With the winter heating season kicking off, Illinois State representative Jed Davis condemned the staggering impracticality of replacing the state’s coal-fired power plants with “clean” energy by 2045, calling the current law “an alarming disregard for Illinois’ energy costs and land-use realities.”
Using solar farms as an example of “clean” energy, recent estimates suggest replacing Illinois’ coal power with solar farms requires up to 426,300 acres of land – an area equivalent to 670 square miles. This area is more than five times the size of Chicago.
“Let’s stop for a moment and think about what these numbers mean,” said Davis. “This plan would pave over farms, forests, and open spaces on an enormous scale, one equivalent to essentially my entire legislative district consisting of five counties. How can anyone believe this proposal is a feasible or responsible way of meeting our energy needs?”
The current law raises serious concerns about food security and the economy, as much of the land required for solar farms is prime agricultural land.
“Our farmers are already battling unpredictable weather, supply chain issues, and market pressures,” Davis said. “Now, they’re being told their land might be sacrificed for giant solar installations? This is not environmental progress – it’s environmental destruction.”
Davis noted the area required for solar farms (up to 426,300 acres) feeds roughly 2 to 4 million people each year, depending on the crops. These numbers are above the population of several states! “Why would we eliminate the food supply for millions of people? It feels like we’re sacrificing great in the name of good,” said Davis.
Instead of pursuing damaging and unworkable policies, Davis called for a balanced, all-of-the-above energy approach, including advanced nuclear energy, clean coal technology, and incremental renewable energy expansion.
“Energy policies should be about common sense and practical solutions, not ideological experiments,” Davis said. “Illinois deserves a plan keeping the lights on while protecting our farms and respecting our communities. Instead, we’re starving homegrown resources and escalating your cost of living. It’s simply unacceptable!”
For more information about Representative Davis, please call his district office in Yorkville at (331) 867-8200. You may also call or text the Representative’s cell at (630) 724-7600. Feel free to share any concerns or recommendations.
i—Office of Jed Davis, State representative, 75th District