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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION URGING THE ILLINOIS GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO PASS THE CLEAN ENERGY JOBS ACT, HB 0804
WHEREAS, the majority of Americans believe in documented and peer-reviewed science that shows climate change is largely attributed to increased levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide produced by the use of fossil fuels, leading to a change in global and regional climate patterns; and
WHEREAS, humankind is experiencing the consequences of the 1?C increase resulting in extreme weather, significant air pollution, rising sea levels and diminishing Arctic sea ice, decreased crop production, along with many other devastating changes; and
WHEREAS, Cook County has experienced the effects of climate change, from its rising lakefront that caused Mayor Lightfoot to call for federal disaster designation, to the heavy rainfall that delayed our farmers' growing season in 2019 and reduced both the quantity and quality of crops able to be harvested; and
WHEREAS, climate change leads to an increase in pandemics, like the current COVID-19 pandemic resulting in negative health outcomes; and
WHEREAS, climate change depresses economic development and widens income inequality; and
WHEREAS, combatting global warming requires an elimination of the use and burning of fossil fuels; and
WHEREAS, Cook County Commissioners passed a resolution on January 24, 2019, pledging that Cook County Government and the Forest Preserves of Cook County will reach net zero emissions by 2050, and
WHEREAS, in the spring of 2019, the Clean Energy Jobs Act ("CEJA") SB2132/HB3624 was introduced into the Illinois House of Representatives and aims to put Illinois on the path to 100% renewable energy, while growing the clean energy economy in a way that expands equitable access to public health, safety, a cleaner environment, and quality jobs and economic opportunities; and
WHEREAS in February of 2021, CEJA HB0804 was reintroduced with a new emphasis on accountability and ethical practice...
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