SPRINGFIELD – Thanks to the Senate Democrat-backed Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, a total of $57 million in grant funding was awarded to help clean energy businesses grow.

"The landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act is already changing lives and livelihoods across Illinois,” said Senate President Don Harmon (D – Oak Park). “These grants will help us build upon the progress that has already been made through CEJA while bolstering a diverse clean energy workforce.”

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity announced 88 awards totaling $57 million through the Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program, Equitable Energy Future Grant Program, and Energy Transition Community/Zion Grant Program – initiatives under the landmark Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. These programs will catalyze energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that will help clean energy businesses grow and utilize Illinois’ clean energy workforce.

Senate Democrats led the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act – found within Senate Bill 2408 in 2021 – to make Illinois energy 100% carbon free by 2045. The law includes cost-saving opportunities for consumers, tough utility ethics standards, expansion of clean transportation and equity programs to ensure all communities benefit from clean energy. The grants announced are part of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus’ commitment to a clean future and creating jobs to build that future.

Grant awards were calculated based on the economic impact of plant or mine closure, specifically, property tax losses and jobs lost due to the plant transition, with a minimum award of $50,000. The full list of recipients is here: CEJA-grants-032125.pdf.