Chicago Business | January 8, Lesley McCain, Andrew Linhares, Stephanie Burgos-Veras, Samarth Medakkar and Jeff Danielson When Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Clean and Reliable Grid Affordability Act today, Illinois became the first state to boldly and comprehensively address the energy cost crisis affecting every state in the nation. By enacting CRGA, Illinois leaders recognizedContinueContinue reading “Opinion: Illinois just stepped up for clean, affordable energy — and economic prosperity”
Category Archives: Illinois
IL pushes clean energy forward; rural town reflects on community gains
Public News Service | Judith Ruiz-Branch, December 26, 2025 As Illinois looks to progress its clean energy goals in 2026, rural residents are speaking out about how past projects continue to benefit their communities. David Helper, a retired chiropractor and former member of the Logan County Board, said the county was an early leader inContinueContinue reading “IL pushes clean energy forward; rural town reflects on community gains”
Report: Illinois leads Midwest in clean energy jobs creation
Daily Herald | Madhu Krishnamurthy, October 16 Illinois ranks fifth in the U.S. for clean energy jobs with 3,274 new jobs added last year, outpacing the rest of state employment growth, according to the annual Clean Jobs Midwest report released by nonpartisan business group E2, Evergreen Climate Innovations, and the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition. More than one out ofContinueContinue reading “Report: Illinois leads Midwest in clean energy jobs creation”
Wind energy projects provide local revenue | Opinion
Pontiac Daily Leader | Jeff Danielson, April 18 Illinois is a forward-thinking energy state. By being proactive and embracing cost-effective, sustainable energy sources, the state reaps substantial economic benefits and a reliable energy grid. Wind energy plays a significant role in realizing these benefits, contributing to the state’s goal of achieving clean energy sustainability. TheContinueContinue reading “Wind energy projects provide local revenue | Opinion”
Letter to the editor: Solar energy is bringing the power to Illinois
Journal-Courier | March 24 Southern Illinois is expanding its local energy leadership, a testament to its economic development vision. EDP Renewables North America recently announced the completion of two solar projects generating 250 megawatts of clean energy. Hickory and Wolf Run Solar Parks will produce enough electricity to power 62,800 average Illinois homes and supportContinueContinue reading “Letter to the editor: Solar energy is bringing the power to Illinois”
Illinois recognized as 4th in country for solar energy capacity
Yahoo!news | Gabriella Morando, March 14 ILLINOIS (WCIA) — 2024 was a banner year for solar energy, both across the country and in Illinois. Experts hope that momentum continues beyond National Solar Appreciation Day, on Friday, to have an impact far into the future. The Solar Energy Industry Association (SEIA) said that Illinois is rankedContinueContinue reading “Illinois recognized as 4th in country for solar energy capacity”
3 Ways Rural Communities Benefit from Renewable Energy Development
Clean Grid Alliance | Molly Vagle, September 17 As the nation transitions to more clean energy generation sources, rural communities are receiving tangible benefits from hosting those projects in their communities. The creation of new jobs, new tax revenue and income streams demonstrate that renewable energy projects make economic sense, while providing an opportunity forContinueContinue reading “3 Ways Rural Communities Benefit from Renewable Energy Development”
Illinois to Get ‘Largest Solar Project East of the Mississippi’
Newsweek | Joe Edwards, August 30 Construction is underway on an 800-megawatt solar project in southern Illinois, which developer Swift Current Energy describes as the largest U.S. solar project east of the Mississippi River. Located 30 miles west of Springfield, Double Black Diamond Solar is said to be capable of powering about 100,000 homes annuallyContinueContinue reading “Illinois to Get ‘Largest Solar Project East of the Mississippi’”
Instead of competing for land, some farmers and solar developers want to work side by side
Chicago Tribune | Karina Atkins, August 1 Matt Riggs’ family has been farming in Urbana since 1874. But, his parents had to work second jobs to cushion themselves from the volatile corn and soybean markets that dominate Illinois’ agricultural sector. It quickly became clear that Riggs would also need to find another income stream ifContinueContinue reading “Instead of competing for land, some farmers and solar developers want to work side by side”
Illinois can replace fossil plants with storage, capacity from queues: NRDC
Utility Dive | Ethan Howland, August 1 Illinois could reliably replace its fossil-fueled power plants by 2030 with nearly 3 GW of battery storage and about 7.7 GW of resources that are seeking to connect to the grid in the state, according to a report released Thursday by the Natural Resources Defense Council. The white paper by AstrapéContinueContinue reading “Illinois can replace fossil plants with storage, capacity from queues: NRDC”