(The Center Square) – The Illinois House Energy and Environment Committee has advanced legislation to study the potential movement of populations due to climate issues.
Senate Bill 1859 advanced to the House floor Tuesday after committee members voted 17-10 in favor of the measure.
State Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, explained the goal of SB 1859 to create the Climate Displacement Task Force.
“We anticipate that there will be changes in population across the country and around the world, and we need to make sure that Illinois is prepared for the movement of peoples: the influx of people from outside of Illinois as well as the population shifts within our state,” Guzzardi said.
State Rep. Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, questioned Guzzardi about the proposed group.
“Is this task force going to study the outmigration as a result of some of our climate policies in this state, specifically the outmigration of good union jobs?” Wilhour asked.
“The task force is going to project, to the best of the ability of those who work on it, the possible migration trends that will result from climate change, not necessarily our state’s policies per se, but climate and weather changes as a whole,” Guzzardi answered.
Wilhour suggested that he might be willing to support the task force if it considered the effects of the state’s climate policies on real people.
After Wilhour spoke, state Rep. Will Davis, D-Hazel Crest, addressed Guzzardi.
“Well, Will, at least you’ll be on one Will’s side,” Davis said, laughing.
Guzzardi said people in Illinois and around the world might find their communities to be unlivable due to changes in climate.
Davis said he found the subject interesting.
“I bet there’s a seat on this task force for you if you’re looking for it,” Guzzardi suggested to Davis.
“If Wilhour’s going, then I’m going,” Davis responded.
