Ill. Admin. Code tit. 14, § 850.60 – Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program

a) Subject to appropriation from the Energy Transition Assistance Fund and pursuant to the Energy Transition Act [20 ILCS 730/5-30], the Department will administer an Energy Transition Barrier Reduction Program, available to individuals who participate in the Illinois Climate Works Pre-apprenticeship Program. Barrier reduction services are intended to help individuals overcome financial and other barriers to participation in the Program.
b) The barrier reduction services for the Program are listed in Section 850.50(e) and the Climate Works Hubs must ensure timely services and funds to address the unique and often time-sensitive barriers that may arise during participants' training. The coordinators of barrier reduction services for the Climate Works Hubs must have strong connections to other agencies and community-based organizations to facilitate these services.
c) Community-based organizations or nonprofit organizations selected as either a Climate Works Hub or as a subrecipient of a Climate Works Hub shall provide barrier reduction services to Program participants in need of services. If barrier reduction services are provided by the Climate Works Hub, the Climate Work Hub must meet all Program eligibility criteria (see Section 850.40). The provider of barrier reduction services must meet the following minimum requirements:
1. 1) The ability to effectively serve diverse and underrepresented populations in the proposed region;
2. 2) The capacity to provide individualized supportive services and distribute barrier reduction funds in an efficient and timely manner;
3. 3) Strong connections to other community-based organizations and local agencies for referrals and hand-offs; and
4. 4) Strong connections to and experience serving equity investment eligible communities within the service region.
d) Providers of barrier reduction services shall coordinate with Energy Transition Navigators (see 20 ILCS 730/5-35) to ensure eligible individuals have access to these services.