CHICAGO – Federal funding to help Illinois reduce its carbon footprint is on the way.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency awarded the state $430,251,378 from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. According to Governor Pritzker’s office, nearly 300 applications were submitted by entities nationwide, totaling over $32 billion. US-EPA chose 25 recipients for the grant, totaling $4.3 billion, Illinois receiving the third largest.

What You Need To Know

  • US-EPA awarded Illinois $430,251,378 from the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant program
  • Illinois is dedicating $115 million for heavy-duty vehicle electrification.
  • With $172 million the state plans to “improve access and affordability for clean building technologies in disadvantaged communities.”
  • Agriculture, a major industry of Illinois will see more than $111 million to help incentivize sustainable, climate smart agricultural practices

Governor Pritzker signed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) into law in 2021, committing Illinois to be 100 percent carbon-free power by 2045.

“I did it knowing that we could not move into a clean energy future without ensuring that no one was left behind—and with this grant award, the Biden-Harris administration has made it clear that their priorities are the same,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This grant will fund clean buildings, agriculture, and transport, and further position Illinois as the hub for smart, clean development that we have strived to become.”

Illinois submitted their “Priority Climate Action Plan” application for the grant on March 1, 2024. Illinois believes the decarbonization strategies from passing the CEJA helped them secure the grant. With the grant, Illinois plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, buildings, industry, and agriculture. Illinois has two years to provide a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan.

Notables from Illinois’ CPRG application include:

Transportation

Transportation is the state’s largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. Illinois is dedicating $115 million for heavy-duty vehicle electrification.

Buildings

With $172 million the state plans to improve access and affordability for clean building technologies in disadvantaged communities. Heat pumps can help Illinoisans lower their bills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide cleaner air for homes.

Agriculture

Agriculture, a major industry of Illinois, will see more than $111 million to help incentivize sustainable, climate smart agricultural practices.

Illinois is already considered a national leader for climate, with much thanks to the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act.