WAUKEGAN – With strong support from State Senator Adriane Johnson, Waukegan will receive $1,056,772 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to help with the transition to clean energy. Waukegan is one of over 50 communities impacted by mine and fossil fuel retirements and are therefore eligible to receive state funding under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act to invest in green energy.

“While moving to clean energy is the right thing for the planet, people who have made a career working in fossil fuel plants or mines can be adversely affected if they have no external support,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This investment will ensure people whose jobs are transitioning to clean energy have resources and opportunities to find new, well-paying jobs so there is no negative impact on their livelihoods.”

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 initiatives, housing support, business attraction efforts and more. Recipients were selected by responding to a Notice of Funding Opportunity with a letter of support from the municipality or county where the plant or mine was located.

Grant awards were calculated based on the economic impact of plant or mine closure, specifically, property tax losses and jobs lost due to the plant transition, with a minimum award of $50,000.

“As a member of the Energy and Conservation committee in the Senate, I am very passionate about moving toward clean energy in our state,” said Johnson. “This funding will allow this transition to be smoother while supporting hardworking Illinoisans moving into clean energy jobs.”

Visit the Energy Transition Community Grant Program website for more information.