Illinois GOP aims to keep power plants open, increase charge
transparency
[April 18, 2026]
By Sean Reed | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – As closure of coal and natural gas powered energy
plants loom, a group of GOP lawmakers have called for major shifts in
Illinois’ energy policy.
They said closures would have a negative impact on state and regional
power at a time when energy consumption – and costs – are on the rise.
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker
in 2021, will require fossil fuel plants to shutter between 2030 and
2045, but Rep. Dan Ugaste, R-St. Charles, said some producers are
pulling the plug early.
“A massive energy plant in Elwood isn't waiting,” Ugaste said. They're
moving their two-thirds ownership of the facility now down to Texas.
They are literally putting it on flatbed trucks and moving it out of the
ComEd territory.”
A larger group of Republican lawmakers want to repeal CEJA entirely,
including Rep. Dave Severin, R-Benton, who is spearheading the effort
through House Bill 4088.
He said the goal of the state running entirely on green energy by 2045
is unrealistic and impossible.
“As lawmakers, we should be using an ‘all of the above’ approach to
energy policy. Illinois can't simply shut down coal and natural gas
plants before reliable and affordable replacements are ready,” Severin
said.
Rep. Christopher “C.D.” Davidsmeyer, R-Jacksonville, said apart from
energy availability and costs, the plan is also going to have fiscal
consequences for Illinois.
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“Last summer, we saw energy prices skyrocket through the roof in
Illinois due to multiple factors,” Davidsmeyer said. “When we talk
about energy policy, we need to keep affordability in the front of
our minds.”
He noted the power grid operates without regard for state lines, and
bordering states, such as Missouri, are already benefitting from new
power plants, taking away jobs and associated tax income from
Illinois.
“But we're buying that energy and the workers are Missouri workers,
that are paying Missouri income tax, and we're losing the job for
our natural gas and our coal plants,” Davidsmeyer said.
Though the repeal of CEJA has not made much movement through the
House, another measure on energy backed by Severin has been passed
to the Senate.
House Bill 5524, if passed by the Senate, will expand transparency
and provide insight into charges Illinoisans see on electric bills.
It requires a state-run website be created that provides a breakdown
of all charges that go to the state and utilities, including
explanation of the purpose and uses of the collected charges.
“At a time when turning on the lights and heating and cooling the
house is a financially treacherous activity, families across
Illinois deserve transparency when it comes to their utility bills,”
Severin said.
The bill was introduced in the Senate Tuesday, after unanimous
support in a House vote earlier this month.
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