Prairie State Wire

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), a key advocacy group for small businesses in Illinois, has announced its opposition to SB 25, an energy bill currently under consideration by the General Assembly.

“Main Street businesses are taking it on the chin from high energy prices,” said NFIB Illinois State Director Noah Finley. “Unfortunately, SB 25, instead of providing meaningful relief, is chock-a-block full of regulations and subsidies to channel ratepayer dollars to favored industries and contractors.”

According to the NFIB, the bill includes several provisions that could negatively impact small businesses. One major concern is the expansion of project labor agreement (PLA) mandates. The legislation would apply these mandates to battery storage projects, geothermal projects, and more community solar projects. The organization argues that PLA mandates decrease competition by making it harder for small and non-union contractors to compete for contracts, which could raise development costs and limit bidding opportunities.

Additionally, the NFIB points out that PLA mandates often exclude non-union contractors and workers from participating in energy projects. They believe all contractors should have a fair chance to compete for such work.

The bill also proposes extending subsidies paid by Illinois ratepayers to certain energy projects and efficiency programs without ensuring long-term price savings for small-business customers. The NFIB warns that these added costs will ultimately be borne by all ratepayers in Illinois, including small businesses already facing high electricity bills.

NFIB IL is urging lawmakers to oppose SB 25 in order to protect small business interests.