Avelar Announces $518,400 in Clean Energy Grants to Create Jobs in Lockport, Romeoville

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. —  In continuation of her effort to create green jobs and build a clean energy economy, state Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, is highlighting grants awarded to Lockport and Romeoville by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.

“I am very pleased Lockport and Romeoville received grant money to invest in our clean energy jobs and build a clean energy economy,” Avelar said. “The only way our state can reduce its carbon footprint is through collective action, and this grant money helps our community do its part to move our state forward.”

Lockport and Romeoville received $360,245 and $158,155, respectively, in Energy Transition Community Grants to address the social and economic impacts of plant or mine closures or reductions. Funding can be used for workforce investments, business development, and many other initiatives and investments. The Energy Transition Community Grant program was established as a part of the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, a historic advancement in energy and environmental policy that solidified Illinois’ role in the clean energy economy.

“When we passed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, we put Illinois on the cutting edge of energy production. While this is a large undertaking, it is also a tremendous opportunity to create sustainable jobs for the future,” Avelar said. “These grants ensure our communities have the support they need to move toward a clean energy future, and I am so proud that Lockport and Romeoville get to play a role in that process.”