Hernandez Announces Construction of Clean Energy Contractor Job Hub in Aurora

AURORA, Ill. – State Rep. Barbara Hernandez, D-Aurora, announced the release of funds for launch of 13 clean energy contractor job creation hubs to be built across Illinois, with one set to begin operation in Aurora soon.

“The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, which I had the privilege of voting for, is showing itself to be the foundation of a more economically-sound and environmentally sustainable future for our community,” Hernandez said. “The CEJA incubator hubs will cultivate a clean energy workforce that will help build a stronger Illinois for years to come.”

As part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), is launching a $21 million dollar program to establish 13 community-based contractor incubator hubs around the state. The hubs are designed to assist clean energy contractors-especially those in underserved areas-with growing their businesses. Ultimately, the goal of this program is to establish an interconnected set of statewide workforce development support systems, and fuel the growth of the clean energy sector in Illinois.

“The science has been clear for a long time: we need to make substantial financial commitments to combatting climate change,” Hernandez said. “Facilitating the growth of a clean energy workforce is a great step in that direction. Aurora will see substantial benefits from this influx of small business assistance and the job opportunities to follow,”