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By Tracie Bedell
On February 15, 2019, Illinois Sen. Cristina Castro and Rep. Ann Williams proposed the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA), comprehensive legislation which—if passed—will make Illinois a leader in clean energy. CEJA, according to the Citizens Utility Board, “ . . . is the only energy legislation in Springfield that could actually secure savings for consumers while significantly ramping up renewable energy development in the state.” Given the climate crisis, many area policy experts, industry organizations, and politicians view CEJA’s goals as ambitious, necessary, and achievable, including:
Powering Illinois on 100 percent renewable energy
Electrifying the transportation sector
Providing jobs and training for a clean energy economy
The legislation states:
To bring this vision to fruition, our energy policy must prioritize a just transition that incentivizes renewable development and other carbon-reducing policies, such as energy efficiency, while ensuring that the benefits and opportunities of a carbon-free future are accessible in economically disadvantaged communities, environmental justice communities, and communities of color.
Interested in learning more about CEJA and Illinois’ transition to clean energy and environmental justice? Join us for a free discussion featuring:
Sen. Don Harmon
Rep. LaShawn Ford
Rep. Camille Lilly
Citizens Utility Board
lllinois Clean Jobs Coalition
Blacks in Green
Illinois Solar Energy Association
Event Details
When: 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 13
Where: Unity Temple, 875 Lake St, Oak Park
Admission: Free. Advance registration is strongly recommended.
This event is sponsored by Unity Temple; Interfaith Green Network; Unitarian Universalist Advocacy Network of Illinois (UUANI); Seven Generations Ahead; 350.org; Sierra Club; and Oak Park Area ClimateAction.