In 2021, Illinois passed the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), a groundbreaking law aimed at transitioning the state to 100% clean energy by 2050. This legislation set important interim targets, including 40% renewable energy by 2030 and 50% by 2040.

While Illinois has made progress, it now faces significant hurdles in meeting its 2030 climate goals, with renewable energy deployment, electric vehicle adoption, and workforce development all lagging behind schedule.

Illinois’ Progress on Renewable Energy

One of CEJA’s key goals was to increase renewable energy generation. Before the act, Illinois had set a target of 25% renewable energy by 2025, but as of 2023, the state had only reached 13.5%—barely more than half of its target.

The state’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires utility companies to obtain a certain percentage of electricity from renewable sources. Under CEJA, this requirement increased to 40% by 2030. However, experts warn that unless Illinois doubles its renewable energy output in the next five years, the state will likely miss this deadline.

Why is Illinois struggling?

Slow solar and wind project approvals: Delays in permitting and bureaucratic processes have slowed the growth of solar and wind farms.

Supply chain disruptions: The COVID-19 pandemic and global economic shifts have impacted the availability of materials needed for renewable energy projects.

Funding and investment challenges: The transition to clean energy requires significant financial backing, and while Illinois has committed billions, many projects are still awaiting funding.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption in Illinois

Another major part of Illinois’ clean energy transition is increasing the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road. CEJA aims to have 1 million EVs in Illinois by 2030. While the state has made progress, it remains far from this target.

As of early 2024, Illinois had registered approximately 80,000 EVs—less than 10% of the goal. The state offers rebates and incentives to encourage EV adoption, but several factors continue to slow progress:

High EV costs: Many consumers still find EVs too expensive despite government incentives.

Charging infrastructure gaps: While Illinois has plans to expand charging stations, availability remains limited, particularly in rural areas.

Supply chain constraints: Delays in battery production and semiconductor shortages have affected EV production.

To speed up adoption, Illinois is focusing on expanding EV charging networks, offering tax incentives, and encouraging automakers to increase EV production in the state.

Building a Clean Energy Workforce

One of the most ambitious parts of CEJA is its commitment to equitable job creation in the clean energy sector. The law emphasizes workforce training programs, particularly for underrepresented communities. However, meeting the demand for skilled labor remains a challenge.

Many industries require experienced electricians, solar panel installers, and wind turbine technicians, but Illinois has struggled to provide adequate training and education programs to fill these positions. Workforce shortages could slow the pace of clean energy expansion.

Can Illinois Still Meet Its 2030 Climate Goals?

Despite setbacks, experts believe Illinois is still on the right track. While the state may not meet every target exactly on time, the transition to clean energy is well underway. Jackson Morris, a clean energy expert from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), emphasizes that progress is more important than perfection.

“The momentum at the state level is where the real action is happening. Even if Illinois misses the 2030 deadline by a year or two, the key is staying on the long-term path to 100% clean energy,” Morris stated.

To stay on track, Illinois will need to:

Streamline renewable energy project approvals

Invest in a stronger EV infrastructure

Expand clean energy workforce training programs

Increase state and federal funding for climate initiatives

Conclusion

Illinois has set ambitious climate goals, but it faces major challenges in achieving them. The state needs urgent action to boost renewable energy, expand EV adoption, and train a skilled workforce. While Illinois may struggle to hit its 2030 targets on time, continued investment and policy adjustments can keep it on the path toward a clean Climate energy future.