Illinois State Representative Chris G. Miller said on Feb. 17 that the main challenge facing Illinois is not environmental, but a hostile business climate caused by radical policies driving companies to close or leave the state.
Miller’s comments come as lawmakers consider Senate Bill 2981, which would create an Illinois Climate Change Superfund financed by payments from entities deemed responsible for climate change. The bill would give the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency authority to determine liability, set payment amounts, and direct spending, with at least 40 percent of funds benefiting disadvantaged communities, according to The Center Square.
“The only real climate disadvantage we see in Chicago and across Illinois is that the business climate is under attack. Businesses are shuttering their doors and leaving the state because radical policies are making it impossible to operate here,” Miller said. According to a Facebook post by Miller reacting to the proposal for an Illinois Climate Change Superfund, he argued that these policies are causing businesses to shutter and leave the state. The post shared an article from The Center Square on Senate Bill 2981 which would make businesses financially liable for climate change through a superfund administered by the Illinois EPA.
Republican lawmakers warn that Senate Bill 2981 would impose new financial liabilities on businesses for climate impacts, adding uncertainty and costs that accelerate out-migration of job creators and investment to more business-friendly states. The bill gives the Illinois EPA broad discretion with limited accountability, potentially driving companies to shutter or leave Illinois and raising costs for consumers, according to The Center Square.
Illinois lost more than 1,700 jobs in 2025 while the nation added 584,000 jobs during the same period, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data compiled by the Illinois Policy Institute. The state ranked 35th in job creation with declines in manufacturing trade and other sectors. Businesses continue to exit Illinois for states with lower taxes and fewer regulations, contributing to a shrinking tax base and workforce.
Miller represents the 101st District in the Illinois House of Representatives as a Republican. He serves on the House Energy and Environment Committee and focuses on protecting taxpayers and businesses from burdensome government policies. Miller brings real-world experience to Springfield and regularly highlights how regulations harm families and the economy across Illinois, according to his official website.
