SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Commerce Commission is working swiftly to implement the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act to make Illinois a leader in fighting climate change, thanks to the work of Frankfort Democrat, State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

Hastings, who serves as chair of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, led legislative negotiations for the Senate Democratic Caucus. He is thrilled to see the ICC begin the process of applying vital provisions.

“This historic, bipartisan agreement will provide Illinois residents with reliable, renewable and responsible energy,” Hastings said. “I am pleased to see the ICC working diligently to carry out the immediate requirements of the new law.”

Under the act, the ICC is directed to hold meetings to solicit public input on the design of beneficial electrification programs offered by ComEd and Ameren Illinois to increase adoption of electric vehicles in the state.

Other provisions call for a management audit into ComEd’s practices and procedures and an investigation in connection with the company’s conduct detailed in the federal Deferred Prosecution Agreement entered with the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois. The commission has directed ICC staff to conduct a competitive solicitation to hire a management auditor to perform the management audit of ComEd.

Hastings urges those interested in following the commission’s progress, or participating in public meetings, workshops or other activities to visit the ICC’s webpage dedicated to the implementation of the new law by visiting https://www.icc.illinois.gov/programs/Public-Act-1020662-Implementation.

Hastings remains committed to job preservation for the residents of the south suburbs and throughout the state, while fighting to create new good-paying jobs to help grow Illinois’ economy.

The new law is projected to preserve nearly 28,000 direct and indirect jobs and $149 million in local economic impact.  

“I pledge to continue to fight to protect the jobs of the families throughout our district that work tirelessly to provide their children with the best opportunities,” Hastings said. “Not only were we able to preserve these jobs, we also worked to create opportunities for new good-paying jobs in the energy sector.”