Walker Backs Clean Energy Jobs Act

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Reflecting his commitment to fighting climate change and investing in renewable energy jobs, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, recently announced his support for a proposed Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA).

“When the General Assembly passed the Future Energy Jobs Act in 2016, our state took a step in the right direction, but we need to go further,” Walker said. “The historic Clean Energy Jobs Act will benefit every county in Illinois and set our state on track to become a leader in the green energy economy.”

Among the goals of CEJA, introduced as House Bill 3624, is to increase the state’s renewable energy targets to run entirely on renewable resources by 2050. Through this process, CEJA will also ensure the transition to clean energy and a green economy is equitable throughout the state.

“Not only does the Clean Energy Jobs Act put us on the path to sustainability, it also diversifies our economy by investing in green jobs,” Walker said. “We cannot ignore the need to transition to a green economy as we continue to grow jobs in Illinois. I am committed to bringing innovative, good paying jobs to our communities.”

CEJA also calls for the creation of a $25 million clean jobs workforce hub and clean energy empowerment zones – both designed to aid communities affected by the transition from fossil fuels. Since the transportation sector is one of the biggest sources of pollution, included in CEJA is an aggressive vehicle electrification program to curb transportation-related pollution.

“This bill came out of the hard work of many environmental groups and government leaders over the past year listening to stakeholders across the state,” Walker said. “The Clean Energy Jobs Act is smart, forward looking and an important step toward a clean and sustainable Illinois.”