LaPointe Backs Clean Energy Jobs Act

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Maintaining her commitment to protecting the environment, state Rep. Lindsey LaPointe, D-Chicago, recently announced her support for the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA).

“Building a stronger Illinois means finding new ways to grow our economy and prepare people in our community for high-wage jobs,” LaPointe said. “The Clean Energy Jobs Act is a comprehensive energy package that includes strong worker protections and career training programs, promotes energy efficiency savings, expands construction of wind and solar power generation, and implements electricity market reforms that protect Illinois consumers.”

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.

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. LaPointe is the latest lawmaker to back this plan.

“CEJA will help make Illinois a leader in protecting our planet for future generations and ensuring the benefits from the clean energy economy are distributed equitably across the state,” LaPointe said. “I’m excited to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get this passed as soon as possible.”

LaPointe represents the 19th District, which covers portions of Chicago’s Big Oaks, Dunning, Gladstone Park, Jefferson Park, Portage Park, Union Ridge and West Portage Park neighborhoods, and River Grove, Elmwood Park, Norridge and Harwood Heights.