Clean Grid Alliance Supports Illinois Commerce Commission, Urges Illinois Supreme Court to Act to Protect Clean Power
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHICAGO (October 3, 2024) – Today, in a joint motion before the Illinois Supreme Court, Clean Grid Alliance urged the Illinois Supreme Court to review a recent lower court ruling that jeopardizes future clean infrastructure investment across Illinois.
The nationally lauded and successful Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) of 2021 supercharged the clean energy industries in Illinois and established a sturdy foundation to expand upon. However, progress in meeting aggressive goals hasn't kept pace with demand. Federal, regional, and state energy regulators project that Illinois will face an energy capacity shortfall as early as 2030.
"The Grain Belt Express transmission line is needed to deliver clean energy, reliability, and cost savings to Illinois consumers. The 5th District's ruling overturning the permit creates uncertainty for clean energy projects across the Midwest. This ruling must be reviewed to ensure that the standards are clear for the development of this line, as well as future clean energy infrastructure that is needed to realize Illinois' clean energy goals while maintaining reliability and affordability for customers," said CGA Executive Director Beth Soholt.
In its Renewable Energy Access Plan, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) noted that "the most cost-effective and balanced 100% clean electricity resource mix will likely need to account for the ability to import clean electricity." Without action from the Illinois Supreme Court to clarify ICC's role in developing transmission, consumer energy bills will suffer.
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About Clean Grid Alliance
Clean Grid Alliance (CGA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in St. Paul, Minn., whose mission is to advance renewable energy in the Midwest. CGA has been an active stakeholder in the MISO process at the state and regional levels and a leading organization working on transforming state energy policy. CGA's membership includes industry representatives working in wind, solar and storage as well as environmental nonprofit organizations, public interest groups, clean energy advocates, farm groups, and businesses providing goods and services to the clean energy industry who come together to reduce carbon and deliver a clean energy future.
