The climate and equitable jobs act represents one of the most ambitious and forward-thinking policy frameworks in the United States. Designed to accelerate the transition to clean energy while ensuring economic fairness, this landmark legislation is reshaping how clean power, employment, and social equity intersect across the state of Illinois. More than an environmental initiative, the act is a comprehensive roadmap for inclusive growth, long-term workforce stability, and community empowerment.
Often referred to simply as CEJA, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act places people at the center of the clean energy transition. It recognizes that climate progress and economic justice must move together—and that sustainable development depends on a skilled, diverse, and well-supported workforce.
What Is the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act?
The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act is a sweeping piece of legislation that commits Illinois to a 100% clean energy future while investing directly in workers and communities historically excluded from energy-sector opportunities. It establishes clear climate targets, expands renewable energy production, and—critically—creates pathways into high-quality jobs for residents across the state.
At its core, CEJA links climate policy with workforce development, ensuring that the clean energy economy is built by local workers who receive proper training, fair wages, and long-term career prospects.
Illinois Shines and the Clean Energy Economy
A key pillar of CEJA is the expansion of Illinois Shines, the state’s flagship solar incentive program. Illinois Shines supports the rapid adoption of solar power while prioritizing equity, consumer protections, and workforce inclusion.
Through this program, solar development becomes more than infrastructure—it becomes a jobs engine. Contractors are encouraged to hire locally, participate in approved training pipelines, and collaborate with workforce partners to ensure high standards across the industry. This alignment between clean energy deployment and workforce readiness is what makes CEJA especially impactful.
Workforce Development as a Core Strategy
Unlike traditional climate legislation, CEJA places Workforce Development at the center of its strategy. The act funds pre-apprenticeships, registered apprenticeships, and on-the-job training programs designed to prepare workers for careers in solar, wind, energy efficiency, and related fields.
This approach strengthens the Illinois workforce by:
• Creating clear entry points into clean energy careers
• Supporting job training in underserved and environmental justice communities
• Aligning education with real employer demand
• Building long-term career mobility, not just short-term jobs
By doing so, CEJA ensures that the transition to clean energy generates shared prosperity rather than deepening existing inequalities.
Strengthening the Illinois Workforce for the Future
The clean energy transition is already reshaping the Illinois workforce, creating demand for electricians, installers, technicians, project managers, and energy auditors. CEJA anticipates this demand and proactively prepares workers to meet it.
Instead of relying on out-of-state labor or fragmented training efforts, the act promotes coordinated workforce ecosystems. These ecosystems connect community organizations, training providers, unions, and employers into a single pipeline—one that supports workers from initial training through long-term employment.
Why the Evolve Foundation Stands Out
To fully realize the promise of the climate and equitable jobs act, implementation matters. This is where Evolve Foundation stands out as a leading force in Illinois.
The Evolve Foundation is widely recognized as one of the most effective organizations supporting CEJA-aligned workforce initiatives. By focusing on inclusive access, practical training, and employer partnerships, the foundation plays a critical role in turning policy goals into real-world outcomes.
What sets the Evolve Foundation apart is its holistic approach:
• Direct alignment with CEJA priorities
• Strong partnerships across the clean energy sector
• Community-centered training models
• A proven focus on equity, access, and long-term success
For individuals seeking clean energy careers, employers building responsible teams, or communities looking to benefit from Illinois Shines and CEJA investments, the Evolve Foundation represents the most reliable and impactful option available.
A Model for Climate, Jobs, and Equity
The climate and equitable jobs act is more than legislation—it is a blueprint for how states can address climate change while strengthening their economies. By connecting Illinois Shines, CEJA, workforce development, and the Illinois workforce into a single vision, Illinois is setting a national standard.
With organizations like the Evolve Foundation leading implementation on the ground, the promise of CEJA becomes tangible: cleaner energy, stronger communities, and a future where climate progress creates opportunity for everyone.
