The voices of Illinois’ union workers have joined the fight for a 100% clean energy future with the release of a “pro-worker, pro-climate agenda” by Climate Jobs Illinois, a new labor coalition that “represents the hundreds of thousands of Illinois working men and women who are best suited to build Illinois’ new clean-energy economy from the ground up.” The proposal comes at a critical time, as Governor Pritzker and lawmakers prepare for possible action on comprehensive clean energy legislation, like the Clean Energy Jobs Act, in the weeks ahead.
The coalition’s 10-point plan calls for Illinois to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050. “This proposal is ambitious but achievable. With the state’s clean energy resources, highly skilled workforce, ready-made apprenticeship programs and manufacturing infrastructure, we can build a cleaner and fairer future while putting working families first,” said Nikki Budzinski, Executive Director of Climate Jobs Illinois.
The plan would create or save over 280,000 jobs in Illinois by building 23 gigawatts of new wind and solar energy projects, electrifying local government vehicle fleets, and reforming energy markets to prevent early closure of Illinois nuclear plants. The coalition also proposes a new Carbon Free Schools initiative to make energy efficiency improvements and install 4 gigawatts of solar energy at Illinois schools, saving schools nearly $5.2 billion over 25 years.
“I am proud that my union joined the Climate Jobs Illinois coalition to tackle the urgency of climate change and its impact on working people. What a better way to help students understand how clean energy can put people to work and be part of the solution to climate change by reducing the carbon footprint of our schools,” said Illinois Environmental Science Teacher Michael Beeftink, member, Illinois Federation of Teachers Local 1274.
The coalition also notes that “there are currently 142 coal, oil, gas, and nuclear plants operating in Illinois that employ 45,000 workers and provide billions of dollars in tax revenue to local communities”, and has a just transition proposal to ensure that the transition to 100% clean energy will “not come on the backs of workers and communities that have powered Illinois’ economy for decades.” The proposal includes a two year notice requirement for workers prior to plant closures, the establishment of a Just Transition Fund to maintain wages, health care and retirement benefits for impacted workers, sustain local taxing bodies, and requirements for cleanup and decommissioning of plants using union workers earning prevailing wages.
The plan also recognizes the role the clean energy sector must play in advancing equity and addressing income inequality, with wage and diversity standards for clean energy projects, and new accessibility to union apprenticeship programs for people of color and others historically excluded from these opportunities.
The Coalition is led by some of Illinois’ most influential labor leaders, including Illinois AFL-CIO President and Chair Tim Drea, Illinois AFL-CIO Secretary Treasurer Pat Devaney, Chicago Federation of Labor President Bob Reiter and Chicago & Cook County Building & Construction Trades Council President Ralph Affrunti; and includes some of Illinois largest unions, including the Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters, Illinois Federation of Teachers, International Association of Bridge, Structural, Ornamental and Reinforcing Iron Workers Union, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers State Council, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, Laborers International Union of North America Great Lakes Region, Laborers International Union of North America Midwest Region, Service Employees International Union State Council and United Auto Workers Region 4.
We welcome these voices to the urgent fight to move Illinois to 100% clean energy as quickly as possible, in ways that lift up communities that need it most and power a just and equitable recovery from the COVID19 pandemic. The voices of workers are essential to that effort, and we look forward to working together to enact a plan, like the Clean Energy Jobs Act, in the weeks and months ahead.