Illinois is investing millions under the Clean and Equitable Jobs Act to expand clean energy jobs, focusing on underserved areas, but faces criticism for potentially neglecting rural and predominantly white communities in its efforts.
Illinois Boosts Clean Energy Jobs with Expansion of Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program
According to the Washington Examiner, Illinois is putting more money into clean energy jobs through Governor J.B. Pritzker’s Clean and Equitable Jobs Act. This law, signed three years ago, aims to create jobs in clean energy across the state, especially in neighborhoods that haven’t had as many opportunities.
The new Climate Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program is a big part of this effort. It focuses on training people in clean energy jobs and helping them start careers. Nonprofits like HIRE360 and the 548 Foundation will get almost $14 million to expand these training programs. They want to graduate 1,000 people in the next three years and place them in trade jobs.
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Illinois Invests $14M in Clean Energy Jobs – But Can it Balance Equity Across the State? (PHOTO: Advantage News)
Study Raises Concerns About Fairness of Illinois’ Clean Energy Jobs Program for Rural Communities
However, there are concerns about whether this program is fair to everyone. A study from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign says the program might leave out rural and mostly white communities in southern Illinois. Even though the state wants all its energy to be clean by 2050, making sure everyone has a fair chance at these new jobs remains a challenge.
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