Walsh-backed bill to create clean energy jobs passes out of Illinois House committee

A measure to invest in clean-energy infrastructure in Illinois while also providing aid to workers in affected industries backed by State Rep. Larry Walsh Jr. is one step closer to becoming law.

The bipartisan Climate Union Jobs Act passed out of the Illinois House Public Utilities Committee last week, which Walsh chairs, according to a news release.

“I am keenly aware that the future of our state’s economy is transitioning to one that is more environmentally driven,” Walsh said in the release. “With this in mind, I introduced a bill which will create thousands of high paying jobs and train the next generation of workers for jobs designed to move our clean energy infrastructure further into the twenty-first century while also preserving our nuclear power fleet.”

The bill establishes comprehensive labor standards which supporters have argued is necessary for the development of clean energy projects. They also said the legislation would provide funding for energy laborers and other workers as they transition further away from carbon-emitting industries toward renewable energy programs.

“As we continue modernizing essential sectors within our economy, the interests and livelihoods of working men and women must remain a number one priority,” he said in the release.

Walsh, D-Elwood, has pushed for the bill with other area lawmakers, State Sens. Michael Hastings, D-Tinley Park, and Sue Rezin, R-Morris.

The bill passed unanimously in committee and will head to the full House for consideration.