Posts by Matt Steffen

Lesley McCain | The News-Gazette Solar energy is a bright spot in Illinois’ economy, rapidly creating jobs across the state. And we’re just getting started. Solar businesses, unlike those in many other industries, are rushing to Illinois to set up shop. These companies are attracted by falling equipment costs and a stable state policy that…

Julia Pyper | Green Tech Media A new report documents the democratization of renewables, energy storage and electric vehicles in America. Last year, the U.S. produced a record amount of solar power, generating 39 times more solar power than a decade ago. In 2008, solar produced 0.05 percent of electricity in the U.S. But by…

Blake Haas | WJBC NORMAL – As the summer heats up, residents in Bloomington-Normal can catch some rays at a discounted price. For homeowners, farmers, or business owners soaking up the sun has never been easier in the Twin Cities. Solar Bloomington-Normal achieved its first benchmark program since it was founded in 2016, triggering a…

Gary L. Smith | The Peoria Journal Star LACON — Marshall County has become something of a hotbed of the 2-megawatt “community solar” projects that are a staple of the state’s emerging solar industry, and three are scheduled for public hearings this week before the Zoning Board of Appeals. Highland Park-based Trajectory Energy Partners LLC,…

Rebecca Susmarski | The Register-Mail GALESBURG — Area wind farms brought in many jobs during their construction phases, but not as many jobs remained after the projects’ completion. Invenergy LLC’s Bishop Hill I and Bishop Hill III wind farms in Henry County provided approximately 220 and 214 jobs, respectively, at the pinnacle of each project’s…

CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition (ICJC) announced Monday the launch of a new statewide effort aimed at encouraging Illinois to embrace renewable energy and carbon-free power. The initiative is called “Listen. Lead. Share. A conversation about winning a clean, equitable energy future.” ICJC members said their policy goals include: Ensuring equitable benefits across the state; Moving Illinois…

Members of the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition listed several sweeping and long-term goals Joined by U.S. Congress members Rep. Mike Quigley and Rep. Robin Kelly, members of the ICJC listed several sweeping and long-term goals at an event on Chicago’s Near West Side, including pushing Illinois to use 100% renewable energy by 2050, realizing a…

That all changed a year ago — “dramatically,” Hawksworth said — with the enactment of the Future Energy Jobs Act and an overhauled incentive system that promises as much as $15 billion in investments for renewable energy in Illinois by 2030. Solar panels at Germantown Grill “It basically created a sustainable future for our business…