What is Clean Energy Lobby Day?
Clean Energy Lobby Day is an opportunity for us to head to Springfield and tell our legislators and the Governor that…Climate Can’t Wait, Consumers Can’t Wait, and Communities Can’t Wait!
Lobby Day is organized by the Illinois Environmental Council (IEC), Illinois Sierra Club, Faith in Place, and other partner organizations, including Prairie Rivers Network. Lobby Day is about a few things:
- It is about meeting with our legislators in Springfield to share our stories, evidence, and support for acting on climate change, reducing pollution, and growing clean energy and clean energy jobs,
- It’s also about showing up in big numbers to show our power and our support for this movement, and
- It’s about connecting with others in our community and our state who share a vision for a just and equitable clean energy future. What does Lobby Day mean to you?
What Legislation are we lobbying for?
This year we will be lobbying and rallying in support for the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). CEJA is comprehensive energy legislation that would put Illinois on the path to 100% renewable energy by 2050, tackle carbon pollution from the electric sector by 2030, reduce gas and diesel vehicles from the transportation sector, and create jobs and economic opportunity.
When and where?
Lobby Day is on March 4th and there will be buses from over 19 locations statewide. Buses will arrive in Springfield around 10-11am. Participants will be part of a group that meets with both their state senator and state representative. At 1pm we’ll gather on the first floor rotunda for a rally. The rally will include several speakers from across the state sharing what the Clean Energy Jobs Act means to them. Buses will depart around 2pm.
How do I register?
Register to attend and ride a bus at this link, ilenviro.org/lobbyday2020 Please register even if you plan to drive yourself, carpool, or take the train.
Do I need to be an expert on the legislation? What if I have never lobbied before?
If you are thinking about attending you likely have a reason why you support clean energy, are interested in new job opportunities, or are concerned about pollution or climate change. The only thing you need to be an expert on is your own story.
You will receive a packet with information about CEJA and best practices for lobbying your legislators. IEC will also host an optional webinar on March 1st at 3pm for participants to learn more about CEJA and lobbying. On Lobby Day, each district will have a team captain and you’ll be with a group of other constituents when you visit your legislator’s offices.
Does the Clean Energy Jobs Act have the support it needs to pass this Spring?
Grassroots support: The Clean Energy Jobs Act is the only legislation that was developed with input from community members across the state. In addition to being developed with grassroots input it also has widespread and growing grassroots support, with advocates delivering over 23,000 petitions to Governor Prtizker on January 27th.
Governor support: Governor Pritzker has been a long-time supporter of tackling climate change and expanding renewable energy. During his state of the state address in January he committed to make clean energy legislation a priority in 2020. He called for policy that reduces carbon pollution, promotes renewable energy, accelerates electrification of the transportation sector, and puts consumers and climate first! If that sounds familiar, it’s because that’s what CEJA does!
Legislature support: The Clean Energy Jobs Act currently has 34 co-sponsors in the Senate and 57 co-sponsors in the House.
Opposition: Support continues to grow, but we’re not across the finish line yet. Several other stakeholders, including the coal and gas industry, utilities, and more, also have an interest in energy legislation this spring and they are mobilizing in Springfield. This is the time to show our support for CEJA and Illinois’ equitable clean energy future!
