Equitable Workforce Development: How Communities Influenced Creating & Passing of the Illinois Climate & Equitable Jobs Act
UTC Spring 2022 Seminar Series
April 21, 2022
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, signed into law in 2021 by Governor J.B. Pritzker, puts Illinois on a path toward 100% clean energy; plus, the legislation invests in training a diverse workforce for the jobs of the future, addresses ratepayer and residential customer protections, and prioritizes ethics and transparency reforms. Learn more about this landmark legislation and its impact on transportation by registering for “Equitable Workforce Development: How Communities Influenced Creating & Passing of the Illinois Climate & Equitable Jobs Act,” a UTC Seminar Series webinar April 21. Delmar Gillus, Chief Operating Officer with Elevate in Chicago, will lead the discussion.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the clean energy economy in the Midwest was growing at five times the rate of the rest of the economy. This growth was fueled, by the transition from fossil fuels to renewables, such as solar and wind, weatherization and energy efficiency work designed to reduce energy usage and cut energy costs, and the initial stages of implementing the EV infrastructure needed for our transportation systems of the future. All of this progress contributed to solid ‘clean energy foundation’ in the Midwest as we all worked to meet our local, regional, and national contributions to the planet’s climate goals. Unfortunately many were and continue to be left behind. Communities of color and environmental justice communities were disproportionately impacted by pollution and often did not benefit from the jobs and community-level economic benefits of the clean energy economy. The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act was drafted with the equitable transition to the clean energy economy for all as a goal. With a focus on the needs of environmental justice communities, on displaced fossil fuel workers, and small businesses looking to participate in a new economy, CEJA works to create opportunities and jobs. The presentation will focus on how CEJA engages communities, leaders, workers, and businesses in Illinois' clean energy future and how lessons from both the process and the outcomes can be leveraged, learned from and shared.
Date posted
Mar 15, 2022
Date updated
Mar 16, 2022
Speakers
