Clean Energy Nonprofit Meets With Congress To Protect Small Businesses, Green Jobs, Lower Costs For Families, And Strengthen The Country’s Energy Access

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Elevate, a national nonprofit headquartered in Chicago, is meeting with lawmakers from IL, MI and WI this week to underscore the economic importance of federal clean energy investments and urge Congress to protect the tax credits and programs that are lowering utility costs for families, supporting small businesses, and strengthening America’s energy security.

Elevate works to ensure everyone has access to clean, affordable heat, cooling, power, and water in their homes and communities. Through energy efficiency, electrification, clean water initiatives, and workforce development, Elevate delivers programs that reduce costs, create jobs, and build resilient communities. To date, Elevate has improved 413,886 units of affordable housing, created more than 2,536 jobs, and we have put $169.39 million back into communities.

“We’re talking about investments that create jobs, promote savings, and enhance stability,” said Elevate’s CEO Dr. Anne Evens. “These resources help families keep their lights on, help contractors grow their businesses, and allow for communities to prepare for the future. Congress needs to protect the programs that are working communities.”

Across the country, Elevate’s work demonstrates how investments in clean energy translate into real economic growth and value. 

• In Illinois, Elevate is lowering utility bills, supporting contractors, and strengthening rural and urban energy resilience; 

• In Wisconsin, federal programs are helping families reduce energy costs, preserving affordable housing, and supporting local construction and clean energy jobs; 

• In Michigan, federal grants and tax credits are enabling home repairs, electrification, resilience hubs, and geothermal heating projects that reduce bills and create skilled jobs; 

These states illustrate a consistent pattern: federal clean energy investments lower costs, strengthen economies, and create jobs in construction, manufacturing, and small business contracting. They are also helping people prepare for extreme weather, reduce energy burdens, and modernize outdated infrastructure.

Elevate is speaking with members of Congress from various states to protect these proven programs, maintain long-term funding for energy efficiency and resilience, and preserve the tax credits that drive job creation and private investment. Continued federal support is essential to keeping energy affordable, strengthening local economies, and ensuring America’s long-term energy independence.

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