Illinois confident it can continue clean energy progress under Trump …

Illinois confident it can continue clean energy progress under Trump …

The last time President Donald Trump took office, Illinois had just passed the landmark Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), creating an ambitious renewable electricity mandate, solar incentive programs, green job training, and equity provisions to propel the state’s clean energy economy. ​As the Trump administration returns to power, Illinois clean energy and environmental justice advocates are determined to keep the state’s clean energy transition on track, albeit facing a more challenging path forward.

State’s Energy Policy Landscape

Illinois has continued expanding on its clean energy foundations with the 2021 passage of the Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). This legislation sets forth an even more ambitious agenda, including plans for the mandatory closure of almost all fossil fuel generation by 2035. “With CEJA, we’ve mapped out an aggressive climate plan, and we’re in a strong position to further those goals even under a Trump administration,” said Madeline Semanisin, Midwest equitable building decarbonization advocate for the Natural Resources Defense Council.

Despite the political headwinds, Illinois lawmakers are expected to introduce another comprehensive energy bill in 2025 to prioritize energy storage and solidify the state’s clean energy future. “The state policy is designed to be responsive to a lack of federal climate leadership, to the need for Illinois to step up into a position of climate leadership,” explained John Delurey, deputy Midwest program director at Vote Solar.

Renewable Energy Targets and Initiatives

Illinois has set a target of 50% renewable energy by 2040, a goal that clean energy advocates believe is still achievable despite the challenges posed by a Trump presidency. The state’s Illinois Shines program, funded through ratepayer payments, continues to drive the deployment of distributed solar projects, largely insulated from potential federal policy changes.

Moreover, the state has secured over $430 million in a Climate Pollution Reduction Grant from the Biden administration’s Inflation Reduction Act, which will accelerate clean energy initiatives, industrial decarbonization, and workforce training. “We’re seeing a lot of possible federal funding from the IRA. It helps us double down on the great progress that we’re seeing and secure a more equitable, affordable, and healthy future for all Illinoisans,” noted Angela Xu, municipal engagement manager for the Illinois Environmental Council.

Impact of Federal Policies

While Illinois is well-positioned to forge ahead with its clean energy agenda, the state is not entirely immune to the potential impacts of federal actions. Several key federal tax credits and grants that have helped drive progress in Illinois could be at risk under a Trump administration. Additionally, a rollback of federal environmental regulations or enforcement could prolong pollution from sources like coal ash and power plants.

“There are levers they can pull, through an act of Congress they can change the Investment Tax Credit, which is an important part of the value stack for renewables,” warned Delurey. “And they could deploy tariffs which make the landscape a lot more complicated.”

However, advocates remain cautiously optimistic that the substantial federal investments already made during the Biden era, combined with Illinois’ robust state-level programs and market forces favoring clean energy, will help mitigate the potential setbacks. “The IRA has supported smart, sensible renewable energy development in red states and blue and purple states,” said Howard Learner, executive director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center. “There’s no question if President Trump tries to cut back and constrain the IRA, it will have some impact, but it’s very hard to keep better technology from growing.”

Strategies for Continued Progress

Collaboration with Stakeholders

To navigate the challenges ahead, Illinois clean energy advocates are doubling down on their collaborative efforts with a wide range of stakeholders, including industry, labor, and community organizations. “The role of cities and states becomes even increasingly more important right now,” said Angela Tovar, Chief Sustainability Officer for the City of Chicago. “We have an ability to really demonstrate leadership in this moment.”

Innovative Financing Mechanisms

Illinois is also exploring innovative financing mechanisms, such as leveraging the state’s Green Homes Chicago program and Chicago Recovery Plan funding, to help compensate for any potential loss of federal support. “We can put things in state legislation that supports these communities,” said Semanisin, “and prioritize people who have been historically underserved.”

Infrastructure Modernization

Recognizing the importance of a resilient and modernized energy infrastructure, Illinois is also focused on initiatives to upgrade its grid, integrate emerging technologies, and enhance energy efficiency across sectors. These efforts aim to future-proof the state’s clean energy transition, even in the face of an uncertain federal landscape.

Challenges and Considerations

Regulatory Framework Adaptations

One key challenge for Illinois will be adapting its regulatory framework to address potential federal rollbacks, such as weakening of the Clean Water Act or coal ash regulations. The state will need to remain vigilant and proactive in strengthening its own environmental protections to fill any gaps left by a less stringent federal approach.

Grid Integration and Resilience

As the state continues to integrate renewable energy sources like wind and solar, it will also need to address the technical complexities of grid integration and ensure the resilience of its energy infrastructure. Innovations in energy storage, demand-side management, and grid modernization will be crucial to maintaining a reliable and responsive electricity system.

Workforce Development

Ensuring a skilled and diverse workforce to support the clean energy transition is another critical focus area for Illinois. The state will need to bolster its green job training programs and workforce development initiatives to capitalize on the economic opportunities presented by the shift to clean energy.

Opportunities for Innovation

Despite the challenges, Illinois is well-positioned to harness the power of innovation to drive its clean energy future forward. Emerging technologies like advanced biofuels, carbon capture and utilization, and long-duration energy storage offer promising pathways to further decarbonize the state’s energy mix. Additionally, breakthroughs in building efficiency, distributed generation, and electrification of transportation and heating can help Illinois achieve its ambitious climate and energy goals, even in the face of a less supportive federal landscape.

As the Trump administration returns to power, Illinois is confident in its ability to continue its clean energy progress, though the path ahead may be more arduous. Through collaborative efforts, innovative financing, and a steadfast commitment to sustainability, the state is poised to maintain its leadership in the clean energy revolution, regardless of the political winds at the federal level.

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