Benefits Of Chicago Clean Energy Project Are Diverse And Wide-Reaching

$3 billion investment provides economic boom, job creation and energy diversification for Illinois

CHICAGO, Aug. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Chicago Clean Energy, a $3 billion state-of-the-art gasification project proposed for Chicago's Southeast Side, will provide a huge economic boom for Illinois, creating jobs and making strides and advancements in energy technology. Senate Bill 3766, which will allow the project to advance, currently sits on Governor Quinn's desk awaiting his approval. The Governor has until August 10 to take action.

The Chicago Clean Energy project is expected to create more than $10 billion in economic output for Illinois and an estimated $1.25 billion in added state and local tax revenue. This includes more than 1,100 construction jobs over three years, 200 permanent, high-paying jobs on-site, more than 150 coal-related jobs downstate, generating more than 700 jobs in related businesses.

"Workers across the state need this project, and we are urging Governor Quinn to bring it to Illinois," said Tom Villanova, president of the Chicago and Cook County Building Trades. "I can't see any reason for passing on a $3 billion private investment that will create this much economic opportunity and so many great jobs for our struggling state."

"This project will create direct and indirect permanent jobs across Illinois, including permanent jobs in the coal industry," said Phil Gonet, president of the Illinois Coal Association. "An investment this innovative and this significant would put Illinois on the map as a leader in foresight and energy diversification."

The project is targeting 15 percent of the prime construction contracts associated with the $3 billion project to be awarded to minority-owned and female-owned businesses and businesses owned by persons with disabilities.

"This project represents Illinois' future, and we hope to be a part of it," said Larry Huggins, past vice president of Black Contractors United. "We see only upside to this innovative project that will allow us to put people back to work in a cutting-edge, clean energy industry."

The Chicago Clean Energy project has been vetted by the State of Illinois over a five-year process, during which time the Governor already has signed four pieces of legislation, each of which passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly by wide margins, with strong statewide support from both political parties.

"There is great momentum moving our business and technology communities forward," said Ted Stalnos, president of the Calumet Area Industrial Commission. "We need to continue that trend and move the Chicago Clean Energy project forward."

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