for humanity."
"Representative."
"So, I'd like to strongly urge an 'aye' vote'. And please, everyone here, let's act in the best interest of all of our districts and all of our constituents."
"Representative Halbrook."
"Thank you, Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He'll yield."
"Leader Evans, Representative Meier and Representative Davidsmeyer made some great points. And I want to dive into this eminent domain issue just a moment, if we could. It's my understanding, as I read this legislation, that there is only seven counties that were spelled out in this eminent domain language. Can you explain why only those seven counties?"
"It’s where the transmission line grain belt will be located."
"So, can you explain a little bit about the transmission line? Is that a public company or a private company?"
"Private company."
"So, can you justify to the Members of this Body why this Body would want to grant a private company access to someone else's private property? Why is that okay?"
"Yeah, it's not an issue of explanation. It's an issue of… transmission lines are built throughout this country. My own district in southern Cook County, pipelines and transmission lines are critical infrastructure and…"
"Yeah. I understand that, but those are public utilities…" 10200054.docx 62 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Can I finish answering the question? May I finish answering the question?"
"Well, my question is about… they are a private company. Why is it okay to grant a private company access to another individual's or a group of individuals' private property? Why is that okay? We're not talking about an Ameren or a ComEd or an Exelon, or any other…"
"Again, transmission lines are important. And pipelines are critical job-creating infrastructure. So, that is why. And eminent domain is a process. You know, categorizing it as taking people's property and conjuring up certain thoughts… again, that is an agenda. We're focusing on legislation here. Transmission lines are critical infrastructure for this entire country."
"So, to that point, Leader Evans… and if this Body would seen that there's another way to create jobs and do things like that, that we could grant any other favorite industry access to someone else's private property. Is that what you're saying here? That we can justify it because of the job creation and all these other matters that you just cited. Is that what you're saying?"
"I'm saying exactly what I'm saying. Infrastructure is critical. Pipelines and transmission lines flow all throughout this country, and the world, quite frankly."
"Leader Evans, can you tell the Body how much alternative energy or clean energy is being generated in the State of Illinois right now?"
"I believe the estimates are seven percent." 10200054.docx 63 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Yeah. I had an MSN report from March that said 8.2 percent. And that's after what, 30, 40 years of trying to bring this online? So, my question to you, that in a relatively short period of time, if we lose half or more of this production of coal and gas fired electrical, what is the plan to replace that when we're only at 7 or 8 percent alternative or clean energy after 30, 40 years? What's the plan to get this done in 15 to 18, 20 years?"
"I'm glad you asked. I mean, we're here…"
"Representative, your time has expired."
"Again, we're here for a…"
"Would someone yield me time, please?"
"Yeah. We're here for a plan. This is a plan."
"Representative Niemerg gives you his time."
"We're here for a plan. We're laying out how we're going to build out the next generation of energy and power and solar. This is the plan that we have right in front of us. Now, what's happened in the past has not been a plan. It's been conversations, in my view. This is a true plan. And we're going to move forward with this plan, secure our nuclear fleet. We're going to create jobs. We're going to fund our RPS. We're going to have a true robust plan for energy in the future. Some of the coal plants that you all are mentioning are retiring and transitioning on their own. This is not my opinion. Many of the facts that you all are bringing up, call these places. Coal is transitioning out. What are we doing to protect the union jobs? What are we doing to stabilize these communities? This is the plan. 'Cause doing nothing is not a plan. So, we can do nothing and these coal plants will 10200054.docx 64 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 eventually phase out. And what will these communities do? We have right in front of us an actual plan."
"Representative, as I read this, I don't see any plan in place. I'd like to talk to you, but my time is short and I want to get to my closing comments. I'd like to ask about, what's the plan for the billions of dollars of debt in these rural electric co-ops in the municipalities all across the state, the $4 billion plus of bonded debt that Prairie State has, and probably similar amounts of debt with CWLP? What's the plan in place to deal with that with the premature, early closing of these facilities? There's a federal infrastructure Bill. Have we taken a look at that? What's in there for the State of Illinois…"
"Again, your first question…"
"…to help us deal with some of these situations? Mr. Speaker, to the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, Prairie State Energy came online in 2012. It was built under Obama era air standards. It is the cleanest operating coal plant in the nation, per unit of electricity, and across the world. This is California style energy policy. We just saw reports in the last couple of weeks that the California energy group ordered five gas plants to come online to make up for a loss in production. This is horrible policy that will drive jobs out of this state. It will import less clean energy. It will drive up costs. It will reduce liability. Rolling brownout and blackouts will become the norm. If this is a great idea, we need to let the free market decide. Ladies and Gentlemen, I ask you, what is the perfect temperature that we are trying to attain by this process? This is one more thing that makes 10200054.docx 65 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 Illinois a political uninhabitable state, driving thousands of people out of this state to other locations around this great nation. Ladies and Gentlemen, I urge a strong 'no' vote. Demand better. Thank you."
"Representative Ugaste."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Leader Evans. To the Bill. I always find it interesting when we're talked to on this side about how we don't seem to realize that there's pollution and there's families to be concerned about and things going on in our society. Just as a reminder, I know I've mentioned it in past debates, I have a family. They're all here still. Thankfully. Kids, grandkids. I already have grandkids here. I'm not worried about future grandkids. I already have them here. And I'm hoping that they have a very clean environment, clean drinking water, clean air. Just as I hope the same for all of your families and your kids. So, we share these common concerns. We don't… we don't disregard them. We don't think that the world will just go on no matter what, but we have a different way of doing it. We talked… Leader Evans spoke tonight about being respectful about things. And that's great. I'd have to point out, though, I don't think that my district was taken into consideration. Because I can assure you that there are three communities who have been treated with no respect whatsoever. I've talked about them in the Energy Committee, and I'll share with the rest of you so you can understand what you're voting on tonight. It's three communities. Geneva, Batavia, and St. Charles. We know them as the Tri-Cities in our area. If you've never been out there, please come see it. It's a great area. You'll like it, at 10200054.docx 66 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 least, for the next 15 or so years. I'm not certain what will happen to them at that point. They've invested in the Prairie State plant. They bought into it a long time ago. It was about 15 or so years they made that decision. So, it's not ancient history. This isn't ancient technology we're talking about. As other speakers have mentioned, Prairie State and the Springfield plant were built with cutting-edge technology at the time. So, what we have are three communities who buy into a plant to provide basic services for their communities, which is electricity. They didn't bet on the sports arena, hoping a team would come there. They didn't build a concert hall, hoping to get various acts to come and finance things. They were trying to provide electricity to their residents at a reasonable rate in a very environmentally friendly way. And that was 10 years ago, less than 10 years ago that this all started. And now here we are today, telling them 10 years later, oh, I'm sorry. You have to shut down, and here's the date. And we all know, as we sit here today… we can talk about everything built in, and the reduction, and the money and what's going to happen, but we all know that the 20…"
Speaker Harris: "Representative, your time has expired. Representative Bos."
"Thank you. We all know that 2038 is going to be the end date for this plant. So, just so you know what this means for these three communities. One of them will, fortunately, have paid off their bonds at that time. One of those communities will have paid off their bonds and have three years of investment in which to reap the benefits of having invested in the Prairie State plant. Then they're going to lose it. As 10200054.docx 67 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 they put it to me today, that's the same as paying off your mortgage and, three years later, someone coming in with a wrecking ball and saying, get out. We're taking down the house. And why? Not because you weren't trying to be a good citizen. Not because you weren't trying to be. It's just because, all of the sudden, it's decided it's not good enough. Two other communities… two other communities of no more than… less than 30 thousand people each, are going to be on the hook for about $30 million and $44 million more dollars, respectively, once that 2038 date hits and closes. Their people, their taxpayers, their citizens are going to have to make that up and go out and buy on the open market. And not because of any fault of their own, but because we've all decided that that power plant that they invested in, that really, when it was built, they were told they were making a 60 to 70 year environmentally friendly investment, now has to come to an end. They're not even getting the benefits out of it. They can't even cover the costs. We talk about treating everyone fairly within this state. How is this fair to the people of my district? Would all of you be willing to vote to put that much debt on the people of your district? If you can answer yes, then please vote for this. But I can assure you, each and every one of you would answer no. You'd be up here screaming about people putting unnecessary debt on your citizens when they were trying to do the right thing not 10 years ago. It's not just my communities though. This Bill has a lot of costs. It has many laudable goals. There's a lot of things I'd like to do in it. One, is keep nukes open. Two, is fix the solar cliff. And if you'd heard anything about my 10200054.docx 68 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 Amendment #5, that's exactly what that Bill would've done. We could've taken care of those tonight, as we're under a deadline, and not been held hostage to have to consider other things that…"
Speaker Harris: "Can you bring your remarks to a close? Representative Friess."
"…and not consider everything else that is going to drive other job makers out of this state. So, we may save some, but I strongly suspect we're going to lose some as well. You've heard tonight other states are trying to go green. They're having problems. We need to try and go green. We need to incentivize it within this state. But, we can't dictate it solely because we say so in legislation. It doesn't always work that way. Please vote 'no' on this Bill. Let's go back. We have time to get this done before those nuke plants are shut down. And we can do legislation which will advance clean energy in Illinois and yet not have to cause other communities to suffer. About $74 million between 2 communities that do not have 60 thousand people between them. Think about that, please, for your own districts. Vote 'no'."
"Representative Wilhour."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Since the beginning of these energy discussions, we've seen backroom dealings, public policy by virtue signal, a corrupt corporation holding citizens and government in this state hostage to pad their bottom line. And now, here today, we're pushing legislation for the special interest, written by the special interest. It's just another day in politics in this broken system in the State of Illinois. And it's sucking the life out of the 10200054.docx 69 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 working people in this state. In typical Illinois style, all of the special interest groups get their cut. Their corporate… the corrupt corporation gets a $700 million ransom payment, and we have the nerve to tell the working families in this state that they have to pay for it. We're forcing them out of their jobs. We forced them to pay higher utility bills for less reliable energy. And we continue to do what we do best, put every policy in place that we can to ensure that good, high-wage jobs won’t be created in the State of Illinois. Not ever again. So, don't talk to me about supporting working families. Generations of poor public policy coming out of this Body has destroyed opportunity and upward mobility for working families in the State of Illinois. Now, I sat here and listened to one of you, arrogantly and ignorantly, talk about population loss and making a political point about the blue-collar downstate Illinois losing population on this floor a couple weeks ago with condescension dripping off of your lips. Let's talk. We can talk about that. Let's think critically about why that's happening. It's happening because the policies that have been crammed through this Legislative Body have stripped our areas of opportunity. High-wage jobs are gone, and it's forcing blue-collar families out of this state. Policies like these have been robbing working families in rural and urban blue-collar areas of opportunity for decades. And you want to help people? You know, we talk a lot about equity. You want equity? Stop destroying opportunity. Let's give our… let's use our God-given natural resources and craft a real, all-of-the-above energy policy that prioritizes middle and working class jobs, cheap and reliable energy, and 10200054.docx 70 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 a sustainable future for Illinois workers. Now, smart and strategic regulatory policies, not only in our energy sector, but across all sectors is essential to creating opportunity in Illinois. And every single time we're in this Body, we do the exact opposite, and this legislation is no different. You know, all the citizens of Illinois get out of this legislation is higher rates to subsidize corrupt… to subsidize a corrupt corporation and less working-class jobs. We are sacrificing the prosperity of our own citizens so that we can virtue signal that we, as Governor Pritzker and a couple other people have said in this Body tonight, can save the planet."
"Can you bring your remarks to a close?
"Yeah. Can you give me…"
"Representative Weber."
"Now, in terms of the global impact on climate change, Illinois is not even a blip on the radar. You know, we sat here and we destroyed jobs and we brag about saving the planet. Meanwhile, Russia and China can't crank up their slave labor enterprise fast enough to build coal and gas plants to produce the energy needed to build the solar panels and the windmill blades to accommodate your green energy needs. Are we really going to set here and put a policy in place that props up the Chinese Communist Party at the expense of American workers? This stuff is a… it's really unfathomable. It's unbelievable that we're even talking about this stuff. This Bill is bad for workers. It’s a bad Bill for consumers. This policy will have no measurable effect on the climate. But it's good for one of our crony corporate partners. It's good for the special interests that sustained much of the 10200054.docx 71 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 folks in here's existence. Illinois workers across the state should watch this process critically. See who's really standing up for their best interests. See who's really working to enact policies that empower them with opportunity and see who's more interested in enacting a political agenda at their expense. A 'yes' vote for this legislation is a vote for higher energy costs, less working-class jobs, and more corrupt crony corporate bailouts. Vote 'no'."
"Representative Davis."
"Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Contemplated whether I would say anything or not. I know this is a large piece of legislation. There's a lot in it. Obviously, there is a lot of feeling about what is or is not being done, and who are who… who is or is not being served. The piece of this legislation that I advocated for was something affectionately called The Path to 100, where the solar industry and the wind industry are willing to come here to the State of Illinois to ramp up their operations and their production to help Illinois try to become a carbon free state at some point in the future. And I'd be remiss if I didn't at least take a moment to acknowledge the coalition of The Path to 100 that I worked with to try to shape legislation to make sure that we are trying to serve the State of Illinois with regard to green energy. And also to try to create a space for those companies that are trying to do this work in Illinois, those companies that are trying to partner with other minority companies to do this work as well. I know that there is still yet work to be done to try to make sure that we grow the space for black and brown contractors that want to get into this 10200054.docx 72 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 business. And we continue to make sure that we are holding ourselves accountable through reporting and that we have to include a few other things. So, I know there's still a little work to be done and look forward to continuing that. But again, if I didn't take a moment to at least acknowledge A, the leadership here in the House and all of the work and hours that they put into it. I understand from whence they come because I had this opportunity to do something here in the State of Illinois as it relates to the evidence-based funding model for schools. So, I do understand the time and the effort that it goes to put into these kinds of issues, these kinds of Bills to try to bring them to fruition. But again, as part of The Path to 100 team, I just want to make sure that I acknowledge a few people for the record. And that includes, Amy Heart; Courtney Welch; Dylan Debiasi; Sarah Wochos; Lisa Albrecht; Nakhia Crossley, who is the Executive Director of the Solar Energy Industries Association; Nicole Luckey; Jeff Danielson; Laura Passera, who worked on the wind side of this, in particular; Barry Matchett, of course. A name that we're all familiar with here in Illinois. And then two other advocates that would probably prefer to fly under the radar, but I want to make sure that I acknowledge them. And they are both Bukola Bello, a fantastic advocate here in the State of Illinois, and Jonathan Feipel, who I think is certainly one of the smartest individuals here, who knows this stuff inside and out. So, these are some of the people that at least helped shape and craft what was The Path to 100, which is a part of this piece of legislation, to try to help bring that fruition now. We just need to get it going, bring these solar and wind 10200054.docx 73 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 companies back to the State of Illinois so they can continue to do the work of bringing us to 100 percent green energy as well as continue to create and bring jobs here to the State of Illinois. So, thank you all who worked on this piece of legislation. And looking forward to its passage. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker."
"Representative Caulkins."
"Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative Evans, a couple of questions, if you don't mind, please."
"Please."
"You stated that the estimated cost of the additional… to our power bills to be about, I think, you said $3.50?"
"It was mentioned by Representative Crespo $3.51. My statement, according to the utility… the Citizen's Utility Board, its three dollars.
"Three dollars? AARP, I believe, estimated it to be about $15 a month."
"I'm not sure of that high escalating number. The legislation that we have in front of us today, that's on the board, as estimated at three dollars."
"Well, that was their… I believe that was their estimate. Representative Evans, what county do you live in?"
"In the County of Cook."
"And so, if you wanted to go buy an electric vehicle, you could be eligible for a $4 thousand rebate and I'm not? So, you're going to vote yourself and your colleagues an 10200054.docx 74 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 opportunity to secure a $4 thousand rebate on an electric car, where my constituents can't do that. Is that true?"
"I'm looking through my notes. I'm not sure what you're referring to. Could you… is this something in the language that you're identifying?"
"Cook… Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, Will, Townships of… and townships of, of, of, and of. There's nobody… but you're going to vote yourself an opportunity to get a $4 thousand rebate. Where…"
"Are you buying us an electric vehicle? I mean, is that… are we…"
"I'm certainly looking at it."
"Okay. Oh wow. Okay."
"I'm also looking at putting solar on a building."
"Wonderful."
"But you're denying my constituents an opportunity for a rebate, but you're willing… you're willing to give yourself one."
"It may be a misunderstanding of the language. I mean, I can review that with you. I don't see a restriction for your…"
"No, it's right there in your Bill. We talked about earth's natural resources. I guess to echo what's been said before, these solar panels are being mined in… you know, the chemicals, the products that go into these solar panels are being strip-mined and mined in China by slave labor. And yet, we're going to tie our energy policy to that process? How is that protecting the environment?"
"I struggle to answer that question, but I'm going to make an attempt. This is the world economy. You know, we all have 10200054.docx 75 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 iPhones and equipment that comes from across the world. I think it's very important for us to build an infrastructure for clean energy, and we're going through that process now. Coal is being phased out."
"No."
"Many energy increases of the old are being phased out. So, we must create infrastructure."
"Representative, your time has expired."
"If you want to see more plants like we want to see our four plants in our larger…"
"There are…"
"…make our vehicle made factory plants exist, these are the steps to take."
"Representative, your time has expired."
"Quickly, to the Bill."
"Representative Marron."
"I urge… what we get more time? No, you don't want to do that."
"Just close it up. Close it up."
"Thank you. To the Bill. This Bill is ill-conceived, ill-thought-out. It will be a tremendous burden on the ratepayers of this state. The people that you all profess to want to help. It will drive jobs from this state. We will lose more jobs than you'll ever hope to gain by this alleged Bill… clean energy Bill. I would urge a 'no' vote. We don't need to do this. We don't need to do it tonight. We can do the right thing and move forward with a real energy policy."
"Representative Ford."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?" 10200054.docx 76 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"He'll yield."
"Leader Evans, thank you for the legislation. I have a few questions to ask. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He says he'll yield."
"Thank you. Representative Evans, we talked a lot about this through our caucus and through the Black Caucus, and trying to come up with things that we believe that will make a difference. And one of the things that I said to you is that Chicago and some of the communities, we all respect 2045, but we also know that, with the killing going on in Chicago, we just can't wait for 2045 to have some legislation that helps the City of Chicago and communities that's ravaged with violence. And so, when I look at this Bill, I ask myself, will this Bill help? And I could see some stuff in here that I believe could help, and that is the workforce and contractors development. Do you believe that can help the City of Chicago and the areas that need workforce training and development and to be included in this clean energy economy?"
"Yes."
"In what way?"
"Well, we know that the economy is coming. And we do know that people across this state are not properly trained. These are things that we know. And with future jobs coming and future opportunities coming, will we have individuals ready for those opportunities? It was mentioned about our community colleges. We have great community colleges. We have great universities. But what about the people that don't go inside of the building universities? We have to have hubs. We have 10200054.docx 77 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 to have multi-faceted opportunities for workforce development. And we're creating more to ensure that, if you're looking for an opportunity, one will be available for you."
"So, the hubs are very important to me. And I… that is something that I requested and hope that it becomes a reality. But also, one of the things that I requested, if we're going to deal with the violence in the City of Chicago and the other communities, we have to make sure that people that are locked up in our prisons have an opportunity to be trained. There is something in this Bill that will allow for people to be trained in solar energy in our prisons. Is that correct?"
"Yes."
"Thank you for adding that. To the Bill. I wouldn't normally vote for parts of things in this Bill, but I got a commitment from the Speaker and from the Governor that the work is not done. That the work is not done, and they're committed to making sure that we build a trade school in Chicago. I repeat for the record. I got a commitment from the Speaker and the Governor to make sure that we build a trade school in Chicago. So, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, for that. And thank you, Governor, for agreeing to build this trade school in Chicago. There was a school called Washburne in Chicago, and it serviced the people in Chicago for 67 years. We need to bring that back. I urge an 'aye' vote."
"Representative Swanson."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill, I guess. You know, I just heard the previous speaker comment about a lot of money coming to Chicago, and that's great for the school. But I wonder if that's going to be used to teach people how to build 10200054.docx 78 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 turbines and solar panels. And if that's the case, instead of putting all these out on the farm ground, the 123 thousand acres, maybe they are going to go in Lake Michigan. I don't know. 'Cause they're going to have the educated people there to do it. A comment. A few years ago you all know I was in the military. I spent a year in Iraq. Every morning, General Petraeus was briefed how many hours of electricity the people of Iraq would experience. It would go something like this. Two hours on, six hours off. Three hours on, five hours off. Four hours on, four hours off. The people of Iraq, daily, had to go through rolling blackouts because they did not have the electricity. We're not a war zone. We're not a third world country. But I guess I ask, when the year 2035 rolls around… and I know we've talked about this. The question's been asked. Where is that energy going to come from? I don't believe we're going to have enough energy to make that up with the solar and turbine powers that some of you expect us to have at that time. What I envision are either rolling blackouts, as we experienced in Iraq, as they experienced in Chicago… or I mean, as they experienced in California. As Representative Meier talked about in Southern Illinois, they're experiencing already. Are you, in Chicago, willing to accept rolling blackouts? Are you willing to go two hours on, six hours off; three hours on, five hours off; four hours on, four hours off? How do you adjust your work schedule to accommodate periods of no electricity? Is that a threat? Is that a scare? It really needs to be something you think about when you think about the second and third order effect of this type of legislation. On my farm, I've got three turbines. I live in 10200054.docx 79 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 a district that probably has more turbines than any other district in the State of Illinois. Right outside my front door of our farm, I call it red light district, because we have about 200 and some turbines in that district in just several square miles. The other morning, I finished chores. It was 79 degrees, 10:00 in the morning, and it was a cloudy day. I completed chores, went outside with my camera… and anybody wants to see the video, I videoed all those turbines off. Not a single turbine was turning. My comment on my phone was, here it is, 10:00, 79 degrees. I can hear mom and dad's air conditioner running. Not a single turbine was turning. It was a cloudy day. No solar panels were producing energy. So, guess what? That would have been a period of rolling blackout."
"Representative, your time has expired."
"Thank you. Just… I'll close it up right now, if I can, Speaker. So, with those rolling blackouts, are we willing to accept darkness? Or are we willing to take in the dirty energy that we're going to be importing from our neighboring states? Because there is no plan B, as I see it, at this time. Thank you."
"Representative Morrison."
"Thank you, Mr. Chair. Inquiry of the Chair. How many votes would this require?"
"Seventy-one."
"Seventy-one. Okay. Should it receive 71 or more votes, I request a vote verification."
Speaker Harris: "Representative Morrison has requested a verification." 10200054.docx 80 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"And… to the Bill. Just to dovetail off of what my colleague just talked about. There was a very good op-ed in the Wall Street Journal a few days ago. Headline was, 'Get Ready for the Blackouts'. And the author, Robert Bryce, talked about a business that is booming right now, a Wisconsin based business, Generac. They make… they're one of the largest manufacturers of supplemental power. My neighbor actually has one. And they're in high demand all across the country for the very reason that Representative Swanson talked about. People need energy. In a 21st century economy, it is a matter of life and death. And if this Bill were to pass, if this policy becomes Illinois law, we are once again causing great damage to our residents, to our businesses. I'm grateful for one of the Democrat colleagues who brought up the total cost. This is not just a few extra bucks a month. If you looked at the total cost, Crain's Chicago Business thinks that… or they've studied this. They predict $16.97 per month for the typical single family household. So, I would ask you, have you asked your residents if they're willing to pay $200 or more per year for unreliable energy? Are they willing to see jobs leave the State of Illinois? We all know how bad property taxes are in this state. Our commercial and industrial entities pay a ton of property taxes. When those facilities close, that burden then falls on our residents. Please vote 'no'."
"Representative Welter, for what reason do you seek recognition?"
"Point of personal privilege."
"Please state your point." 10200054.docx 81 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity. I would like to apologize. During my debate as the Lead Republican negotiator on energy, I, of course, want to thank our staff as well. Mike Stieren is in the back there. I was in Mike's office today… yeah, let's give Mike a round of applause. I was in Mike's office today, and I went over by his mini fridge, and I saw he had a stack of papers. It had to have been almost up to my desk here. I'm like, 'Mike, what are those?' He's like, 'David, that's just energy since after we left Springfield.' I'm like, 'Wow.' So, Mike, thank you for all the updates, everything that happens, keeping our caucus apprised to what's going on, what's in the Bill. We appreciate that, your dedication over the last two years on this issue. Again, thank you. To all staff in the chamber that has been involved with this emotional roller coaster of energy, that we're finally here, thank you for what you've done to get us here."
"The final three speakers are Representatives Flowers, Gordon-Booth, and Speaker Welch. Leader Flowers."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Will the Sponsor yield?"
"He indicates he'll yield."
"Representative, I know that you've worked very hard on what it is that we're discussing tonight in regards to climate change. But after listening to Representative Ford, I was kind of concerned because of… he mentioned the people in jail, and the opportunities to be trained while they're there, and how there will be a school built. But I just want to remind everyone that there are existing schools already on the South Side of the City of Chicago and around this state that can do 10200054.docx 82 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 this training already. That's number one. But I want to talk about the African American community just for a moment, please, and how vulnerable we are in regards to not having clean air and how many of our children are rushed to the hospitals because of asthma attacks. And how doctors are complaining that more children, African American children, are dying because of segregation because of the environment in which we are forced to live in, the water we are forced to drink. And we used to have trees in our community that would help clean the air, but the trees are disappearing. But my question to you, in this Bill… in this Bill, is any of these issues that's pertaining to our community, is it being addressed in this legislation in regards to clean air, in regards to, not pre-apprenticeship programs, but programs, jobs that could really help people sustain themselves? Because you have to remember that the former First Lady talked about the house that she and the former President lived in that was built by slaves. So, surely if slaves could build the capital city as well as the capitol and other places… helped build this country, period. You mean to tell me we can't deal with windmills and other jobs without being set aside? Why can't we… where is the African American contracts to do the work around the state. Where is the African American contracts to do the work…"
"Representative, your time has expired."
"…on the South and West Side of the City of Chicago that's being harmed the most, that has been harmed the longest because of segregation?"
"Yeah, I guess my answer would be…" 10200054.docx 83 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"Representative Manley."
"…yeah, I would say, yes, to answer the question."
"Pardon me?"
"I'm answering your question, does that exist within this language? The workforce development and the workforce… all the work that's been put into workforce is about preparing our communities. All of our communities, working class communities with future opportunities. So, I would say yes."
"Where is… where is the workforce development for the majority of people? Why is it that we can't go to the same schools? Why is it that it has to be something different for us when it's our community that's being negatively impacted? I want to know, where is the training program in your Bill that would address the problems that we're having in our community? And, Mr. Speaker, I'm about to take my seat. But I do want the Gentleman to please answer those questions because we do know it's not in our junior colleges. We can't even get a nursing program in our junior colleges. So, can you please tell me where? And should we really have to wait on Representative Ford's school to be built when we have schools already in place?"
"Yeah, again, that is a very multi-faceted question. As a black man, that's one that we deal with every day in various categories. Education, Mental health. Focusing on the opportunities of the future, this Bill lays out a plan. If the solution for an individual is a job, this Bill lays out that opportunity. It may be mental health. It could be variety of things that causes violence and issues. When you talk about a person that’s saying, I want a job in the future economy, 10200054.docx 84 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 we're laying that foundation. And that's why I'm proud to represent this Bill, and I'm looking for its passage."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you, Representative Evans. But, once again, I was also asking about the help that the doctors need in order to know how they could help the children in our community that's dying because of lack of clean air. And the urgency of now. I just need to know if that's being addressed in your Bill because I've heard my other colleagues speak about the UN Commission. And what they came up with, that applies to us as well. Thank you."
"Thank you."
"Leader Gordon-Booth."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. To the Bill. Ladies and Gentlemen, I rise today to speak on this consequential piece of legislation. Contrary to much of what's been said tonight, this Bill should be celebrated for many reasons. The significant progress we are making in putting Illinois on a path to a greener future should be celebrated. The protections that it provides for jobs throughout this state and the inevitable job growth that will take place as we prioritize our climate should be celebrated. And I will tell you, as a downstate Legislator, particularly one from Central Illinois, these issues are incredibly important to my part of the state. This Bill also puts a much needed emphasis on a more diversified energy sector and the equity-centric language that will ensure everyone throughout this state, people who look like me, will also have a place in this important and involving industry. It's important for this Bill to work at the local level. And that's exactly why it allows for local 10200054.docx 85 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 governments to engage in community energy and climate planning. This Bill will create an energy and justice fund to support targeting clean energy investments while expanding low income weatherization opportunities. It will also diversify a workforce, as been stated earlier, and workforce development by establishing a statewide program that will work with community-based organizations and ensure equity- focused populations are able to enter and compete for these jobs of the future. Through the efforts of this Bill… excuse me. Through the efforts of many, this Bill will now require renewable industry… renewable industry reporting on diversity and inclusion efforts. Something that we have not seen before. As well as it will require the IPA to issue upfront rec payments to equitably eligible contractors that need assistance in paying the prevailing wage, head of household wages that many of our colleagues in the Black and Brown Caucuses have been advocating for. Ladies and Gentlemen, I am proud to stand here in support of this Bill today for so many reasons. And I would be remiss if I did not thank the Leadership of Speaker Welch. Thank you so very much for helping to steer this Bill to where it is today. The excellent stewardship of Leader Marcus Evans, Leader Jay Hoffman, Leader Gabel, Leader Walsh, Buckner, Rep Williams, and Leader Davis. Our Senate counterparts, we look forward to their support of this critical legislation, as well as the executive leadership of the Governor's Office. And, in particular, Deputy Governor Christian Mitchell. I would love if you all, too, would see that the efforts that have been made on this 10200054.docx 86 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 incredibly comprehensive piece of legislation and would support it with your 'aye' vote. Thank you."
"Final speaker is Speaker Welch."
"Thank you, Mr. Speaker. You've done a fabulous job here tonight. You've been on your feet a long time. I'll try to make this as quick as possible. To the Bill. Earlier this week, I posed a question to our caucus, 'Why?' I asked them, why are we here? Why did we all, on this side, run for office? Why do we all want to do this job? Who in their right minds want to be a State Legislator? Today I posed that question to all of us, but particularly to those of you on the other side. Why? Why are you here? Why do you want to be a State Legislator? I honestly believe, even though we have differences, Rep, even though we have differences, Leader, each and every one of us is here because we want to help people. We are here tonight because we want to help people. Today we're doing that. We are helping people all over this state. In Byron. In Rochelle. In Rockford. In communities that all of you represent. In Morris. A community that I got to visit, thanks to your invite, when I visited the Dresden Plant. East St. Louis. Springfield. We're helping communities all over this state. We're helping people. That's why we're here tonight. Let's put the rhetoric aside, the politics aside and think about the people we all represent. That's why we're here tonight. What we have done here today is monumental, and it should be celebrated, not castigated. It's historic, and it will positively impact people in each and every one of our districts. From the beginning of these negotiations, I made it clear we would not call a Bill if there was not consensus 10200054.docx 87 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 among all stakeholders. I knew that was a difficult task with so many different interests. But I had confidence and, what I like to say, is a championship team. Championship teams have good pitching at the start of the game, in middle relief, and at the closure… as a closer. The championship team got it done. And I want to commend Leader Evans, who's been on his feet all night answering these tough questions, Leader Gabel, Leader Hoffman, Leader Williams, Buckner, Walsh, and so many others. And I want to ask this chamber to put politics aside for a moment and give each and every one of those people a round of applause. Leader Evans, you’re a champion, brother. I want to also make sure we acknowledge our staff who has worked tirelessly on this. Chloe and Justin Cox, and the entire team that worked on this thousand page document and three different Bills, four different Bills. Let's give our staff a round of applause, please. Leader Welter, thank you. I heard you. Thank you. And thank you for thanking your staff. And thank you for thinking of your community tonight because you're helping people. That's why we're here. I knew with their voices at the table, all these voices, that we would craft a comprehensive energy proposal that would prioritize our climate, equitable job creation and preservation, as well as much needed, meaningful ethics reform. We passed an ethics Bill tonight, and we're going to pass an energy Bill with strong ethics reform in it. Ethics. The right thing to do. I want to also take a moment to express gratitude to all of them for getting us across the finish line and working around the clock to make sure this legislation included priorities for environmental and labor groups and all other 10200054.docx 88 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 stakeholders. I don't think there was anyone left out. Every constituent group you can think of is represented in this Bill. And I want to thank my friends, Senator Don Harmon, President Harmon, and Governor JB Pritzker. Because with their help, with their leadership, the legislation we're going to pass tonight is nothing short of extraordinary and it deserves to be celebrated. We deserve to celebrate the work that we're putting in here on this long day today. This Bill provides a clear path to reducing our carbon emissions. It puts Illinois on a clear timeline to a greener economy. It makes significant investments in the development of renewable energy. It protects jobs and people in your communities. This Bill is the right thing to do, and each and every one of you know it. It creates a structural… it creates a structure that focuses on diversifying the energy sector. And it has provisions to hold the whole industry accountable to higher ethical standards. I was watching the Executive Committee earlier today and saw thousands of people slipped in support of this Bill. It's supported by the Climate Jobs Illinois Coalition, the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, the Sierra Club, and thousands of others. Why? Let's ask that question. Why? Because our climate can't wait. And if you can't answer that truthfully, shame on you. Our climate cannot wait. Climate change is going to cost us more if we don't act now. Climate change is costing homeowners right now because of the spike in insurance after every flood and every tornado in each of our districts. I've had like the 100-year flood in my district every 3 years. Insurance is through the roof because of the climate is changing in each and every one of our 10200054.docx 89 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 districts. In your districts too. This is what legislating is supposed to look like. It's about good faith negotiating. It's about advocating for the interests in our districts back home. And it's about compromise in order to arrive at a product that benefits people in your districts and ours. So, if you’re here for the people, put the politics aside. Let's all do the right thing tonight. Let's get the job done together. Let's save these jobs. Let's save these communities. Let's do the right thing for the people. I ask for you to vote. Let's end this thing tonight and vote 'yes' on Senate Bill 2408. Thank you all so much."
"Members, Representative Morrison has requested a verification. All Members will be in their chairs and vote their own switches. The question is, 'Shall Senate Bill 2408 pass?' All in favor vote 'aye'; all opposed vote 'nay'. The voting is open. Mr. Clerk."
"Representative Ammons."
"I vote 'aye'."
"Representative Ammons votes 'aye'. Representative Batinick."
"I vote 'no'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Batinick votes 'no'. Representative Buckner."
"Buckner votes 'aye'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Buckner votes 'aye'. Representative Carroll."
"Representative Carroll votes a very enthusiastic 'yes'." 10200054.docx 90 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Carroll votes 'yes'. Representative Guzzardi."
"Representative Guzzardi votes 'aye'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Guzzardi votes 'aye'. Representative Lisa Hernandez." Hernandez, L.: "Representative Lisa Hernandez votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Lisa Hernandez votes 'yes'. Representative Jones."
"Representative Jones votes 'yes'."
"Representative Jones votes 'yes'. Representative Mason."
"Representative Mason votes 'yes'."
"Representative Mason votes 'yes'. Representative Mazzochi."
"Representative Mazzochi votes 'no'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Mazzochi votes 'no'. Representative McLaughlin."
"Representative McLaughlin votes 'aye'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative McLaughlin votes 'aye'. Representative Moeller."
"Representative Moeller votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Moeller votes 'yes'. Representative Ozinga."
"Ozinga is a 'no'."
"Representative Ozinga votes 'no'. Representative Robinson."
"Aye."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Robinson votes 'aye'. Representative Sosnowski." 10200054.docx 91 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021
"No."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Sosnowski votes 'no'. Representative Spain."
"Spain votes 'no'."
"Representative Spain votes 'no'. Representative Walsh."
"Walsh votes 'aye'."
"Representative Walsh votes 'aye'. Representative Wheeler."
"Wheeler votes 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Wheeler votes 'yes'. Representative Ann Williams." Williams, A.: "Ann Williams 'yes'."
Clerk Hollman: "Representative Ann Williams votes 'yes'. Representative Yang Rohr."
"Representative Yang Rohr votes 'yes'."
"Representative Yang Rohr votes 'yes'."
"Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Have all voted who wish? Mr. Clerk, please take the record. With a vote of 83 voting… I'm sorry. On this question, there are 83 voting 'yes', 33 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. Mr. Clerk, please read the names of those… Representative Morrison withdraws his verification. On this question, there are 83 voting 'yes', 33 voting 'no', 0 voting 'present'. And this Bill, having received the Constitutional Majority, is hereby declared passed. Mr. Clerk, Agreed Resolutions."
"Agreed Resolutions. House Resolution 390, offered by Representative Butler. House Resolution 392, offered by Representative Crespo. House Resolution 393, offered by 10200054.docx 92 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 Representative Robinson. House Resolutions 394 and 395, offered by Representative Brady. House Resolution 396, offered by Representative Davis. House Resolution 397, offered by Leader Durkin. House Resolution 398, offered by Representative Nichols. House Resolution 399, offered by Representative Marron. House Resolution 400, offered by Representative Mason. House Resolution 402, offered by Representative Keicher. House Resolution 403, offered by Representative Crespo. House Resolution 406, offered by Representative Greenwood. House Resolution 407, offered by Representative Robinson. House Resolution 408, offered by Representative Gong-Gershowitz. House Resolution 409, offered by Representative Gordon-Booth. House Resolution 410, offered by Representative Kifowit. House Resolution 411, offered by Representative Lilly. House Resolution 412, offered by Representative Batinick. House Resolution 413, offered by Representative West. House Resolution 414, offered by Representative DeLuca. House Resolution 415, offered by Representative Harris. House Resolution 417, offered by Speaker Welch. House Resolution 419, offered by Representative Buckner. House Resolution 420, offered by Speaker Welch. House Resolution 421, offered by Representative Evans. House Resolution 422, offered by Representative Buckner. House Resolution 423, offered by Representative Ford. House Resolution 424, offered by Representative Keicher. House Resolution 425, offered by Representative Halbrook. House Resolution 426, offered by Representative Mason. House Resolution 427, offered by Representative LaPointe. House Resolution 428, offered by 10200054.docx 93 STATE OF ILLINOIS 102nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRANSCRIPTION DEBATE 54th Legislative Day 9/9/2021 Representative Kifowit. House Resolution 429, offered by Representative Manley. House Resolution 430, offered by Representative Flowers. House Resolution 431, offered by Representative Morrison. House Resolution 432, offered by Representative Davidsmeyer. House Resolution 433, offered by Representative Friess. House Resolution 435, offered by Representative Hoffman. House Resolution 436, offered by Representative Hoffman. House Resolution 437, offered by Representative Ugaste. House Resolution 438, offered by Representative Flowers. House Resolution 439, offered by Representative Zalewski. House Resolution 440, offered by Representative Buckner. House Resolution 441, offered by Representative Buckner. House Resolution 442, offered by Representative Marron. House Resolution 444, offered by Representative Gabel. House Resolution 445, offered by Representative Kifowit. House Resolution 446, offered by Representative Marron. House Resolution 447, offered by Representative Wilhour. House Resolution 448, offered by Representative Morgan. House Resolution 449, offered by Representative Morgan. And House Resolution 450, offered by Representative Delgado."
"Leader Manley moves for the adoption of the Agreed Resolutions. All those in favor say 'aye'; opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the Agreed Resolutions are adopted. In accordance with House Joint Resolution 52, Leader Manley moves that House stand adjourned to the call of the Speaker. All those in favor say 'aye'; all the opposed say 'nay'. In the opinion of the Chair, the 'ayes' have it. And the House stands adjourned." 10200054.docx 94