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State Rep. Will Guzzardi, D-Chicago, explained the goal of SB
1859 to create the Climate Displacement Task Force.
“We anticipate that there will be changes in population across
the country and around the world, and we need to make sure that
Illinois is prepared for the movement of peoples: the influx of
people from outside of Illinois as well as the population shifts
within our state,” Guzzardi said.
State Rep. Blaine Wilhour, R-Beecher City, questioned Guzzardi
about the proposed group.
“Is this task force going to study the outmigration as a result
of some of our climate policies in this state, specifically the
outmigration of good union jobs?” Wilhour asked.
“The task force is going to project, to the best of the ability
of those who work on it, the possible migration trends that will
result from climate change, not necessarily our state’s policies
per se, but climate and weather changes as a whole,” Guzzardi
answered.
Wilhour suggested that he might be willing to support the task
force if it considered the effects of the state’s climate
policies on real people.
After Wilhour spoke, state Rep. Will Davis, D-Hazel Crest,
addressed Guzzardi.
“Well, Will, at least you’ll be on one Will’s side,” Davis said,
laughing.
Guzzardi said people in Illinois and around the world might find
their communities to be unlivable due to changes in climate.
Davis said he found the subject interesting.
“I bet there’s a seat on this task force for you if you’re
looking for it,” Guzzardi suggested to Davis.
“If Wilhour’s going, then I’m going,” Davis responded.
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