CHICAGO - Mayor Brandon Johnson today joined leaders from the White House and U.S Department of Treasury at Hartzell Memorial United Methodist Church for a celebratory Earth Day event aimed to inform tax-exempt entities of federal clean energy funding to benefit all Chicago residents.

“This Earth Day event underscores our commitment to seeing an equitable, healthy, climate-resilient Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “By leveraging new tax credits and federal funding for conservation and renewable energy projects, we advance our collective interest towards environmental justice and economic prosperity for all Chicagoans.”

The Earth Day event serves as a platform for residents, community leaders, and stakeholders to learn about resources and funding for clean energy and sustainable development. Attendees can engage with experts, ask questions, and explore pathways to access federal funding for environmental initiatives. 

“As we strive towards a more sustainable future, initiatives like Mayor Johnson's Earth Day Celebration are crucial in mobilizing collective action and leveraging federal resources for clean energy projects,” said Philip B. Clement, President & CEO, World Business Chicago. “By uniting stakeholders across sectors, we can accelerate our transition to a greener, more resilient Chicago. I commend Mayor Johnson for his leadership and commitment to advancing environmental sustainability, and I look forward to supporting these efforts in any way possible.”

Hosted by Mayor Brandon Johnson, the City of Chicago's Department of Environment, and World Business Chicago, in collaboration and support from the White House and U.S. Department of Treasury, and in partnership with Hartzell Memorial UMC, the Earth Day Celebration highlights the city's commitment to clean energy solutions and environmental resilience.  

Under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022, states, local governments, Tribes, territories and nonprofits seeking to take an active role in the clean energy economy and transition to carbon neutral energy are eligible to receive a payment equal to the full value of tax credits for building qualifying clean energy projects.  

“We are thrilled to work with the White House and Department of Treasury to bring Chicagoans the information they need to access federal rebates and incentives via the Inflation Reduction Act. This opportunity represents unprecedented funding to help accelerate the clean energy economy here in Chicago” said Department of Environment Commissioner Angela Tovar. “We are also grateful to our hosts, Hartzell Memorial UMC, for opening their space to us and their work to decarbonize their building.” 

As a Climate Infrastructure Fund finalist, Hartzell Memorial UMC will be installing a VRF heat pump system as a first phase of energy work that is expected to later include onsite solar and other efficiencies. The VRF heat pump will add much needed air conditioning and heating without the use of fossil fuels. 

“We are grateful to be able to enhance our ministry center, thanks to the climate infrastructure grant, with much needed energy upgrades that will provide efficient cooling and heating in our building for the comfort of our parish community, while also reducing operating costs.” said Rev. D. Josiah Montgomery, senior pastor of Hartzell Church. “Hartzell Memorial UMC is a committed, long standing member of the Bronzeville community, and we are proud to do our part in protecting the environment, on Earth Day and every day. As United Methodists, our 'Social Principles' charge and commit us to protect, maintain, and replant on this blessed earth.” 

Learn more about the Inflation Reduction Act and other federal clean energy resources by visiting cleanenergy.gov. 

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