In a few weeks, voters will once again have the opportunity to elect leaders at both local and federal levels who will influence the nation’s approach to climate change.
In Illinois, 74% of the population believes global warming is real, a figure that closely mirrors the Chicago metro area. However, in Cook County, the percentage is even higher at 80%. These insights come from Yale University’s Climate Opinion Maps, which provide a snapshot of regional views on climate change by analyzing national survey data.
The Yale data also reveals that across Illinois, the Chicago Metro area, and Cook County:
- 83-86% of residents support funding for renewable energy research.
- 76-80% favor tax breaks for energy-efficient vehicles and solar panels.
Illinois’ Clean Energy Initiatives
Two landmark federal laws—the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) passed two years ago, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) passed nearly three years ago—have unlocked significant funding for clean energy projects at the state and local levels. These funds are flowing into various initiatives, including NanoGraf, a Chicago-based company in the West Town neighborhood.
NanoGraf recently secured a $60 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains, funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The grant will help establish a battery material production facility for electric vehicles in Flint, Michigan. This plant is expected to produce 2,500 tons of NanoGraf’s unique silicon anode material annually and create 200 construction jobs, along with 150 permanent positions.
Illinois has benefited from at least $2.6 billion in funding for seven clean energy projects, including NanoGraf’s. These investments have led to the creation of more than 2,700 jobs across the state, according to E2, a nonpartisan group advocating for both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Chicago’s Path to Clean Energy
Following the availability of IRA funding in 2022, Chicago city officials integrated the new financial resources into their Climate Action Plan with an 11-page addendum. This plan outlines how federal clean energy dollars will be allocated to reduce carbon emissions, curb pollution, and lower energy consumption in both the energy and transportation sectors. The strategy also includes rebates and grants for improving energy efficiency in residential and commercial properties.
Chicago’s 2024 Priority Climate Action Plan focuses on leveraging IRA funds to advance clean energy initiatives across the metropolitan area.
Homeowner Energy Rebates
One of the slower-moving programs from the IRA involves $263 million in Home Energy Rebates, which will be distributed to homeowners across Illinois. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is in the process of applying for this funding through the U.S. Department of Energy, and the state is currently awaiting approval to begin rolling out the program.
These rebates will provide financial incentives for homeowners to improve their energy efficiency, helping reduce both energy costs and emissions in the long term.