Rust Belt to Green Belt legislation passes Illinois House

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BY TIA CAROL JONES

The legislation, which is a framework for offshore wind energy, has the potential to create more than 1,000 jobs.

“Offshore wind is not only a pathway to environmental sustainability, it’s an investment in an inclusive economic future for Illinois, and we applaud House Leader Evans for his continued commitment to creating clean jobs,” Joe Duffy, Executive Director of Climate Jobs Illinois, said in a release. “Illinois has already committed to meeting the climate goals outlined in the Clean Energy Jobs Act, and offshore wind will help us meet those goals and grow the economy through good-paying union jobs that ensure workers can support their families.”

Illinois State Representative Marcus Evans and Illinois State Senator Robert Peters advocated the bill. Evans sponsored the bill. Evans sponsored the bill because there is a need for more clean energy production. The Rust Belt to Green Belt legislation is another clean energy idea. The bill enables the Illinois Power Agency to start the process for the development for offshore wind energy.

Within the legislation, there is a provision requiring a community benefits agreement that will ensure jobs generated from the project go to Black and Brown communities. “My goal is always to include Southeast side people, working class people and Black people, that’s what I think about when I do any legislation. With every bill I pass, I’m trying to help the community,” said Evans, who is the Illinois House Assistant Majority Leader.

The community benefits agreement ensures that whoever develops the offshore wind energy will include people from the community in its hiring. The legislation now goes to the Illinois Senate for a vote. Evans is confident the legislation will pass there, too. He said clean energy and clean energy production is very needed.

“We are pleased that the Illinois General Assembly has created this opportunity for continued sustainability in our state. Wind farms are wholly consistent with the Chicago Urban League’s embrace of development and jobs of the future,” said Chicago Urban League President and CEO Karen Freeman-Wilson.

Once it passes the Senate and the Governor signs it, Illinois Power Agency will find a developer for the offshore wind project. In September 2022, Evans and Peters hosted a Town Hall Meeting in South Chicago to discuss bringing offshore wind projects to the community.

“We always need new projects, growth and development in the community and we need ideas to create jobs. We need economic activity in our community and this project would be a driver of economic activity,” Evans said.

For more information about Rust Belt to Green Belt, visit rustbelttogreenbelt.com.

Nicor Gas opens applications for diversity grants to support organizations that promote diversity and inclusive opportunities

NAPERVILLE, ILL. – Expanding on its commitment to support organizations that address the lack of access to opportunities for those experiencing discrimination based on race, national origin, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, veteran status and physical disabilities, Nicor Gas is announcing $100,000 in funding to support diversity programs.

Community organizations and nonprofits may apply for a grant from Nicor Gas to support their diversity initiatives. Applications are available at www.NicorGas. com/CharitableGiving through June 30 with funding decisions by the end of August. Selected nonprofits and community organizations will be eligible to receive up to $5,000 in grant funds this year.

Nicor Gas is committed to supporting communities across the company’s footprint to fuel equitable opportunities and futures for everyone.

“We know the important role that diversity and inclusion plays in creating stronger communities and we are committed to supporting organizations and programs that provide education and access to resources for under-served and under-represented individuals,” said Jackie Nagel, manager of Community Engagement at Nicor Gas.

As the largest natural gas provider in the state, Nicor Gas is committed to encouraging gains in the areas of post-secondary education, STEM career exploration and supplier development advocacy, as well as career advancement programs that address disparities in underserved communities.

Last year, the company provided grant support to: Naperville Neighbors United – Sponsors the Juneteenth Celebration at Rotary Hill to bring awareness to the historical significance of Juneteenth.

Midwestern University – Provides dental care for homeless, low-income or underinsured veterans.

CREO DuPage – Supports leadership development workshops for Latinx youth and expands bilingual resources to families to understand the process for preparing for and applying to colleges and universities.

YWCA Metropolitan Chicago – Supports the Career Pathways Program, which prepares women and people of color to obtain credentials and access high-demand, entry-level employment.

To submit an application for the diversity grants, click here.

To learn more about Nicor Gas’ commitment to its communities, visit www.NicorGas.com/Community.