Join in clean energy conversation Sept. 13

At a time when clean energy projects are developing across the state, the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition and Environmental Defenders of McHenry County will host a community conversation in to discuss ways to make clean, affordable energy accessible to everyone across Illinois.

"Listen. Lead. Share. A conversation about winning a clean, equitable energy future" is an open conversation to explore how communities across Illinois can work for and benefit from a clean economy that cuts energy costs, creates jobs, and preserves communities.

The event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 13, at McHenry County College Shah Center, 4100 W. Shamrock Lane, McHenry.

"The conversation will foster discussion around four policy goals that include ensuring equitable benefits across the state, moving Illinois to 100 percent clean energy by 2050, cutting carbon pollution from the state's power sector by 2030, and immediately electrifying the transportation sector," said Cynthia Kanner, Executive Director, Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.

Colleen Smith, Legislative Director for the Illinois Environmental Council, emphasized that the pursuit of these policy goals needs to begin with a robust, statewide conversation - one in which the Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition invites all Illinoisans to join.

"We are calling on every Illinois politician, Republican and Democratic alike, including those campaigning for governor, every community leader, and every voter to join the conversation, so the state wins a clean, equitable energy future," Smith said.

The Illinois Clean Jobs Coalition successfully championed the Future Energy Jobs Act, historic, bipartisan legislation that was signed into law in 2016.

The "Listen. Lead. Share" campaign will help build on the success of FEJA, the biggest clean energy breakthrough in Illinois history.

The ICJC is a group of more than 200 organizations, businesses and community leaders working together to advance clean energy jobs, lower energy bills and healthier air and water.