Springfield, IL – State Senator Sue Rezin (R-Morris) issued the following statement following the passage of the controversial, so-called “Energy Omnibus Bill”:
“This legislation is a massive step backward for Illinois families and ratepayers. It lifts the caps that protect consumers from skyrocketing rates and gives unelected regulators unchecked power over how much Illinoisans pay for electricity. Once those price caps are gone, there’s no limit to how high rates can climb.
“This bill forces ratepayers to cover billions in new costs, including battery storage projects that will benefit large investment firms, while doing nothing to lower energy prices or improve reliability in the near future.
“Make no mistake about it. This bill wasn’t written with ratepayers in mind. It was written to make powerful special interest groups happy. Instead of finding balanced, responsible ways to strengthen our grid and lower costs, this plan puts everyday families at the bottom of the priority list.
“I have been a long-time advocate for lifting Illinois’ moratorium on new nuclear construction, and I am glad to finally see that barrier removed. However, that positive step is completely overshadowed by the many harmful and costly policies buried within this legislation.
“I’ve always supported an all-of-the-above energy strategy that includes renewables and nuclear power, but that strategy has to be fair, affordable, and reliable. This bill fails on all three.”