Shift from fossil fuels seen as job generator for minority communities

NBC 25 News | Week.com

PEORIA (WEEK) – Saving consumers $1.7 billion on their utility bills is what the Clean Energy Jobs Act is trying to do.

The legislation would transition the Illinois power sector away from fossil fuels, while significantly expanding clean energy initiatives, and even using this to provide jobs for Black, indigenous, and people of color.

The Sierra Club, members of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition, and Peoria State Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth held a roundtable discussion Tuesday night on how the act would provide jobs for minority community members, and expand their opportunities to create wealth in their community.

They say through the legislation they’ve drafted, it would require more minorities in leadership positions.

The act would implement electricity market reforms to reduce power bills, while expanding electric and gas efficiency programs.

If the Clean Energy Jobs Act is put in place, it would secure 100 percent carbon-free power by 2030 and 100 percent renewable energy by 2050.

It would also bring what advocates say are more affordable and cleaner public transportation options available by electrifying transportation.

Read and watch the story at Week.com.