Rust Belt to Green Belt legislation passes Illinois House


 Rust Belt to Green Belt legislation passes Illinois House

By Tia Carol Jones

The Rust Belt to Green Belt Legislation, SB 193/ HB 2132, passed the Illinois House at the end of March. Legislators believe it is the first step in Illinois becoming a leader in offshore wind production. It also will help the state reach the climate goals listed in the Clean Energy Jobs Act. The legislation, which is a framework for offshore wind energy, has the potential to create more than 1,000 jobs.

“Offshore wind is not only a pathway to environmental sustainability, it's an investment in an inclusive economic future for Illinois, and we applaud House Leader Evans for his continued commitment to creating clean jobs,” Joe Duffy, Executive Director of Climate Jobs Illinois, said in a release.

 “Illinois has already committed to meeting the climate goals outlined in the Clean Energy Jobs Act, and offshore wind will help us meet those goals and grow the economy through good-paying union jobs that ensure workers can support their families.”

Illinois State Representative Marcus Evans and Illinois State Senator Robert Peters advocated the bill. Evans sponsored the bill. Evans sponsored the bill because there is a need for more clean energy production. The Rust Belt to Green Belt legislation is another clean energy idea. The bill enables the Illinois Power Agency to start the process for the development for offshore wind energy.

Within the legislation, there is a provision requiring a community benefits agreement that will ensure jobs generated from the project go to Black and Brown communities. “My goal is always to include Southeast side people, working class people and Black people, that’s what I think about when I do any legislation. With every bill I pass, I’m trying to help the community,” said Evans, who is the Illinois House Assistant Majority Leader.

The community benefits agreement ensures that whoever develops the offshore wind energy will include people from the community in its hiring. The legislation now goes to the Illinois Senate for a vote. Evans is confident the legislation will pass there, too. He said clean energy and clean energy production is very needed.

“We are pleased that the Illinois General Assembly has created this opportunity for continued sustainability in our state. Wind farms are wholly consistent with the Chicago Urban League's embrace of development and jobs of the future,” said Chicago Urban League President and CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson.

Once it passes the Senate and the Governor signs it, Illinois Power Agency will find a developer for the offshore wind project. In September 2022, Evans and Peters hosted a Town Hall Meeting in South Chicago to discuss bringing offshore wind projects to the community.

“We always need new projects, growth and development in the community and we need ideas to create jobs. We need economic activity in our community and this project would be a driver of economic activity,” Evans said.

For more information about Rust Belt to Green Belt, visit rustbelttogreenbelt.com.

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