Underwood Announces $75 Million in Federal Funding to Create Jobs and Lower Emissions in Northern Illinois

WASHINGTON – Today, Representative Lauren Underwood (IL-14) announced $75 million in federal funding she secured to advance technology to fight the climate crisis in Plainfield, Illinois.

These federal resources will support the replacement of natural gas-fired boilers at Diageo America’s manufacturing facility in Plainfield with thermal batteries powered by onsite renewable energy, and brand-new electric boilers.

“Technology and innovation are some of the best tools we have in the fight against climate change,” said Underwood. “Thanks to Democrats in Congress and the Biden-Harris Administration, $75 million in federal funds from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act are bringing good, union jobs to Plainfield and helping Diageo Americas decarbonize their production facilities. It’s all part of our comprehensive approach to building a clean industrial sector and fighting climate change in our community, and I’m so proud to bring these resources home.” 

The boiler upgrades at the plant are estimated to reduce carbon emissions by nearly 17,000 metric tons per year and create 144 good jobs across two sites in Plainfield and Kentucky. Additionally, the project will share facility air and water quality monitoring results with the public.

This funding was secured through the Industrial Demonstrations Program (IDP), the single largest industrial decarbonization effort in U.S. history. The program furthers the fight against climate change and boosts American manufacturer’s ability to lead the world in carbon-free production. The IDP was funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act. More background on the program can be found here.

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