(20 ILCS 686/5)

Sec. 5. Purpose. It is the intent of the General Assembly that Illinois should lead the nation in the production of electric vehicles and other products essential to the growth of the renewable energy sector. The General Assembly finds that, through investments in electric vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy manufacturing, Illinois will be on the forefront of emerging technologies that are currently transforming those industries. This Act will reduce carbon emissions, create good paying jobs, and generate long-term economic investment in the Illinois business economy. Illinois must aggressively adopt new business development investment tools so that Illinois is more competitive in site location decision-making for manufacturing facilities directly related to the electric vehicle and renewable energy industry. Illinois' long-term development benefits from rational, strategic use of State resources in support of development and growth in the electric vehicle and renewable energy industry.

The General Assembly finds that workers are essential to the prosperity of our State's economy and play a critical role in Illinois becoming leader in manufacturing. The General Assembly further finds that, for the prosperity of our State, workers in this industry must be afforded high quality jobs that honor the dignity of work. Therefore, the General Assembly finds that it is in the best interest of Illinois to protect the work conditions, worker safety, and worker rights in the manufacturing industry and further finds that employer workplace policies shall be interpreted broadly to protect employees.

(Source: P.A. 102-669, eff. 11-16-21; 102-1125, eff. 2-3-23.)