Environment
Preparing the Workforce for a "Green Jobs" Ecomony
As the United States embarks on its journey toward a clean energy economy, the buzz about the promise of “green jobs” has gained momentum among politicians, media, community organizers, educators, and workforce development stakeholders. Preparing the Workforce for a “Green Jobs” Economy, a new brief from the Heldrich Center at Rutgers University, identifies the types of jobs and skills that will be in demand in this green future and the factors that are driving the new energy economy and the growth of its workforce. The brief also considers strategies for building competitive, flexible workforce systems that can respond to emerging employer needs and highlights best practices occurring around the nation.
Illinois ENERGY STAR® Appliance Rebate Program
The State of Illinois is pleased to announce the Illinois ENERGY STAR® Appliance Rebate Program, funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).
Recycle Wireless Phones and Help Victims of Abuse
HopeLine is a program exclusive to Verizon Wireless that puts wireless services and equipment to work to assist victims of domestic violence.
The long-running HopeLine program collects no-longer-used wireless phones and equipment in any condition from any service provider. The used phones are either refurbished or recycled.
With the funds raised from the sale of the refurbished phones, Verizon Wireless donates wireless phones and airtime to victims, and provides funding and other contributions to non-profit domestic violence shelters and prevention programs across the country.
Solar Energy Rebate Program
The focus of the Solar and Wind Energy Rebate Program, through the State's Renewable Energy Resources Program, is to encourage utilization of smaller-scale solar and wind energy systems in Illinois.
Eligibility applicants include homeowners, businesses, public sector and non-profit entities who are customers of an electric or gas utility that impose the Renewable Energy Resources and Coal Technology Development Assistance Charge.
The program offers incentives up to 30% of total project cost for residential and business applicants, and 50% for public sector and non-profit entities. The maximum rebate is $50,000.
Click here for the guidelines and application form for the SOLAR AND WIND ENERGY REBATE PROGRAM
For more information on the solar and wind energy rebate program, please contact:
- Wayne Hartel Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity 217/785-3420 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
- Scott Henkel Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity 217/785-3968 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
ARRA and IDNR Funds
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources has provided the Green Caucus the following update on Federal Stimulus money:
Federal stimulus money is beginning to flow into the State of Illinois and IDNR is working hard to capture a portion of these dollars towards the State’s natural resource priorities. Both individually and through working with our Federal and Not for Profit partners, the Department is trying to maximize its share of ARRA dollars.
Below are a list of grants that have been applied for and initiatives underway in conjunction with other state agencies.
- Forestry Grants: IDNR has applied with USDA for $62 million in restoration projects. Notification is expected soon.
- NOAA: Lake Michigan shoreline restoration project at Illinois Beach State Park. IDNR has requested $10.9 million in funding for beach nourishment and long range sustainability and enhancement. Notification by July 1, 2009.
- COPS Grants: Application with the Department of Justice for a new class of CPO’s to secure our parks, historic sites and natural areas ($4.6 million). Additional application for equipment to be submitted in the near future. ($4.3 million).
- UDSA/NRCS: Emergency Watershed Protection grant for Choteau Island/Gabaret/Mosenthein Island in Madison County. Easements to be purchased as well as floodplain restoration and protection. Notification expected soon.
- DCEO Partnership: Working closely with DCEO and the LWIA’s around the State to put disadvantaged youth to work in the state parks this summer. Program kicks off in late May and runs through September. Anticipated over 200 people put to work through this partnership. ($1.3 million)
- Corps of Engineers: Both restoration and watershed maintenance projects funded through the Corps for on the ground work in Illinois. Projects around the State total $314 million.
- IDOT: Requesting money for park road maintenance as well as funding for state bike trails.
- DCEO/CDB: Requesting funds for weatherization and energy efficiency projects at state parks.
