A Chicago-based environmental group has released a report on the economic impact of renewable energy in Illinois.
Environmental Law & Policy Center officials said Monday that more than 400 Illinois companies are involved in the wind and solar energy markets, representing more than 20,000 jobs in everything from manufacturing to financing to engineering.
The study comes as legislators consider a bill that would require the state to buy more energy from renewable sources. The bill would also create new energy-efficiency standards for Illinois utilities to reduce electricity demand 20 percent by 2025. Proponents say that could help create thousands of new jobs every year.
Elise Houren is government relations manager at the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce. She says a robust renewable energy sector will help Chicago attract new companies.
