As Governor Pritzker leads the gubernatorial mission to the United Kingdom to highlight Illinois' green energy economy, he delivered the keynote address at the Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) roundtable. He addressed business leaders and government officials, stressing the urgency of working across sectors and borders to combat the current climate emergency.
Pritzker is part of the largest-ever bipartisan delegation of U.S. states at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP26). The Governor emphasized Illinois' nation-leading efforts on climate action, which includes tangible benchmarks:
- Decarbonization: Phasing out coal and natural gas by requiring emissions reductions by mandating zero emissions for private coal by 2030 and municipal coal and natural gas by 2045.
- Transportation: Putting one million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, providing a $4,000 electric vehicle rebate for consumers.
- Renewable energy: Putting Illinois on the path to 100% clean energy by 2050.
- Equity: Making equitable investments in Illinois' new clean energy economy and advancing environmental justice.
"In 1871 Illinois' great global city was destroyed by the Great Chicago Fire. In the wake of that, Chicago became the most entrepreneurial city in the world as innovators flocked there to begin anew. The renaissance that followed was remarkable as new businesses and new inventions like the skyscraper sprang up almost overnight. Sometimes in the wake of tragedy come the most creative people and ideas," Pritzker said, ending his speech by noting, "The greatest test of any generation of leaders is just how willing they are to work to overcome the tragedies that befall them. That is the moment we all find ourselves in. Climate change is here and it is causing tragedy all around us. That's why we are all here today in Glasgow -- to own a responsibility we were born into, one that we must carry all of our days. And while I know the challenges in front of us are many. In Illinois our people are known for our hard work. So we bring that determination to the collective fight, joining with you here in Glasgow. I've never been more hopeful about the outcome."
Categories: Illinois, Energy