Spotlight: Jobs, equity and economic justice are at core of new Illinois Clean Energy Jobs Act

By Andrew Barbeau and Christie Hicks Illinois has once again put itself at the forefront of the movement to promote a clean energy economy. Earlier this year, legislators including Sen. David Koehler, unveiled the Clean Energy Jobs Act (“Local advocates cheer state clean energy legislation,” Journal Star, Feb. 28), or CEJA, a groundbreaking bill that…

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Poll: Nearly 70% Support Clean Energy Jobs Act

Support extends across state, political spectrum SPRINGFIELD, IL – A just-released poll shows that residents from every region of Illinois overwhelmingly support a bill that would move the state to 100% renewable energy, electrify the mass transit and transportation sector, cut carbon from the power sector and create jobs in the clean energy economy. The…

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Commentary: Now is the time to pass the next Illinois clean energy bill

By Andrew Barbeau and Christie Hicks It has been just over two years since Illinois enacted the groundbreaking Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), which set bold new goals for solar, wind and energy efficiency. Already, substantial gains from FEJA are being seen across the state. But, a just-completed lottery for renewable energy credits demonstrates that…

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Blackburn breaks ground on massive solar project

By Tom Emery CARLINVILLE – Optimism for the future abounds this week after Blackburn College broke ground on a state-of-the-art solar project. The $3 million, 2-megawatt solar array — which will be constructed on 8 acres of the northern part of the Blackburn campus — is expected to provide more than 80% of the school’s…

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OUR VIEW: Solar’s future gets brighter in Illinois

Lottery will boost state’s production, but more must be done to help community projects by Sauk Valley Editorial Board Solar power in Illinois took a big step forward with the Illinois Power Agency’s lottery held April 10 to award renewable energy credits to companies looking to bring their clean energy projects to the state. Whiteside…

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