Published in the Daily Herald 11/15/21
Countries across the world came together in Glasgow for COP26 to discuss how the world will address our climate crisis. I have joined with state legislators from across America to call on the federal government to strengthen our national climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. The time for action is now, and as a nation, we have a moral and practical responsibility to reach net zero emissions by or before 2050.
I am so proud to have helped pass the Clean Energy and Jobs Act (CEJA), which puts Illinois on track to be powered by 100% renewable energy by 2050. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make a major investment in clean, renewable energy while building the foundation for 21st century economic stability.
And Illinois isn’t acting alone. States across the country have been at the forefront of climate action while building the new clean energy economy and addressing systemic inequities.
States’ bold steps can serve as a road map for federal action. More than two-thirds of U.S. states and territories have some form of Renewable Portfolio Standard or Clean Energy Standard, and more than a dozen have committed to 100% clean energy.
With strong international, national and state action, we can take the steps that are needed to avoid further climate catastrophe. I encourage President Biden and the Illinois Congressional Delegation to look to Illinois and CEJA as an example of smart, sustainable environmental policy.
State Rep. Jennifer Gong-Gershowitz
Glenview