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Energy and Environment

We are experiencing a climate crisis. Changing weather and natural disasters have created challenges for Illinoisans throughout the state. Addressing climate change and moving toward clean, sustainable energy sources is one of the most pressing issues facing our country. 

As a Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, I have the opportunity to shape legislation affecting clean air, climate change, safe drinking water, renewable energy, and hazardous waste. In Chicago, many low-income communities, primarily communities of color, have experienced environmental racism contributing to higher rates of asthma, heart attacks, neurological issues, cancers, and shorter life expectancy. 

I was proud to support the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act which included critical investments in Illinois to address some of these challenges. This bill provided $1.7 billion over five years to improve water infrastructure across the state and ensure that clean, safe drinking water is a right in all communities. Illinois will receive $4 billion to improve access to public transportation, $27 million to prepare our infrastructure against natural disasters, and $149 million to support the expansion of electric vehicle charging networks. These investments will allow Illinois to address climate change and move toward more sustainable energy sources for years to come, but more work remains in Congress to ensure future generations are inheriting a world that is environmentally sound. 

My environmental and energy priorities are: 

  • Achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050;
  • Prioritizing energy infrastructure that encourages sustainable, clean energy that supports the goal of net-zero emissions; 
  • Addressing environmental racism and promoting environmental justice initiatives; 
  • Delivering clean drinking water to every American and eliminating the nation’s lead service lines and pipes;
  • Preventing habitat degradation to ensure our diverse ecosystems remain protected; and
  • Lowering energy costs for consumers through investments in biofuels, solar, and wind energy sources;