Ceres celebrates the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, a bold climate and energy package approved by the Illinois General Assembly and backed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, that puts the state on a path to a carbon-neutral energy sector by 2050.
“Illinois has now charted an ambitious and achievable route toward a clean-energy future,” said Alli Gold Roberts, director of state policy at the sustainability nonprofit Ceres. “Legislative leaders and Gov. Pritzker should be pleased that this wide-reaching legislation effectively positions the state for the transition to a clean and resilient economy. We look forward to working with businesses and policymakers to make sure Illinois achieves these aggressive new goals.”
The legislation propels Illinois’ effort to decarbonize the electricity sector by setting timelines to close fossil fuel power plants and achieve 100% renewable energy by 2050 while also preserving the voluntary renewable energy buyers market. It sets an ambitious goal of 1 million electric vehicles by 2030 while providing a $4,000 credit for the purchase of EV and extends cost-saving electric energy efficiency programs beyond 2030 while allowing large energy consumers to participate in programs.
In addition, the package centers equity into Illinois' clean energy programs and invests in training a diverse workforce. It includes provisions to invest in communities that have already suffered the most from pollution, and to help power-sector workers transition to clean-energy jobs as the state’s power supply changes.
“This package works to address many equity and environmental justice concerns,” said Roberts. “We’re grateful the General Assembly recognized that, in building a sustainable economy, we cannot leave anybody behind.”
The omnibus legislation was finalized after months of negotiations in the legislature, and with input from advocacy groups and various business and political interests. Earlier in the legislative session, Ceres coordinated a group of more than 20 businesses and organizations to call on the General Assembly to pass comprehensive clean energy legislation. Advocate Aurora Health, CommonSpirit Health, Impossible Foods, Mars, Microsoft, Salesforce, and the University of Illinois were among the signatories to the February letter.
“We must take advantage of clean energy technologies including renewables, energy efficiency, energy storage, and electric vehicles in order to remain competitive and cutting edge in the marketplace,” they wrote.
About Ceres
Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations of investors, companies and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future. For more information, visit ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.