The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) submitted a proposal to the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) calling for the state to ban natural gas hook-ups at newly constructed residential and commercial properties.

The proposal was submitted as part of the ICC’s Future of Gas proceedings. The proposed ban includes limited exemptions for:

1. “Buildings that require gas systems for emergency backup power”
2. “Buildings specifically designated for occupancy by a commercial food establishment, laboratory, laundromat, hospital, or crematorium.”

Illinois’ small-business community adamantly opposes limits on consumer energy options.

On a recent ballot of NFIB members in Illinois, 98% of respondents said “no” when asked whether “state and local governments [should] limit or ban the use of natural gas and other fossil fuels?”

“At a time of rising electricity prices, it’s unfathomable that these groups continue to push for restricting consumer choice,” said NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley. “Small businesses rely upon cheap and abundant energy, and this proposal would restrict their options, forcing them to depend entirely on an expensive and overstretched electricity market.”

According to the proposal, the ban would take effect on June 30, 2030.

The proposal was submitted during Phase 2C of the ICC’s Future of Gas Workshop. The 2C phase is “exploring legislative, regulatory, and policy options for decarbonization of the gas distribution system in Illinois.”

The ICJC claims to be “made up of hundreds of environmental advocacy organizations, businesses, community leaders, consumer advocates, environmental justice groups, and faith-based and student organizations.” According to the organization’s website, coalition members include the Sierra Club, Chicago Teachers Union, SEIU Local 1, the Citizens Utility Board, the Environmental Law & Policy Center, the Illinois Environmental Council, and other groups.