Illinois State Senator Daniel Biss, a candidate for the 2018 election for Governor of Illinois, has pledged to reject campaign contributions from the oil, gas, and coal industries, and to put the health of families, our climate, and our democracy ahead of fossil fuel industry profits, according to a coalition of good government and clean energy advocates. Biss is the first candidate for statewide office in Illinois to take the pledge.

Candidates who sign the “No Fossil Fuel Money” pledge vow to not knowingly accept contributions over $200 from the PACs, executives, or front groups for fossil fuel companies — companies whose primary business is the extraction, processing, distribution or sale of oil, gas or coal. Candidates also pledge to prioritize the health of families, climate, and democracy over fossil fuel industry profits.

“Fossil fuel money is corrupting our political system and blocking action on clean energy,” said ClimateTruth.org Action Campaigns Director Emily Southard. “Rejecting fossil fuel money shows the kind of moral leadership we need to create a system that works for us and our communities instead of special interests.”

“Daniel Biss is demonstrating real political courage,” said RL Miller, cofounder of Climate Hawks Vote. “I’m thrilled to see him pledge to rely on grassroots donors instead of coal money.”

The No Fossil Fuel Money pledge is coordinated by a coalition focused on stopping climate change and ending the corrupting influence of fossil fuel money on America’s democracy. Members include Oil Change USA, ClimateTruth.org Action, Climate Hawks Vote, Activate Virginia, 350 Mass Action, Sunrise, Food & Water Action Fund, Center for Sustainable Economy, and 350 Action.