Latest news with #BillCunningham
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
‘Bring Your Own New Clean Energy': a proposed fix for Illinois' power grid shortcomings draws criticism from manufacturers
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (NEXSTAR) — Illinois has a growing energy problem. There are a few reasons for why that is — coal and natural gas plants are closing, and regional grid operators are acting too slowly in connecting new wind and solar projects to the larger grid, but above all else, the state is using more energy than it ever has. Data centers, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing projects all are utilizing more energy than state lawmakers say they could have imagined when they passed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. 'When we negotiated the bill, no one talked about data centers. We had heard of them, but no one ever saw them becoming an issue,' Senator Bill Cunningham said. 'They've become a gigantic issue.' Environmentalists want the state to require any new project looking to set up shop in Illinois that needs over 25 megawatts of energy will have to supply their own clean energy. 'I think the whole country is going to face this the demands of data centers,' Jen Walling with the Illinois Environmental Council said. 'You know, nothing is free. We're paying for it somehow. So that is a way that we need to address that by bringing cheap renewable energy.' They even have a name for the idea. 'We're looking at 'bring your own new clean energy,' Walling said. 'We have our anagram of B.Y.O.N.C.E' Businesses say the idea will have a very different economic impact than the global sensation its named after. 'If you're going to add significant cost to the state of Illinois in energy, you're going to see less economic development and less large projects coming to the state of Illinois,' President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers Association Mark Denzler said. Illinois would be the only state with this policy, according to Denzler, and he says it would put the state at a huge disadvantage, 'Illinois is competing, for example, against Wisconsin and Michigan and Ohio. And they can assure that company that they can hook up to the grid and they can start constructing within a few months versus Illinois. It might take a couple of years to build this new project and get hooked up,' Denzler said. Other ideas included in the draft energy package included a partial lift of the nuclear moratorium. The ban on new nuclear construction was first put in place in the 1970's. New nuclear energy is seen as a long term play for more energy production. Illinois already has one of the biggest nuclear fleets as part of it's power grid. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
IL State Senator advances measure for extended leave for parents
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — An Illinois State Senator advanced a measure to protect leave for workers whose newborns need intensive care after birth. Under Senator Bill Cunningham's measure, employees of companies between 16-50 workers would be eligible for a maximum of 10 days of unpaid leave while their baby is in a NICU, while those working for companies with 51 or more employees would be eligible for up to 20 days. Sonya Massey bill passes House, heads to Governor's desk This leave would be on top of the protections under the Family and Medical Leave Act and ensures continued health insurance coverage and job protection throughout the entire leave period. 'Parents shouldn't have to choose between keeping their job and sitting by their baby's side in the NICU,' Cunningham said. 'This measure provides working people the breathing room they need during a medical crisis.' Cunningham is a Democrat who represents parts of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. His nephew was born prematurely and was placed in the NICU for months. IL State Senator pushing ban of 'bait-and-switch' gym membership sales tactic 'No parent should face punishment for doing what's right for their child's health,' Cunningham said. House Bill 2978 passed the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Politician introduces game-changing legislation that could save residents billions of dollars on energy bills: 'We don't have to choose'
In an exciting step forward for clean energy and consumer savings, Illinois Senator Bill Cunningham and Rep. Marcus Evans have announced new legislation aimed at transforming the state's energy landscape. Senate Bill 2497 focuses on harnessing the power of clean energy storage and making critical connections between clean energy infrastructure and the power grid. The legislation is designed to save Illinois residents up to $2.4 billion in energy costs over the next two decades if passed. The bill's primary goal is to build 15 gigawatts of clean energy storage in the state, an initiative that can help store renewable energy and make it more accessible. This move is particularly important as it would allow Illinois to better manage energy demand and reduce dependency on expensive carbon-heavy energy sources. The idea is that tackling barriers that prevent clean energy from connecting to the grid around the clock, the state can speed up its transition to greener, more sustainable energy sources while keeping energy prices affordable. This legislation not only is taking proactive steps toward sustainability, it could also put money back into the pockets of Illinois residents. While it would require some upfront investment, the potential for $2.4 billion in savings would be a valuable cherry on top of the pollution reduction. The bill is a good example of how clean energy infrastructure is not just good for the planet but a smart investment to save money in the long run, as it doesn't require endless replenishing of fuel to be burned and instead leads to the ability to harness effectively free energy from the sun or wind. Being able to store it when we have more than we need allows renewable energy to be deployed more consistently, regardless of sunlight or wind or other weather factors. By investing in clean energy infrastructure, the state would be positioning itself as a leader in green technology. As Senator Cunningham put it, "This legislation proves to the nation that we don't have to choose between taking care of our communities, our economy, or our planet." Erika Kowall, representing the American Clean Power Association, added in the release, "15 GW of energy storage would be a game-changer for Illinoisans. Energy storage allows communities and businesses to go about their daily lives without concern over power outages and drastic increases in energy bills while helping local economies expand without threatening reliability." Do you think your city has good air quality? Definitely Somewhat Depends on the time of year Not at all Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Illinois lawmakers propose regulation and tax on THC-infused beverages
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois lawmakers are proposing regulating THC-infused beverages and taxing hemp distributors and manufacturers. , introduced by Sen. Bill Cunningham (D-Chicago), would create a Hemp Beverage Commission as part of the Illinois Liquor Control Commission to regulate THC concentrations in beverages to 10 mg per 7.5-ounce container. The bill would also impose a tax on hemp-derived beverage manufacturers and hemp beverage importing distributors. The bill has the support of the Associated Beer Distributors of Illinois, but Justin Ward, of the Illinois Healthy Alternatives Association, who operates a hemp farm in Rushville, told , 'The system mirrors that of alcohol and would force small hemp businesses to rely on distributors, effectively limiting their market access.' Illinois legalized recreational marijuana for adult use in 2020 but applied limits on how much an individual could purchase and other regulatory restrictions. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
12-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Celanese Announces Vinyl Acetate Monomer (VAM) and Derivatives Price Increases in the Western Hemisphere
DALLAS, March 12, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Celanese Corporation (NYSE: CE), a global chemical and specialty materials company, is increasing prices for its vinyl acetate monomer (VAM), vinyl-based emulsions, redispersible powders (RDP) and other derivative products in the Western Hemisphere. These price increases will be effective on March 17, 2025 or as contracts otherwise allow. PRICE INCREASE PRODUCT USA/Canada(USD/MT) Mexico/S. America(USD/MT) EMEA(EURO/MT) Vinyl Acetate Monomer $100 $100 €100 Vinyl-based Emulsions* $50 $50 €50 Redispersible Powders* $60 $60 €60 *Standard grade products. Other grades of derivative products may be subject to higher increases than specified above and are being communicated to impacted customers on an individual basis. About Celanese Celanese is a global leader in chemistry, producing specialty material solutions used across most major industries and consumer applications. Our businesses use our chemistry, technology and commercial expertise to create value for our customers, employees and shareholders. We are committed to sustainability by responsibly managing the materials we create for their entire lifecycle and are growing our portfolio of sustainable products to meet increasing customer and societal demand. We strive to make a positive impact in our communities and to foster inclusivity across our teams. Celanese Corporation is a Fortune 500 company that employs approximately 12,200 employees worldwide with 2024 net sales of $10.3 billion. View source version on Contacts Celanese Contacts: Investor Relations Bill Cunningham+1 302 999 Media – U.S. Jamaison Schuler+1 972 443 4400media@ Media - Europe Petra Czugler+49 69 45009 Sign in to access your portfolio
