Governor touts EV charging port in Joliet, state partnership with ComEd

[November 19, 2024]  By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square

(The Center Square) – With millions of taxpayer dollars being spent on electric vehicle incentives, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has announced the state’s first deployment of an EV charging station funded by the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, or CEJA.

The governor joined elected officials, utility and union leaders in Joliet Monday to celebrate the new charger at Inwood Athletic Club.

“We’ve attracted car and bus makers and their suppliers, and we’ve incentivized consumer purchases of electric vehicles,” Pritzker said.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency recently awarded a $480,000 grant to Veterans Energy Team, a local veteran-owned business that partnered with the Joliet Park District to build EV fast chargers at Inwood Athletic Club and Nowell Park.

Pritzker said the state has distributed more than $69 million under CEJA since June of last year to support EV chargers across the state.

“There will soon be a charging station along every highway every 50 miles in Illinois. That’s just the start,” the governor promised.

Pritzker expressed his appreciation for state lawmakers who have supported climate-related legislation.

“Since my earliest days in office, the General Assembly and I have relentlessly pursued one of the most ambitious climate agendas in the nation,” Pritzker said.

Pritzker said reducing air pollution from transportation is vital to a healthy future for children and for the planet.

“Throughout the past five years, we have put our shoulder to the wheel to get the electric vehicle industry off the ground in Illinois,” the governor added.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker stands with others at a newly installed electric vehicle charging station in Joliet - GovPritzker | X.com

State Rep. Marcus Evans, D-Chicago, sponsored CEJA and said Pritzker is implementing the law.

“Open your eyes. It’s right here. The hopes and promises of CEJA are being realized because we’ve got the right person at the top to execute it," Evans said. "Other states are talking about putting these things up.”

Pritzker signed CEJA into law in September of 2021.

ComEd CEO Gil Quiniones joined the governor and other officials at Monday’s announcement.

"We are proud to partner with the Pritzker administration and the Joliet Park District to power this forward-looking project,” Quiniones said.

Pritzker referred to Quiniones as “a vital partner in our clean energy future.”

Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy welcomed the governor to the city and offered his appreciation of ComEd.

“To make projects like this a reality, we need the continued support of our state leaders and organizations like ComEd,” D’Arcy said.

Legislation to benefit ComEd has come under scrutiny during the corruption trial of former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan.

The longtime Democratic Party of Illinois leader is accused of using his public office to secure jobs for his associates by advancing legislation favorable to ComEd.