When Governor Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) into law in September, he helped propel Illinois toward a future of clean energy.

CEJA combines appropriate pollution regulations with equity protections to help establish responsible transition timelines for fossil fuel plants like the coal-fired power plant on Waukegan’s lakefront. For example, CEJA will invest $41 million per year in former fossil fuel communities to replace lost property taxes, help workers with training, and support equity-focused workforce programs.

And that's not all. In coming weeks, we hope to see federal legislation to complement CEJA. We also look forward to the introduction of a Lake County program to help commercial properties make energy-related upgrades.

The Woods & Wetlands Group has campaigned hard to get these measures passed. Now comes the time for us to help implement these programs. 

We have great tools to help build local solutions to the global challenge of climate change—and we intend to put them to good use in 2022 as we hold an official kickoff for the next phase of our clean energy team. 

Exciting times lie ahead. If you would like to help organize the Woods and Wetlands energy team, please contact Jay Futterman.