HB 3481 takes effect on January 1, 2020.
Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker recently signed House Bill 3481, repealing the Kyoto Protocol Act of 1998 that limits state action to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
“We know that Illinoisans are suffering the effects of climate change, and we must act now,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That’s why I joined the Climate Alliance in my first days in office and am proud to repeal outdated restrictions on the state’s ability to reduce emissions and tackle the climate crisis.”
In 2001, the United States withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol, leaving Illinois tied to goals that the federal government no longer intended to meet. After Illinois codified the protocol in state statute, state government has been restricted in enacting more stringent emissions reduction standards.
“While the federal government unravels the progress made under the Obama administration, Illinois will not stand idly by. We’re stepping up to protect the lives of generations to come,” added Gov. Pritzker.
“By repealing the Kyoto Protocol Act, we’re sending the signal that Illinois is ready to get serious about climate change,” said Sen. Laura Ellman (D-Naperville). “It’s an outdated law that only served to tie lawmakers’ hands and it never should’ve been passed in the first place.”
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