Illinois State Representative Dan Ugaste said on Apr. 17 that new regulations and closure deadlines under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) could lead to higher energy costs for residents. Ugaste made these remarks in response to an editorial highlighting the move of a large natural gas-powered energy plant from Elwood, Illinois, to Texas.
Ugaste said the situation should alert state lawmakers about potential consequences for Illinoisans if current policies continue. “This should serve as a major wake-up call for our state lawmakers, as CEJA regulations and closure deadlines are going to lead to more early plant closures and increased energy costs,” Ugaste said. He called for a reconsideration of the deadlines set by CEJA, adding, “We must reverse course on the deadlines.”
Ugaste warned that policy decisions have real effects on people across Illinois. “What we do here has a real impact on people’s lives, and these unrealistic deadlines to move to other energy sources will lead to unintended consequences, which in this case means higher electric rates for Illinoisans,” he said.
Ugaste is a Republican who was elected in 2019 to represent Illinois’ 65th House District after Steven Andersson left office, according to Ballotpedia.
The broader debate over CEJA continues as lawmakers consider how best to balance environmental goals with economic impacts.
