The Climate Jobs Institute produces research reports, tools, and resources to support the state’s transition to a clean energy economy. We identify ways to minimize job loss, maximize high-quality job creation, promote economic development, and facilitate an equitable transition to a clean energy economy.
Ongoing Research Projects
Analysis of Federal Clean Energy Policy Changes
We are closely monitoring how Trump Administration actions are impacting clean energy jobs, labor and equity standards, and job quality. Through policy analysis, we will recommend ways the state of Illinois might mitigate the negative impact of these new federal policies and continue to meet its clean energy goals.
Union Labor and Clean Energy Research
The Climate Jobs Institute is researching how Illinois construction and building trade unions are taking part in clean energy activities and programs.
We’re recruiting union leaders and apprenticeship coordinators to complete a survey and participate in a focus group discussion. We’ll explore how Illinois unions are planning for and participating in the clean energy transition.
Clean Energy Jobs Analyses
CJI is conducting research to better understand clean energy job and training needs, helping to inform workforce policy and workforce program implementation. We are analyzing job postings and Department of Labor data to recommend areas of focus for the state’s clean energy workforce training programs and other training programs.
Building Electrification Study
Illinois is considering new policies to support building electrification in Illinois. This study will help inform electrification policy and implementation. We’ll start with a market analysis of residential and commercial electrification and thermal energy network technologies and adoption. We’ll consider barriers to adoption, policies, and workforce needs to support electrification. We’ll estimate the impacts of electrification on the economy and workforce and model scenarios for adoption.
Illinois Coal Workers and Communities Research
The Climate Jobs Institute is exploring the workforce, economic, and community impacts of recent and upcoming coal plant and mine closures. We’ll conduct interviews with workers and community members and explore the planning, resources, and tools they need for a just transition.
Solar Workforce Job Quality Study
The Climate Jobs Institute is launching a study to explore job quality and working conditions in the solar industry in Illinois, from workers’ perspectives. Though Illinois has some of the strongest labor standards of any state (e.g., prevailing wage and project labor agreement requirements), certain sectors of the solar workforce aren’t subject to these standards. We’ll draw on available datasets to characterize the Illinois solar workforce and then reach out directly to workers to explore working conditions and job quality.
Sign up for CJI Updates
Interested in staying informed on what CJI is doing? Sign up to receive our quarterly newsletter and other research updates. We’ll share summaries of our research findings, links to publications and tools, and opportunities for collaboration.
Past Newsletters
Winter 2025 Research and News
Fall 2024 Research and News
