Illinois Climate & Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA)

​CEJA is shaping a cleaner, fairer energy future for Illinois.

This site is your guide to training, funding, and business opportunities in the clean energy economy.

Whether you are preparing for a career, growing your business, or starting a project, CEJA offers programs and support to help you succeed.

Explore workforce hubs, contractor development resources, and funding opportunities to take your next step in clean energy.

​Are you an organization or partner? 

View funding opportunities and program announcements through the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO’s) CEJA Updates & Program Status page.

Find Your Path

Not sure where to start? Connect with your ET Navigator today.​
​Looking to run a CEJA-funded program instead? Visit DCEO’s CEJA Updates & Program Status page for funding opportunities.​​​
​
About CEJA

The Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) became law on September 15, 2021, setting Illinois on a path to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050. CEJA is one of the nation's most ambitious climate and equity laws, designed to expand renewable energy, build a strong workforce, and ensure communities benefit from the transition.

CEJA Goals:

Renewable Energy Icon Support new renewable energy projects such as solar and wind.
Electric Vehicle Icon Expand electric vehicle use and charging station networks across the state.
Workforce Training Icon Provide workforce training programs to prepare Illinois workers for clean energy careers.
Community Support Icon Support communities impacted by the shift away from fossil fuels.

Together, these programs are creating thousands of new jobs and business opportunities while lowering pollution and energy costs.

Legislation Icon Read the full legislation ​​

​​
What is a Clean Energy Job?
​Clean energy jobs and careers are in renewable energy industries like solar and wind, energy efficient heating and cooling, battery storage, electric vehicles, and more.

These jobs are growing fast, expanding into more and more industries, and pay well. CEJA is making Illinois communities stronger and healthier by helping connect you with clean energy.

Connect with your ET Navigator to learn more about specific clean energy career pathways and training options.
​
Why Equity?
​Equity is important to the CEJA programming because equity is about fairness. Equity means helping people based on need so that no one is left out. Historically, many people have not had access to equal opportunity. CEJA was written in a way that makes sure that all people in Illinois can benefit from clean energy. It also makes sure that the communities more affected by pollution and extreme weather can receive more support.
​
Equity Priorities
​CEJA focuses on certain geographic areas and communities based on higher needs. These include “Environmental Justice” (EJ) communities as well as “Restore, Reinvest, Renew” (R3) communities.

An “Equity Eligible Person” is defined as someone who:
  • Lives in an EJ or R3 community
  • Is a graduate of or currently enrolled in the foster care system, or
  • Is formerly incarcerated.

Please see the map on the ET Navigator Program webpage to see if you live in an EJ or R3 community. Navigators can also help you with this. Contact us today​!

CEJA also focuses on supporting people who:
  • Have low incomes;
  • Identify as black, indigenous, or a person of color;
  • Are or were in the child welfare system;
  • Are energy workers or dependents of displaced energy workers;
  • Are women;
  • Are LGBTQ+ or gender nonconforming;
  • Have a disability; or
  • Are youth who belong to any of these groups.

Please see program webpages for specific eligibility requirements.

Have more questions? Email CEO.CEJA@Illinois.gov.

Get Started

Choose your path to explore CEJA resources:

Students and Job Seekers For Students & Job Seekers
Contractors For Contractors
Employers For Employers
Local and State Partners​ For Local & State Partners
​