The State of Illinois has announced $57 million in grants to support clean energy projects and workforce development through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) revealed that the funding will be distributed across three key programs:

• Community Solar Energy Sovereignty Grant Program ($7.7 million)
• Equitable Energy Future Grant Program ($10.3 million)
• Energy Transition Community/Zion Grant Program ($39 million)

The grants will fund 88 projects aimed at expanding clean energy infrastructure and job opportunities in historically disadvantaged communities. The funding prioritizes areas impacted by past energy industry inequities, such as environmental justice and Restore Reinvest Renew (R3) communities.

"This is about creating a clean energy future that leaves no community behind," said Governor Pritzker. "By investing in renewable energy projects and workforce development, we're ensuring all Illinoisans have access to the benefits of our growing clean energy economy."

Grants were awarded to community-based organizations, technical service providers, and equity-eligible contractors, supporting solar installations, workforce training, and economic revitalization in areas transitioning away from fossil fuels. Recipients include 548 Development LLC, Green Energy Justice Cooperative, Millennium Solar Electric Training Academy, and many others.

As part of CEJA, Illinois is committing $180 million annually to workforce and community support programs designed to transition the state toward a 100% carbon-free future.