FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Monday, August 8, 2022
Contacts: Hannah Lee Flath, hannahlee.flath@sierraclub.org, 860-634-0225
Chicago, IL -- Today, the City of Chicago announced that it is moving to power all public buildings and sister agencies like Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Transit Authority, and the Chicago Housing Authority with 100% renewable energy by 2025. This historic investment in Chicago’s clean energy future will largely be supplied by a new utility scale solar farm in Sangamon County, which will be built to equity and labor standards set by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA). The City will also work to identify local projects in order to invest in clean energy right here in Chicago.
The City of Chicago first committed to transition to renewable energy in 2018 as a direct result of the organizing efforts of the Ready For 100 Chicago Collective. The collective was led by a coalition of local environmental and community organizations that challenged city officials and neighbors alike to think differently about what powers our cities and how it impacts our communities. In December 2018, five thousand Chicagoans signed a petition supporting 100% renewable energy. Since then, activists provided feedback to the City of Chicago regarding their vision for a clean energy future and urged the City to prioritize an equitable and just transition.
In response to today’s announcement, Sierra Club Illinois Director Jack Darin released the following statement:
“Chicago’s move to power all of its public buildings with 100% renewable energy is the latest sign of growth in Illinois’ clean energy economy. Switching to clean energy protects taxpayers from the high costs of dirty, expensive fossil fuels, creates good jobs here in Illinois, and advances equity by prioritizing communities that need clean energy opportunities the most.
“We’re pleased to see the City’s commitment to engaging disadvantaged communities in reaching its clean energy goals, including securing investments in workforce development and other projects that create economic opportunity for all Chicagoans.
“This is just the beginning of the environmental, economic, and consumer benefits on the way as the City works to achieve its ultimate goal of 100% clean energy for all buildings in Chicago by 2035. Chicago is one of the largest cities across the country to make a commitment to 100% clean energy, and we look forward to working with residents, community groups, and the City to achieve this bold goal in ways that maximize benefits for all.”