South West Illinois News

Veteran state Sen. Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) worries about the tone she sees the state’s newly passed clean energy bill setting.

“This legislation sets a terrible precedent by allowing a private company to take someone’s land under the guise of eminent domain,” Bryant posted on Facebook. “Eminent domain has always been used by the government for the sole purpose of providing property for public use. Under this legislation, we have given the green-light to take private land from citizens to allow a private company to make money.”

Bryant isn’t alone in sounding an alarm about legislation that Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law on Sept. 15. Pritzker has hailed the legislation as being “transformative.”

“Call your senator and tell them to reject Pritzker’s job-killing and rate-raising Illinois Green New Deal,” said Sen. Darren Bailey (R-Louisville), who has launched a campaign seeking the GOP nomination to oppose Pritzker in 2022.

“This irresponsible and activist-driven legislation allows for eminent domain and will have Illinois importing energy and exporting jobs while working families pay the price,” he said.

The legislation seeks to shift state energy policy in the direction of renewable energy sources and away from a reliance on fossil fuels. The measure also calls for the closure of the downstate Prairie State Coal plant, while pumping nearly $700 million in subsidies to Exelon over the next five years to keep three nuclear plants running.

Again, Bryant isn’t a fan.

“The rights and property of our landowners should be protected,” she said. “Yet, today we have pushed through a proposal that sends a clear message. When a profit is on the line, those rights don’t matter. It’s a direct assault on the people of this state.”

Bryant warns the abuse doesn’t end there.

“This legislation is the highest energy increase in Illinois history, adding to the burdens placed on small businesses and citizens who are already struggling,” she said. “I would not support a proposal that places profits and bailouts above the wellbeing and future of Illinoisans.”