Interview with State Rep. Ann Williams
Clean Energy, Jobs, and the Illinois Environment
Ann Williams (D-Chicago), Illinois General Assembly Representative for the 11th District, has been actively involved in environmental work and legislation for more than a decade. Current Chair of the Illinois House Energy and Environmental Committee, Rep. Williams has also served on the Illinois Legislative Green Caucus and the Renewable Energy & Sustainability Committee. She was a co-sponsor of the groundbreaking Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016 and is cosponsor, with Cristina Castro (D-Elgin), of the Clean Energy Jobs Act, which was reintroduced on February 9.
In this interview with LWV Chicago, Rep. Williams discusses her involvement in environmental issues and CEJA. She will appear in a joint LWV Chicago and Union League Club 'Chicago in Focus' program on March 30. Register to attend.
Q: When did you get involved in environmental legislation?
A: When I ran for office the first time, in 2010, issues pertaining to the environment were at the forefront in terms of the constituents of the communities I serve. Just ten years later the conversation has escalated. Now we’re talking about the climate crisis and environmental justice, terms we didn’t use even ten years ago. While these issues have been a priority for me since day one, there has been a growing urgency in the past few years and I have stayed focused as the issue evolved.
Q: What is the status of CEJA? How likely will we see action on it?
A: Energy bills typically take a couple of years from the time of introduction to get through to passage. I would be surprised if the bill passes as is; there will be negotiation. But I do feel more positive this year. [CEJA has 56 co-sponsors in the Illinois House and 30 in the Illinois Senate. Polling has shown widespread support, according to Cristine Castro and Ann Williams in a Chicago Tribune op-ed.
Q: How can LWV Chicago help?
A: As an organization known for making thoughtful reviews of policies, the League of Women Voters can spread the word and share support for the basic concept of moving forward toward a non-utility-company-focused, more environmentally and community driven clean energy future. You might think about letting your friends and family and your network go for the Clean Energy Jobs Coalition to get more information, check on the status of the legislation, connect with their legislators, and let them know they’re interested in this bill. This will help us gain momentum.
Q: Tell us about CEJA and how it came about.
A: A few years ago a coalition of stakeholders, and that’s what we usually need for legislation on energy, took some important steps forward in the Future Energy Jobs Act.
This act established what’s known as Clean Energy Empowerment Zones that target new investment in communities impacted by fossil fuel plant closures. That has been highly successful; Illinois is now one of the leading states in the number of solar jobs created. But the state still doesn’t have enough incentives for new projects or infrastructure.
CEJA not only builds on this prior legislation, it takes important steps forward. We set some goals in CEJA. One is to have a carbon-free power sector by 2030. Another is to have a fully renewable power sector by 2050. The foundation for this legislation is to ensure that, as we push forward on the green economy, we place equity at the forefront and prioritize economic development and job growth in communities that have been underserved in general or disproportionately impacted by pollution.
Unlike prior energy bills, CEJA is not utility driven. It is not business driven. It is community driven. In communities that have lost coal-burning power plants, CEJA supports local governments by replacing lost property tax revenue and job training.
Q: How was CEJA and its focus on communities developed?
A: We did not come up with this by working on the legislation in back rooms. This was developed after a series of mutually shared tours. The Clean Energy Jobs Coalition went around the state for a full year and got to know residents in different communities. We asked faith leaders, community organizers, activists, community leaders, what do you want to see in clean energy? What are your concerns about pollution and energy as they relate to one another? What resources do you get? What does your town need? What are you most concerned about? That is how the bill developed.
Submit a Witness Slip in Support of CEJA
CEJA legislation (HB 804) will have a committee hearing in the Illinois House Energy & Environment Committee on March 17 at 2 pm. Fill out a witness slip in support. Under Representation, write 'Self'; under Position, select 'Proponent'; and under Testimony, select 'Record of Appearance Only'.