Press Release:  On Earth Day, Illinois Democrats Recommit to Protecting Our Environment Amid Rollbacks by Trump Administration

Springfield, IL— While the Trump Administration and Republicans gut progress that has been made since the first Earth Day decades ago, Illinois Democrats reaffirm our commitment to making our state a greener place for the next generation.

“Illinois has been at the forefront in the fight against climate change as the Trump administration rolls back environmental protections and undoes years of progress. Illinois Democrats have led efforts to reduce carbon emissions, remove air pollutants, all while investing in sustainability and renewable energy—no thanks to the White House or Republicans,” said DPI Chair Lisa Hernandez.

Illinois Democrats Fighting for Progress:

• Passed the monumental Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (2021) which made Illinois the first Midwest state to commit 100% carbon-free energy by 2045

• Governor JB Pritzker signed an Executive Order entering Illinois in the U.S. Climate Alliance to uphold goals of Paris Climate Agreement

• Governor JB Pritzker announced the creation of the Illinois State Park Fund to help protect Illinois state parks

• Incentivized the use of solar panels, smart thermostats, and electric vehicles to lower energy use through the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act

Trump and Republicans’ Attack on Our Environment:

• Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency no longer regulates harmful emissions that endanger public health

• Backed out the Paris Agreement twice

• Slashed funding for national parks

• Expanded fossil fuel industry and lifted bans on oil and gas drilling

• Trump’s U.S. Forest Service is fast-tracking logging in Illinois’ only national forest

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