Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (Public Act 102-0662) (“CEJA”) into law on September 15, 2021, marking a new era in renewable energy policy for the State of Illinois. CEJA launches a Carbon Mitigation Credit Procurement Program to support at-risk nuclear plants, as well as expands the Renewable Portfolio Standard with the goal of coal plant retirement. In addition, the policy creates stronger standards for labor, diversity, and equity in Illinois Power Agency’s (“IPA”) incentive programs, hoping to ensure that the clean energy transition provides benefits to all. CEJA also reopens blocks under the Adjustable Block Program for solar projects as well as expands the Illinois Solar for All Program. Community Power Group was awarded one of the first projects under the Solar for All Pilot procurement program, a 2MW facility in Cook County which will be providing renewable electricity to the Chicago Housing Authority.
The IPA is hosting several stakeholder workshops in the coming months on the changes to the Adjustable Block Program, the Long-term Renewable Resources Procurement Efforts, as well as CEJA implementation. Community Power Group is very excited about the passage of CEJA and commends the Illinois Legislature and Governor Pritzker for their dedication to advancing renewable energy goals as well as job creation.
