Prairie Rivers Network, our members, and countless advocates in Illinois helped to pass the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) in 2021. Paired with federal climate laws the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), we have laid the groundwork for transforming our energy sector from water polluting, planet warming fossil fuels, to clean energy. While these state and federal laws were the first step to systemic change, much of the critical work in the fight against climate change happens at the community level where innovative policies are implemented. We are working at the forefront of the energy transition. Coal facilities are closing, pollution is being cleaned up, and clean energy projects are being built. Let's delve into some inspiring Illinois success stories of communities that are spearheading transformative change to fight against climate change and advance clean energy.
Alto Vineyards Powers Grapevines with Solar
In the second half of 2023 alone, more than 200 Illinois farms and rural small businesses received the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant for renewable energy projects. While the projects are small, the impact for a rural business or farm is great, and collectively the REAP grant is expanding clean energy and lowering emissions. We are actively working to make sure this IRA funding reaches regenerative farms and small businesses in unserved and coal communities.
One of the recipients in southern Illinois was Alto Vineyards, the oldest winery in Illinois, run by three generations of the Renzaglia family. Karen Renzaglia, Owner of Alto Vineyards said, “I think going solar has been one of the best things we’ve done in years. In addition to federal money, Illinois has the best incentives in the country. It’s a no-brainer. Any small business owner absolutely must look into this.”
Schools Have a Bright Green Future
Schools are perfect places to adopt new clean energy technologies that provide better health for students, cost savings, career opportunities, and of course, big environmental benefits! There are 33 school districts in Illinois that have received US EPA rebates and grants to purchase electric school buses. In particular, Williamsfield Schools in Knox County is developing a pioneering approach where their US EPA funded electric buses will also be a part of a school microgrid with more solar and battery storage. Through Williamsfield’s leadership and a Department of Energy grant, similar microgrid projects will be developed at over 15 other Illinois schools. We are working directly with several schools in southern Illinois that will be among the first to take advantage of a new CEJA school energy assessment program from Ameren. This work will empower schools with a roadmap to their energy future with lower emissions and cheaper electricity bills.
Addressing Past Harms and Pollution
Coal communities have long powered the nation’s economy, but they have also paid a price. In these places, miners have lost their lives in staggering numbers and communities have sacrificed their land, water, and air. Yet the coal economy’s profits have been reaped primarily by out of state companies. Now, the closures of coal plants and mines come at a significant economic and social cost to these communities.
For the second year, we are working hand-in-hand with coal community leaders to help them take advantage of CEJA’s Energy Transition Community Grant Program. These grants help replace lost tax revenue to provide critical community services and new economic opportunities. We also continue to advocate for coal ash clean up, and we successfully passed policies to fund abandoned mine land reclamation. Unprecedented federal funding will provide Illinois $75 million per year for the reclamation of abandoned mines over 15 years. This funding will provide communities with jobs to get the work done, cleaner water, and reclaimed land that is ready for new life.
The Journey Ahead
As we navigate the complexities of climate change, these success stories serve as inspiration for what can be achieved through collective determination and political will. However, the journey is far from over. Continued advocacy and community engagement are essential to accelerate the transition towards a cleaner, more resilient planet. Prairie Rivers Network will continue to do our part!
About Prairie Rivers Network: We are Illinois’ advocate for clean water and healthy rivers; reducing pollution, preserving wildlife/river habitat, promoting sustainable agriculture, and confronting climate change while ensuring environmental justice. The success story you just read is one example from our work to fight climate change and transition Illinois to a clean energy economy.
