New Illinois Energy Bill Promises 100% Clean Energy by 2050. But How?

On September 15, 2021, J.B. Pritzker signed into law the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), which aims to make Illinois the first Midwest state to require 100% carbon-free energy by 2045. The goals of this sweeping legislation are ambitious. It is important for all of us to understand exactly how it aims to move the State to a clean energy future.

What does CEJA do?

To meet its ambitious goal, the legislation aims to transform Illinois from being reliant on fossil fuel to a state that runs on renewable and alternative energy forms, creating new green jobs in the process.

Creates New Restriction on Municipal Coal Firing Plants

The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act puts specific requirements on municipal coal firing plants, which, in addition to having large carbon emissions, also pose serious health problems to surrounding communities. The legislations requires all municipal coal firing plants to cut their emissions by 45% by 2035; and closure by 2045 unless plants can get zero carbon emissions through methods such as green hydrogen generation.

Supports Continued Operation of Nuclear Plants

The new legislation provides nearly $700 million over five years to continue operation of Exelon nuclear plants in Illinois. The energy company’s Byron nuclear plant and Dresden nuclear plant were both slated to begin closing proceedings within the next year, but funds from the Act will help these plants stay open. The Biden administration has emphasized the importance of maintaining existing nuclear plants in achieving net zero carbon emissions, as nuclear energy is created independently of fossil fuels.

Equitably Invests in Renewable Energy Sources

Not only does this legislation double the State’s investment in renewable energy to $580 million per year; it also ensures that the investment is made equitably. It puts $80 million per year in solar and energy efficiency workforce development, with specific efforts to target disadvantage communities. Further, it expands the Illinois Solar for All program, which provides solar and guaranteed savings for low-income families as well as finance mechanisms for energy updates.

Additional elements of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act include rebates for electric vehicles, as well as a transformation of the energy ratepayer system.

What Does this Mean for IL?

In addition to leading us towards an emissions-free future, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act means more green jobs in the State of Illinois. Here at the Voorhees Center, we are hard at work trying to figure out what that will look like. With support from the US Economic Development Administration, we are asking important questions like what skills will be required for these jobs, what the supply chain will look like, and how to make the anticipated growth more inclusive and equitable.