CHICAGO- ​ Governor JB Pritzker, Avina Clean Hydrogen, and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) today announced the selection of Southwest Illinois as the location for Avina Clean Hydrogen's $820 million investment for a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) project. The investment will enable Avina Clean Hydrogen Inc., a pioneer in the clean fuels sector, to develop its facility to produce SAF, helping meet Illinois' clean energy goals and supporting the state's growing clean energy economy.

"Illinois is proud to be a leader in the nation's clean energy industry, and we've seen record growth over the past few years as companies choose to relocate to or expand across our state," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Avina Clean Hydrogen's new SAF production facility will support our ambitious goals for a clean energy economy by substantially reducing carbon emissions and creating new jobs for Southwest Illinois."

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE), in partnership with the Center for Economic Mobility at WestEd, released a comprehensive education and workforce analysis for the Quad Cities region, Thrive Quad Cities: An Education and Workforce Analysis Final Report. The Illinois General Assembly tasked IBHE to complete the study through Public Act 102-0017 and provided the funding to carry out the study. The report outlines critical challenges, opportunities and actionable recommendations that will inform a regional plan to support the implementation of the state’s higher education strategic plan, A Thriving Illinois, to align education pathways with workforce needs in the region. 

“This analysis will be instrumental in carrying out important, strategic work that will accelerate access to meaningful and life-changing careers for Illinoisans in the Quad Cities region,” said IBHE Executive Director Ginger Ostro. “We are energized to continue working with our education and workforce partners in the region to foster a thriving and sustainable economy for its residents.”