North Egypt News

Rep. Paul Jacobs is disappointed that his warnings about blackouts and brownouts were not heard.

In an Aug. 10 news release, Jacobs spoke out on the Republicans' new energy package aimed at making changes to the Clean Energy Jobs Act.

“Our warnings about blackouts and brownouts and the threat to the grid by arbitrarily imposing closure dates on our coal-fired power and natural gas power plants fell on deaf ears, and Governor Pritzker signed off on the legislation with no regard for the impact it would have on Southern Illinois,” Jacobs said. “I am hearing from Ameren customers that their bills have gone up this summer as much as 400% in some cases. Businesses of all sizes, working families, and seniors are all feeling the pinch of higher food and gas prices, and are now being whacked by unsustainable and unaffordable higher energy costs. We can bring down the price of energy and restore our own energy independence by using our vast natural resources to power the grid. The legislation I’m sponsoring along with Rep. Windhorst, Rep. Severin, and several of my colleagues from throughout downstate Illinois would stabilize our electric grid, cut energy costs across the board, and eliminate bureaucratic barriers to bringing new power plants online. This is about providing our citizens with the reliable, affordable, efficient, and sustainable power they need and deserve.”

Paul Jacobs was first elected to the Illinois House in 2020. A Republican, his legislative experience includes serving on the Tourism Committee and Higher Education. Jacobs is a state representative who resides in Pomona, according to the Illinois House.

House Bills 5780 would create a task force to " study the effect of state laws, including CEJA, on energy prices as well as grid reliability"; House Bill 5781 would eliminate the 20145 mandated closure of nuclear power plants in the state that was outlined in CEJA; and House Bill 5782 would get rid of the red tape that makes it harder to bring nuclear power plants online.

Jacobs signed on to a comprehensive package of legislation focused on energy in the state. The package would assist nuclear power plant operators and owners by streamlining the bureaucratic process, getting rid of red tape and helping Southern Illinois' residents with spikes in costs.