Macon Reporter

Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) is hosting a town hall regarding energy rates and legislators' plans from 6 to 7:30 p.m. next Thursday at the Holiday Inn Ballroom in Effingham. 

“Please join us,” Halbrook wrote on Facebook.

The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) noted Illinois electricity is a mix of 7% natural gas, 30% coal-fire, 54% nuclear and 10% renewables.

In his Facebook post, Halbrook shared a link to register. Interested individuals can register here.

The IEC wrote events such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine highlighted the urgency of the United States to switch to green energy.

IEC also noted President Jimmy Carter warned the U.S. faced a looming energy crisis in 1977.

Reps. Brad Wilhour (R-Effingham), Adam Niemerg (R-Teutopolis), Chris Miller (R-Robinson), and Dan Caulkins (R-Decatur) are expected to attend as well.

Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan are joining forces to build a 1,000-mile electric vehicle charging circuit along Lake Michigan. Governing reported the Lake Michigan EV Circuit Tour will have the charging stations by state parks, lighthouses and other popular tourist attractions.

“The Great Lakes are the crown jewel of the upper Midwest, and this initiative proudly blends our clean energy goals with the natural beauty that attracts countless visitors each year,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said in a news release Wednesday, Governing reported.

In recent weeks, Halbrook has spoken about constituents’ concerns regarding inflation.

“I hear every day from families who are being hurt by inflation,” Halbrook said. “They are having to cut back and make sacrifices just to afford basic household necessities. The high taxes in Illinois are only making this situation worse. We don’t need temporary tax cuts and Pritzker’s other gimmicks. We need real reform and meaningful tax relief and need it now.”

The American Psychological Association reported economic recessions raise anxiety.