Executive Order Number 19-6

Executive Order Number 06-19

 

EXECUTIVE ORDER 2019-06

EXECUTIVE ORDER JOINING THE US CLIMATE ALLIANCE AND COMMITTING

TO THE PRINCIPLES OF THE PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT

WHEREAS, all residents of the State of Illinois deserve clean air, clean water, and a safe environment where their communities can thrive; and

WHEREAS,  the overwhelming consensus of scientists is clear: climate change is real, and must be addressed by public officials; and

WHEREAS,  the Trump Administration's withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement threatens the health and well-being of all Illinoisans; and

WHEREAS,  the State of Illinois must continue to fulfill, uphold, and exceed the objectives of the Paris Climate Agreement because the transition to a clean energy economy has already begun, and Illinois will be left behind if we do not move forward; and

WHEREAS,  Illinois is home to forests, farms, prairies, rivers, lakes, and wetlands, and Lake Michigan, and these abundant natural resources must be protected and preserved for future generations; and

WHEREAS,   the State of Illinois is already on a path to having 25 percent: it of its energy come from renewable energy sources by 2025, and we must continue to advance toward a clean energy economy; and

WHEREAS,  the State of Illinois has the opportunity to be on a path toward 100 percent clean and renewable energy and lead the transition to a clean energy economy; and

WHEREAS,  Illinoisans are experiencing the damaging effects of climate change, including increased temperatures, soil erosion, and pollution, which cause harm to the environment, economy and residents' health; and

WHEREAS,  the State of Illinois acknowledges that it must take action immediately in order to prevent further impacts of climate change;

THEREFORE,  I, JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois, by virtue of the executive authority vested in me by Article V of the Constitution of the State of Illinois, hereby order as follows:

The State of Illinois shall commit to the principles of the Paris Climate Agreement.

     II. Direct the Environmental Protection Agency to Protect Illinoisans from Dangerous Federal Environmental Policy

The Environmental Protection Agency shall monitor the Trump Administration's environmental proposals and identify opportunities to protect Illinoisans from environmental harm.

     III. Savings Clause

Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed to contravene any federal or State law or regulation. Nothing in this Executive Order shall affect or alter the existing statutory powers of any State agency or be construed as a reassignment or reorganization of any State agency.

     IV. Prior Executive Orders

This Executive Order supersedes any contrary provision of any other prior Executive Order.

     V. Severability Clause

If any part of this Executive Order is found to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect. The provisions of this Executive Order are severable.

     VI. Effective Date

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately upon its filing with the Secretary of State.

_____________________________

JB Pritzker, Governor

Issued by Governor: January 23, 2019
Filed with Secretary of State: January _, 2019