More than 50 Recipients Selected to Receive Energy Transition Community Grants

SPRINGFIELD – Governor JB Pritzker and the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced more than 50 localities and municipal entities will receive Energy Transition Community Grants – an initiative under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) that provides funding for communities that have been impacted by fossil fuel plant or coal mine closures or signifi cant reductions. Communities in 22 areas impacted by recent or impending plant or mine closures or reductions were eligible to apply for the program.

“These communities across Illinois are committing to clean energy and a sustainable future, and I’m proud that DCEO is supporting them in this important work,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Transitioning to a cleaner energy system doesn’t have to negatively impact local municipalities – in fact, it should make them stronger and healthier. This grant program ensures that’s possible, equipping communities with the resources they need to make our state the best place in the country to live.”

The $40 million program was designed to meet the needs of individual localities by addressing the economic and social impacts of plant closures. The funding can be used on a variety of initiatives and investments, including workforce investments, housing support, business attraction efforts, and more. Recipients were selected by responding to a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) with a letter of support from the municipality or county where the plant or mine was located.

“Our administration is dedicated to ensuring that every Illinois community is fully supported and has the tools that will help them continue to be strong,” said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton. “Energy transitioning communities are important and this $40 million grant program will provide resources to shore up their needs in housing, economic development, and more so that residents can be well and thrive.”