FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 12, 2022
Contact: Hannah Lee Flath, hannahlee.flath@sierraclub.org, 860-634-0225
Chicago, IL. -- Today, Clean Jobs Midwest announced that clean energy jobs grew 5% in Illinois in 2021. According to a new analysis of employment data released by the nonpartisan business group E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs) and nonprofit Evergreen Climate Innovations, clean energy businesses added more than 5,600 workers in 2021, now employing 120,775 Illinoisans across the state.
In response, Sierra Club Illinois Director Jack Darin released the following statement:
“Today’s report from Clean Jobs Midwest is indicative of the incredible strides made toward Illinois’ renewable energy future. The report indicates that clean energy jobs in Illinois have the potential to skyrocket within the next year thanks to critical investments made through the passage of Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act in 2021 and the federal Inflation Reduction Act in 2022. Illinois is on track to replace dirty energy with resources like wind, solar, and energy efficiency that will deliver consumer benefits and create new jobs, improve the resiliency of our electric grid, and protect the health of our communities.
“Thanks to CEJA, Illinois can look forward to many years of similar job growth and new business opportunities, particularly in communities that need it most. In addition to building renewable energy, Illinois is now also building the training and financing systems to prioritize BIPOC communities and those facing the transition from fossil fuel industries to the clean energy economy.
“Illinois has the potential to add tens of thousands of clean energy jobs to our workforce while also protecting our planet. From the legislators in the General Assembly who will implement CEJA, to the county boards who will ensure communities are able to develop new renewable energy resources, Illinois needs climate champions working on every level of government.”