Laborers’ Union Joins 60 Wind, Solar and Energy Storage Companies and Organizations in Support of Path to 100 Act

Diverse coalition backs plan to keep state’s renewables sector growing

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.: The Laborers’ International Union of North America Midwest Region (LiUNA) has joined the growing coalition of 60 businesses and organizations advocating passage of the Path to 100 Act (SB1781 / HB 2966) legislation to sustain and strengthen Illinois’ renewable energy industry.

“It’s an honor to have one of the country’s largest labor organizations join our effort to strengthen Illinois’ renewable energy policy,” said Rep. Will Davis (D-East Hazel Crest), House sponsor of the Path to 100 Act. “Wind and solar businesses are ready to partner with labor to deliver clean energy and continue building a diverse and equitable workforce here in Illinois. We need to pass the Path to 100 Act to make that happen.”

Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago) added, “I appreciate LiUNA’s support for the Path to 100 Act. Having highly trained workers throughout Illinois building the next generation of energy projects is a critical part of growing the State’s economy. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass SB 1781 to make that happen.”

“LiUNA members are building our energy future and we support cost-effective policies like the Path to 100 Act,” said Sean Stott, Director of Governmental Affairs for LiUNA Midwest Region, “The Path to 100 Act will keep renewable energy growing in Illinois and create tens of thousands of good jobs in the process.”

Stopping the Funding Cliff

While the Future Energy Jobs Act provided additional funding for renewable energy development, all of its funds will have been fully obligated by the end of 2019. The Path to 100 Act addresses this funding cliff that will stall renewable energy development at only 7% of Illinois supply. The legislation is narrowly tailored to restore adequate funding, resolve technical issues in the state’s policy and expand Illinois’ Renewable Portfolio Standard to 40% renewable energy by 2030.

Path to 100 supporters include laborers, nonprofit and trade associations and more than 50 businesses working in wind, solar, energy storage, and construction in Illinois. The legislation would create an estimated 25,000 new clean energy jobs by 2030 while delivering new property tax revenues and landowner payments to communities across the state.

Supporters:

The Path to 100 Act is sponsored by Representative Will Davis (D-East Hazel Crest) and Senator Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago). For more information, visit www.pathto100.net.