Illinois has passed three major pieces of clean energy legislation, solidifying its commitment to clean energy and workforce growth.
- Future Energy Jobs Act, or FEJA (2017)
- Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, or CEJA (2021)
- Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act, or CRGA (2025)
These policies established a variety of programs to prepare people for clean energy careers, incentivize clean energy development, modernize the electric grid, and support workers and communities transitioning away from fossil fuels. The Climate Jobs Institute’s research explores how state clean energy investments have benefitted Illinois communities and workers–and how clean energy policy implementation can be improved to maximize benefits and minimize risks.
Solar and Wind Economic Analysis
Since FEJA passed, Illinois has seen unprecedented growth in solar development, from 40 Megawatt (MW) cumulative solar capacity in 2019 to 4500 MW solar capacity in January of 2025 (see Illinois Solar Map). Cumulative wind has increased at a more modest pace, from approximately 5,200 MW cumulative capacity in 2019 to 8,200 MW in 2024 (U.S. Energy Information Administration).
What are the economic impacts of this expansion? How have communities benefitted, in terms of tax revenue and employment? How have household electricity costs been impacted by renewable energy development? Our research seeks to quantify this impact and the distribution of the economic benefits across regions and populations.
Evaluating CEJA Energy Community Reinvestment Programs
As Illinois transitions away from coal and other fossil fuel infrastructure, many communities face shrinking tax bases, job losses, and uncertainty about their future. CEJA’s Energy Community Reinvestment Act establishes a number of programs to support displaced energy workers and communities that are experiencing job loss from coal plant or coal mine closures. As part of our Illinois Coal Workers and Communities Listening Project, we are evaluating the impact of these programs. We’re investigating how these programs are empowering communities to chart their own paths toward a sustainable future.
Displaced Energy Worker Dependent Scholarship Program
This scholarship program supports dependents of displaced energy workers. To date, only one person has received the scholarship.
Assessing the Assessments: Carbon-Free Public Schools
CEJA established a Public Schools Carbon-Free Assessment program to support K-12 schools in identifying ways to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. Since 2022, Ameren Illinois and ComEd have been administering the program, delivering assessment reports to hundreds of public schools throughout Illinois. Our research seeks to support this program by analyzing the recommended measures and identifying the challenges associated with implementing these measures. We are surveying and interviewing participating schools to explore how they have utilized the assessment reports.
Related Research
Electric Power Capacity Mapping
Explore CJI’s interactive dashboard to understand Illinois’ electric power and renewable energy assets.
Prioritizing Communities for Clean Energy Investments
Learn how equity-focused mapping tools determine who benefits from clean energy investments–and who might be left out.