415.391.5100 | 44 Montgomery Street, Suite 1500, San Francisco, CA 94104 | www.ethree.com

[Client Name]

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan Technical Submission

25-532EPA-DIROF-B-48396

July 25, 2025

Tory Clark

44 Montgomery Street, Suite 1500 San Francisco, CA 94104 tory@ethree.com

415.391.5100

415.391.5100 | 44 Montgomery Street, Suite 1500, San Francisco, CA 94104 | www.ethree.com

Table of Contents

Cover Letter ______________________________________________________________________ 1

Proposal Forms ___________________________________________________________________ 3

F1. Contract Requirements _____________________________________________________________ 3

F.2 Mandatory Requirements with Evidence _____________________________________________ 3

F.3. Proposed Technical Solution – Desirable Elements __________________________________ 3

F.2 Mandatory Requirements ______________________________________________________ 8

F.3 Proposed Technical Solution __________________________________________________ 12

1.2 Project Team Overview ___________________________________________________________ 12

1.2.1 Project Lead’s Experience _____________________________________________________ 12

1.2.2 Data Analysts’ Experience _____________________________________________________ 13

1.2.3 Project Manager’s Experience _________________________________________________ 13

1.3 Detailed Project Plan ____________________________________________________________ 14

1.3.1 F.3.2.1 – Project Management Proposal_________________________________________ 14

1.3.2 Stakeholder Engagement Proposal _____________________________________________ 17

1.3.3 F.3.2.5 – Compliance & Reporting Support ______________________________________ 19

1.3.4 F.3.2.6 – Benefits Analysis _____________________________________________________ 20

1.3.5 F.3.2.7 – GHG Reduction Targets _______________________________________________ 23

1.3.6 F.3.2.8 – Emission Projections _________________________________________________ 24

1.3.7 F.3.2.9 – GHG Reduction Measures Summary ___________________________________ 27

1.3.8 F.3.2.10 – Workforce Planning Analysis _________________________________________ 27

Appendix: Resumes ______________________________________________________________ 30

Comprehensive Climate Action PlanComprehensive Climate Action Plan

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 1

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Cover Letter

Cover Letter

Energy and Environmental Economics, Inc. (E3), MUSE Community + Design (MUSE), and BW Research Partnership (BW) appreciate the opportunity to submit this proposal to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to provide technical assistance for Illinois’ Comprehensive Climate Action Plan (CCAP). E3 is a mission-driven consulting firm focused on decarbonization planning and the transition to clean energy resources. Our team combines market-leading expertise developing actionable decarbonization plans, strong understanding of the Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program and federal policy landscape, significant experience working with state and local entities in Illinois, and a deep understanding of perspectives of key stakeholders, including environmental justice and equity stakeholders. We are ideal partners to support IEPA on this important work and bring the following unique qualifications:

Deep expertise in the development of actionable GHG mitigation strategies, climate plans, and policies. E3 is a market-leader in the development of actionable decarbonization plans, analyzing realistic pathways to decarbonize all sectors of the economy. We are the analytical engine behind the U.S. Climate Alliance Annual Reports, Chicago Metropolitan Area’s Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, ComEd’s Illinois Decarbonization Study, New York’s Scoping Plan and State Energy Plan, California’s Climate Change Scoping Plan, Minnesota’s Transportation Decarbonization Plan, and many more. Virtually all of our state clients continue working with us after an initial engagement due to our ability to create actionable plans, produce transparent analysis, and meaningfully connect modeling to state objectives and stakeholder interests. Our PATHWAYS model is a state-of-the-art tool that allows for a comprehensive and transparent assessment of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction strategies, including their costs and benefits, and the tool was highlighted by the EPA as a key GHG projection tool for CCAPs. This model is being actively used for the U.S. Climate Alliance's 2025 Annual Report, and we have an existing Illinois-specific PATHWAYS model from this effort that can be immediately leveraged for this project. Our partner BW has extensive experience quantifying grounded and actionable workforce assessments as part of clean energy and climate plans, and are our preferred partner for any jobs study, having partnered on at least five projects.

Strong understanding of the CPRG program, including the federal policy landscape. We supported several regions with their Priority Climate Action Plans (PCAP) and are actively supporting six states and MSAs on their CCAP, giving us unparalleled insight into the requirements, tools, and best practices of the CPRG process. We have developed multiple analyses using user-friendly spreadsheets and data annexes that clients have continued to use beyond the end of the project, highlighting our commitment to transparency and toolkit accessibility. We are also actively tracking day-to-day changes in federal policy and their impacts on technology costs and adoption using E3’s RECOST model, including tariffs and the FY25 Budget Reconciliation Bill, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act or OBBBA, and can bring these nuanced insights into framing, analysis, and representation of uncertainty.

https://www.ethree.com/e3-supports-u-s-climate-alliances-2023-annual-report-with-scenario-analysis/ https://cmap.illinois.gov/focus-areas/climate/climate-action/ https://www.ethree.com/e3-publishes-illinois-decarbonization-study-for-commonwealth-edison/ https://climate.ny.gov/resources/scoping-plan/ https://energyplan.ny.gov/Plans/Draft-2025-Energy-Plan https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/ab-32-climate-change-scoping-plan https://www.ethree.com/minnesota-announces-transportation-decarbonization-pathways-with-e3-support/ https://www.ethree.com/recost-q3-2025/

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 2

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Cover Letter

Significant experience working in Illinois and Chicago on strategic energy and climate projects and a demonstrated history of bringing together different agencies and workstreams for coordinated policy planning. E3 has led multiple decarbonization and energy planning studies in Illinois, including a statewide decarbonization study commissioned by Commonwealth Edison and work with the Illinois Power Agency (IPA) and the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) on integrated electricity resource planning, transmission (REAP study), and value of distributed energy resources. We are also currently leading the development of the CCAP for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), able to connect the dots between regional and state initiatives. We are known for our rigorous and strategic analysis to support actionable planning and are able to work across state and regional agencies to bring modeling and decision-makers together. E3’s PATHWAYS toolkit has been used in other jurisdictions (e.g. California and New York) not only for decarbonization planning, but to provide coordinated inputs into other planning processes (e.g. load forecasts for integrated resource planning, sectoral emissions goals in the context of economy-wide emissions) – we expect that the PATHWAYS tool developed for this project could be easily leveraged in ongoing and future work at ICC and IPA to further coordinated planning and inter-agency discussions.

Understanding of the perspectives of key stakeholders on the topics of decarbonization, including the critical role of environmental justice and equity perspectives. Our proposal demonstrates a strong focus on community outreach and ensures that the Climate Action Plan prioritizes climate measures that benefit historically disadvantaged communities. Our partner MUSE has significant experience in design and facilitation of meaningful stakeholder engagement in Illinois, including for the CMAP CCAP where E3 and MUSE are currently collaborating. The CMAP CCAP engagement encompasses nine counties in Illinois, including Cook County, which has provided us with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities for decarbonization in the region, and has allowed us to build strong relationships with stakeholders in the buildings, industry, transportation, and equity sectors.

Our work with CMAP has included decarbonization modeling in PATHWAYS, health impact analysis using COBRA, workforce modeling, and extensive stakeholder and Low-Income and Disadvantaged Communities (LIDAC) engagement. Our work with Commonwealth Edison, gas utilities in the region, MISO, IPA, and ICC further solidifies our understanding of the Illinois energy and stakeholder landscape.

We hope to be a strategic partner to IEPA, collaborating with your team to create an actionable climate plan while ensuring this effort synthesizes and expands on the extensive work done by the region to date. We are prepared to coordinate closely with IEPA and are flexible to start the project as soon as possible. Please reach out to me with any questions regarding this proposal.

Respectfully Submitted, Victoria (Tory) Clark, Partner, Energy + Environmental Economics, Inc.

tory@ethree.com, 919-451-5370, fax: 415-391-6500 https://www.ethree.com/illinois-distributed-energy-resources/ mailto:tory@ethree.com

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 3

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Proposal Forms

Proposal Forms

F1. Contract Requirements

CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS

F.1.1. Vendor shall include a specific analysis of the benefits for the suit of measures identified in the CCAP to LIDACs, such as co-pollutant reductions, increased climate resilience, improved access to services and amenities, jobs created and workforce development, and decreased energy costs; as well as disbenefits to LIDACs

F.1.2. Co-pollutant reductions, increased climate resilience, improved access to services and amenities, jobs created and workforce development

E3 agrees to meet the contract requirements stated in sections F.1.1 and F.1.2 above.

F.2 Mandatory Requirements with Evidence

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS WITH EVIDENCE Proposal Section and

Page Number

F.2.1. Vendor shall provide documentation on how the Offeror demonstrates experience with progress reports and other grant reporting products that align with EPA requirements and federal grant guidelines.

Met

1.1.1.5; page 10

1.1.1.7; page 11

1.3.3; page 19

F.3. Proposed Technical Solution – Desirable Elements

PROPOSED TECHNICAL SOLUTION – DESIRABLE

ELEMENTS

Point Value Proposal Section and

Page Number

F.3.1. Project Team – Project lead/manager, data analyst, outreach coordinator – This section of the technical proposal in its entirety shall be allocated 1000 total points.

1000 points

Appendix: Resumes;

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 4

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Proposal Forms

PROPOSED TECHNICAL SOLUTION – DESIRABLE

ELEMENTS

Point Value Proposal Section and

Page Number

F.3.1.1. Please submit a resume or portfolio for the Project Lead's years of experience in analyzing economic, investment, or jobs benefits of climate mitigation and resilience measures.

250 points Appendix: Resumes

Primary: Phil Jordan 41;

Secondary: Tory Clark 31

F.3.1.2. Please submit a resume or portfolio for the Project Lead's years of direct or closely adjacent experience in modeling pollution impacts resulting from programs and policies for greenhouse gas and/or co-pollutant emissions.

250 points Appendix: Resumes

Primary: Tory Clark 31:

Secondary: Sharad

Bharadwaj 35

F.3.1.3. Please submit the Data Analysts' resume which should include, but is not limited to: The Data Analysts' experience in collecting and evaluating data and with pollution and energy modeling tools.

250 points Appendix: Resumes

Primary: Sharad

Bharadwaj 35;

Secondary: Rawley

Loken 39

F.3.1.4. Please submit the Project Manager's resume, which should include, but is not limited to, experience with project management, especially grant implementation.

250 points Appendix: Resumes

Primary: Sharad

Bharadwaj 35;

Secondary: Molly

Bertolacini 37

F.3.2. The project plan in its entirety shall be allocated 500 total points, and the specifics of the project plan are subcategorized below (F.3.2.1. - F.3.2.11). The Contractor should include a detailed project plan that clearly identifies the methods for obtaining and analyzing data further detailed below. The plan should include data gathering methods that comply with the Climate Pollution Reduction Grants Program: Formula Grants for Planning. The plan should include a detailed outline on how the objectives in A.3. will be met and contain a realistic detailed timeline for satisfying the schedule in Section A.5, including dates by which each category of data is reasonably expected to be implemented.

1300 points

F.3.2.1. Project Management Proposal – Vendor should provide documentation on how they plan for regular engagement with IEPA staff, review and discussion before deliverables, proposal for existing methods.

50 points F.3.2.1 – Project

Management Proposal;

F.3.2.2. Stakeholder Engagement – diverse geographies. Vendor shall provide documentation on their approach to solicit input from stakeholders on the draft CCAP. Vendor shall also provide documentation on their approach to conduct limited stakeholder engagement prior to the completion of the draft CCAP (for

50 points

Stakeholder

Engagement Proposal;

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 5

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Proposal Forms

PROPOSED TECHNICAL SOLUTION – DESIRABLE

ELEMENTS

Point Value Proposal Section and

Page Number demonstration purposes, bidders should assume stakeholder engagement prior to the draft CCAP shall require 20 person-hours from team members executing stakeholder engagement). The documentation should include but may not be limited to engagement with stakeholders from: diverse geographies, such as northern, central, and southern Illinois, or key metropolitan areas such as

Chicagoland or Metro East.

F.3.2.3. Stakeholder Engagement – Clear logistical plan.

Vendor shall provide documentation on their approach to solicit input from stakeholders on the draft CCAP. Vendor shall also provide documentation on their approach to conduct limited stakeholder engagement prior to the completion of the draft CCAP (for demonstration purposes, bidders should assume stakeholder engagement prior to the draft CCAP shall require 20 person-hours from team members executing stakeholder engagement). The documentation should include a clear logistical plan, including but not limited to an explanation of the venues for the engagement (digital events, in-person events, email outreach and should identify the target audience of the outreach including timelines. The Vendor should provide documentation on how they plan to maximize the quality and quantity of stakeholder engagement feedback whether through the use of a survey or other means.

100 points Stakeholder Engagement

Proposal; page 17

F.3.2.4. Stakeholder Engagement – Diverse Perspectives

Vendor shall provide documentation on their approach to solicit input from stakeholders on the draft CCAP. Vendor shall also provide documentation on their approach to conduct limited stakeholder engagement prior to the completion of the draft CCAP (for demonstration purposes, bidders should assume stakeholder engagement prior to the draft CCAP shall require 20 person-hours from team members executing stakeholder engagement). The documentation should include diverse perspectives (e.g., organizations in relevant industries, community members potentially affected by GHG-emitting industries and/or the CCAP, subject matter experts, environmental and consumer advocates).

50 points Stakeholder Engagement

Proposal; page 17

F.3.2.5. Compliance & Reporting Support

Vendor should submit documentation on how they plan to deliver progress reports and other grant reporting products that align, at minimum, with EPA requirements and federal grant guidelines.

50 points F.3.2.5 – Compliance &

Reporting Support; page

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 6

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Proposal Forms

PROPOSED TECHNICAL SOLUTION – DESIRABLE

ELEMENTS

Point Value Proposal Section and

Page Number

F.3.2.6. Benefits analysis technical proposal. Vendor shall analyze the impacts of the proposed GHG reduction measures in 1) air pollutants that harm human health including Ozone, Particulate Matter (PM), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Lead, Sulfur Dioxide (SO2), and Nitrogen

Dioxide (NO2), 2) overall economic impact such as impact on investment and state GDP, and 3) job impacts, overall as well as by

NAICS occupation and sector. Vendor shall analyze these impacts both at the overall state level and at a geographic level such as census tract or zip code, and shall quantify the benefits which flow to Equity

Investment Eligible Communities. Vendor shall disclose and document the methodology, data, and tools used to conduct this analysis.

350 points F.3.2.6 – Benefits

Analysis; page 20

D.3.2.7. Near-Term and Long-Term GHG Reduction Targets. The vendor shall deliver, as part of the CCAP plan, an economy-wide near-term GHG reduction target for a given year (2030, for demonstration purposes), and a long-term GHG reduction target in 2050. The targets shall be broken down by sectors, and the plan shall discuss how the targets were developed and identified. The reductions shall be expressed in relationship to the base year of 2005. The targets shall consider existing state and local goals, policies, and programs; the potential for additional emissions reductions; and the feasibility of additional emissions reductions, technically, economically, and otherwise. Per Executive Order 2019-06 it is the policy of the State of

Illinois to “fulfill, uphold, and exceed the objectives of the Paris Climate

Agreement” and proposed reduction targets shall at a minimum comply with this policy, which shall be understood to mean achieving emissions reductions no less than those outlined in the United States’

Nationally Determined Contributions as announced in December 2024.

150 points F.3.2.7 – GHG Reduction

Targets; page 23

F.3.2.8. Emission Projections. Vendor shall project both near-term

(2030, for demonstration purposes) and long-term (2050) GHG emissions under a “business as usual” scenario. The target years shall be the same as those used in the Near-Term and Long-Term GHG

Reduction Targets. Vendor shall describe the methods used to develop these emissions projections, including a description of tools or processes used for BAU emission projections for each sector; method limitations or uncertainties, GWP selection (e.g., 100-year AR5); data sources, including where and how proxying or scaling of data are used;

and a summary of key assumptions included in the BAU scenario, such as market changes or policies that will occur without any new interventions. The projections shall be broken down by sector, and shall include an overview of emissions for future projected GHG inventory years, in both metric tons of each GHG and tons of CO2 equivalent. The overview shall include both tables and visual charts, broken down by year, sector, gas, and changes over time.

100 points F.3.2.8 – Emission

Projections; page 24 https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/2024-12/United%20States%202035%20NDC.pdf https://unfccc.int/sites/default/files/2024-12/United%20States%202035%20NDC.pdf

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 7

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Proposal Forms

PROPOSED TECHNICAL SOLUTION – DESIRABLE

ELEMENTS

Point Value Proposal Section and

Page Number

F.3.2.9. Greenhouse gas reduction measure summary. Vendor shall utilize software to calculate the greenhouse gas reductions achieved by all measures cited in the CCAP (both those already being implemented and those to potentially be implemented). The methodology shall comply with the standards for most recently updated methodology set out by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on

Climate Change (IPCC). The calculations shall consider, to the maximum extent possible, the interactions that GHG reduction measures have with one another as well as broader trends in the economy (for example, changes in the mix of electric generation resources, population shifts). The summary of GHG reduction measures shall be aligned with the data in the GHG inventory and emissions projections sections.

150 points F.3.2.9 – GHG Reduction

Measures Summary;

F.3.2.10. Workforce planning analysis. Vendor shall prepare a workforce planning analysis that includes 1) list of priority occupations with status of employment and wages for those occupations in Illinois

2) historical and expected growth of these occupations, 3) expected change in this workforce as a result of measures described in the

CCAP, 4) identification of potential workforce shortages and solutions involved with implementing the CCAP, and 5) impacts of current efforts around workforce planning and development, 6) discussion of the role

Equity Investment Eligible Communities (EIEC) play in workforce considerations.

250 points F.3.2.10 – Workforce

Planning Analysis; page

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 8

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency F.2 Mandatory Requirements

F.2 Mandatory Requirements

The E3 team and its partners bring extensive experience in technical modeling, stakeholder facilitation, and crucially, the development of progress reports and grant reporting products that align with EPA requirements and federal grant guidelines.

1.1.1.1 Experience with EPA and Federal Grant Reporting

E3 and our partners are highly experienced in the rigorous reporting required by federal grants. We understand that successful grant execution involves not only delivering high-quality technical work but also providing clear, compliant, and timely documentation of progress, challenges, and outcomes. Our experience includes:

• Progress Reporting: We have routinely prepared and submitted Quarterly Progress Reports (QPRs), annual reports, and Final Technical Reports for federally and state-funded projects.

These reports document activities completed, progress towards milestones, budget expenditures, and any necessary adjustments to the work plan, ensuring full compliance with grant agreements.

• Deliverable-Based Reporting: Many of the state climate planning documents we have developed (e.g., Colorado Pollution Reduction Roadmap, North Carolina Deep Decarbonization Pathways) have served as major grant deliverables. This work requires meticulous documentation to demonstrate that the final product meets all technical and policy objectives specified in the original grant. We have a proven track record of developing technical appendices and supplemental materials that add credibility and satisfy grant requirements, as demonstrated in our work on the Maryland Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act and the New York Scoping Plan.

• Data and Metrics Reporting: Our technical approach is designed to align with federal reporting needs from the outset. For instance, our PATHWAYS model is specifically configured to track and report on EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grants (CPRG) metrics.

Our expertise with tools like EPA’s EJScreen and BenMAP-CE ensures that our analysis of benefits to disadvantaged communities is quantifiable and reportable in accordance with Justice40 and other federal guidelines. BW Research has direct experience fulfilling GHG emissions, benefits analysis, and workforce assessment requirements for the EPA CPRG initiative in Pennsylvania and the San Francisco Bay Area.

By integrating reporting requirements into our project management framework from day one, we ensure that the Illinois EPA receives accurate, compliant, and timely documentation throughout the entire project cycle.

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 9

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency F.2 Mandatory Requirements

1.1.1.2 Technical, financial, scientific, policy, and planning components of GHG reduction

E3 has extensive experience performing technical, financial, scientific, and policy analysis for climate action planning. We have developed economy-wide GHG reduction plans in over 15 states (including but not limited to Colorado, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, California, New York), in addition to regional and national studies (including Chicagoland and nationally for the US Climate Alliance). We have supported first-of-their-kind Scoping Plans in California and New York, including rigorous modeling of decarbonization measures in all sectors of the economy, and comprehensive policy packages. In addition to economy-wide studies, we have developed sectoral decarbonization roadmaps focusing on buildings, transportation, and electricity generation, with detailed focus on economics, customer adoption, affordability, and GHG impacts. We take pride in developing rigorous yet accessible toolkits that can be tailored to answer the unique questions of each state.

1.1.1.3 Technical and community-level outreach

E3 has supported many technical stakeholder processes, including in Chicago, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York, Colorado, North Carolina, California, Maryland and Washington, and can help the state balance multiple perspectives into a broadly supported vision. We know how to translate complex modeling for broader audiences and how to address varied concerns and feedback both qualitatively and quantitatively. We are committed to bringing the analytical and stakeholder support needed to put forth an actionable plan that is broadly supported.

MUSE is a recognized leader in equitable community engagement and outreach. Their role in engagement is that of curators and editors: absorbing ideas, concerns, and feedback from those who are most affected by a project, program, or policy, and then synthesizing that information into recommendations and action strategies to bring them to life. Beyond simply collecting feedback and data from the community, they work to ensure stakeholders see their input reflected in the final vision and action plans. In this way, the process is akin to dialogue, inviting conversation and thoughtful engagement with the work. The trust built during projects last beyond the term of contract, and it’s important that we do all we can to galvanize communities and strengthen ties across sectors and geographies.

By leveraging our diverse experience and adapting our approach to IEPA’s specific needs, MUSE and E3 are well-positioned to ensuring effective stakeholder engagement and impactful outcomes in line with Illinois’ greenhouse gas reduction and environmental justice goals.

1.1.1.4 Federal programs focused on environmental justice

BW Research and E3 are well versed in the tools and techniques necessary to assess impacts to EJ communities. Our team has experience using EPA’s EJScreen to map existing socioeconomic burdens and projected changes to pollution and health indicators and the Environmental Benefits Mapping and Analysis Program – Community Edition (BenMAP-CE) to develop geographically granular data on the economic impacts of particulate matter and ozone emissions changes, specifically analyzing healthcare and medication costs, lost school- and workdays, and mortality.

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 10

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency F.2 Mandatory Requirements

We have also thoroughly reviewed the state’s PCAP and are well versed with the initial plans, including the specific actions and goals and Justice40 elements.

BW Research has led numerous projects examining underserved and disadvantaged populations, leveraging both rigorous quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis approaches.

Recent BW Research projects focused on diversity and equity include Diversity in Supply Chains (ACORE), and Clean Energy Workforce Diversity (E2), Community Benefits in Environmental Justice Communities (CATF), and inclusive strategies for Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (forthcoming, DOE).

1.1.1.5 Assisting with writing state or local climate planning documents and federal grant applications

E3 has supported writing numerous climate planning documents, mostly at the state level. This has taken different forms depending on the needs of the state. In our experience, the best outcomes for state climate planning documents maintain state agency voice and incorporate critical input across relevant state agencies. For example, this has included leading organization and development of documents, supporting specific chapters, and developing technical appendix materials.

• Lead roles: E3 has organized the development of climate planning documents by developing outlines, supporting state agencies and utilities in defining roles and input needed from different groups, and drafting sections of the report for review by state agencies. Examples of deliverables where E3 has played this role include the Colorado Pollution Reduction Roadmap 1.0, North Carolina Deep Decarbonization Pathways report, and the Commonwealth Edison Illinois Pathways Decarbonization Study.

• Supporting roles: E3 has also played more supporting roles by writing up targeted chapters and sections of a document or reviewing key sections that reference our work and ensuring it is technically accurate and accessible for the audience.

• Technical appendix materials: E3 has developed technical appendices and supplemental spreadsheet documentation to add credibility to the modeling underpinning climate plans.

Examples of deliverables where E3 has played this role include the Maryland Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act, New York Scoping Plan and New York State Energy Plan, and the California Scoping Plan.

E3 has successfully secured federal funding for projects we have led, in support of partnerships with government and private entities, and on behalf of our clients.

1.1.1.6 Technical approaches for quantifying GHG emissions

E3 brings leading GHG assessment tools for business as usual and mitigation scenarios in our nation-leading PATHWAYS model. E3’s PATHWAYS model is a bottom-up model that leverages detailed infrastructure representation and energy fundamentals for scenario planning. This modelling approach lends itself well to comprehensive long-term business as usual and mitigation scenarios that are built on real-world constraints. PATHWAYS is well-suited to developing measure “building blocks” within each sector such as EV incentives, heat pump programs, and urban forestry programs. For this work we are proposing to use the PATHWAYS model to perform measure-https://acore.org/opportunities-to-diversify-the-u-s-renewable-energy-manufacturing-supply-chain/ https://e2.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/E2-ASE-AABE-EEFA-BOSS-Diversity-Report-2021.pdf https://www.catf.us/resource/survey-community-benefits-overview-community-benefits-plans/ https://www.catf.us/resource/survey-community-benefits-overview-community-benefits-plans/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/19pmqOzKV9ulXHHRyZz5egOBJWO0fPw-i/view https://drive.google.com/file/d/19pmqOzKV9ulXHHRyZz5egOBJWO0fPw-i/view https://governor.nc.gov/nc-pathways-report/open https://www.ethree.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/E3-Commonwealth-Edison-Decarbonization-Report.-December-2022.pdf https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/air/ClimateChange/Documents/2030%20GGRA%20Plan/Appendices/Appendix%20F%20-%20Docuementation%20of%20Maryland%20PATHWAYS%20Scenario%20Modeling.pdf https://mde.maryland.gov/programs/air/ClimateChange/Documents/2030%20GGRA%20Plan/Appendices/Appendix%20F%20-%20Docuementation%20of%20Maryland%20PATHWAYS%20Scenario%20Modeling.pdf https://climate.ny.gov/resources/scoping-plan/-/media/project/climate/files/Appendix-G.pdf https://energyplan.ny.gov/ https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/sites/default/files/2022-11/2022-sp-PATHWAYS-data-E3.xlsx

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 11

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency F.2 Mandatory Requirements quantification, which is best-suited to estimate impacts of more specific and near-term measures, actions, and programs, and to align with EPA CPRG metrics. The PATHWAYS model has been applied in over 15 states. E3 is familiar with different standards and norms for reporting emissions and energy projections, including those that align with federal reporting, state reporting, and optionality to consider uncertainty and different scenario perspectives and output metrics.

1.1.1.7 Providing technical assistance and support on workforce analysis

BW Research has deep expertise conducting research on federal climate and workforce programs and policy, including fulfilling GHG emissions and benefits analysis and workforce assessment requirements under the EPA CPRG initiative, as well as workforce-related requests under the Department of Energy’s Community Benefits Plan.

BW Research has worked in Illinois for several years, most recently completing a ComEd economic and workforce impact analysis on energy transitions. BW Research also supported the State of Pennsylvania’s and the San Francisco Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s PCAPs (both completed in 2024 Q1) and are currently supporting CCAP analyses in Delaware, New Jersey, and Washington state. BW Research is also currently assisting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with workforce and economic development technical assistance across the federal Energy Communities initiative, which is a critical effort to work with historically disadvantaged communities that are hard-hit by coal mine and coal power plant closures. BW Research has also worked closely with the Department of Energy for over a decade, serving as the lead consultant for its annual U.S.

Energy and Employment Report since 2016.

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 12

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency F.3 Proposed Technical Solution

F.3 Proposed Technical Solution

1.2 Project Team Overview

Our team has extensive expertise in crafting robust climate action plans and translating policy targets into actionable measures. E3 will be the prime contractor for this project, leading project management, supporting IEPA with Steering Committees and other subject matter expert meetings, and providing technical support with regard to CPRG tools, data and modeling.

MUSE Community + Design (MUSE) is a recognized leader in equitable community engagement and outreach. Their role in engagement is that of curators and editors: absorbing ideas, concerns, and feedback from those who are most affected by a project, program, or policy, and then synthesizing that information into recommendations and action strategies to bring them to life. MUSE will lead the stakeholder engagement processes for our team.

BW Research, as a subcontractor, will lead economic, jobs, and workforce analyses. BW Research delivers research and strategic consulting that supports stronger communities and drives healthier economies, ecologies, and labor markets. They have offices in Massachusetts, California, Washington, D.C., New York, and São Paulo, Brazil. Their comprehensive approach to exploring workforce and economic issues, and deep-rooted commitment to equity, has made BW Research a sought-after partner for governmental agencies at all levels, nonprofits, educational institutions, and the private sector. BW Research has nearly two decades of experience working in the climate and energy space and has supported similar assessments in Massachusetts, Utah, Delaware, and Rhode Island. BW Research has worked in Illinois for several years, most recently completing a ComEd economic and workforce impact analysis on energy transitions. BW Research has deep expertise conducting research on federal climate and workforce programs and policy, including fulfilling GHG emissions and benefits analysis and workforce assessment requirements under the Environmental Protection Agency Climate Pollution Reduction Grants initiative, as well as workforce-related requests under the Department of Energy’s Community Benefits Plan. Most recently, BW Research supported the State of Pennsylvania’s and the San Francisco Bay Area Air Quality Management District’s PCAPs (both completed in 2024 Q1) and they are currently supporting CCAP analyses in Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Utah, and Washington State. BW Research has also worked closely with the Department of Energy for over a decade, serving as the lead consultant for its annual U.S. Energy and Employment Report since 2016.

1.2.1 Project Lead’s Experience

Tory Clark (Partner at E3) leads E3’s Climate Pathways team and advises clients on cost-effective strategies for achieving state, regional, and national decarbonization goals. She has extensive experience with scenario-based models that provide decisionmakers in the U.S. and abroad with accessible, policy-relevant insights with a particular focus on the role of buildings, transportation, electricity generation, and emerging technologies. Her past clients include the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Colorado Energy Office, California Air

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 13

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency F.3 Proposed Technical Solution

Resources Board, Maryland Dept. of the Environment, Baltimore Gas and Electric, Oregon Dept. of Environmental Quality, Minnesota Dept. of Transportation, and Xcel Energy. Ms. Clark brings extensive research experience on economy-wide deep decarbonization and professional experience with energy modeling and stakeholder workshop facilitation. Ms. Clark earned an M.S. in Technology and Policy from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University. More details of her resume can be found in the Resumes section.

On the BW team, the project will be led by Philip Jordan, Vice President and Principal Researcher.

He will oversee all staff at BW and will be responsible for the quality and timeliness of all project tasks. Phil possesses nearly 20 years of applied research experience in energy and workforce development analyses, including overseeing multiple CPRG studies. More details of his resume can be found in the resumes section.

1.2.2 Data Analysts’ Experience

Rawley Loken joined E3 in 2019 and advises E3 clients on strategies to achieve economy-wide deep decarbonization targets. He has developed decarbonization scenarios for clients including the US Climate Alliance, World Resources Institute, and NYSERDA. He joined E3 after earning an M.S. in energy systems management from the University of San Francisco, where he researched energy systems as well as federal energy policies that could serve as precedents for decarbonization action.

Prior to his graduate program, Mr. Loken worked as a GIS analyst for an LED street lighting firm and the City of Santa Clara. In addition to his M.S., Mr. Loken earned a B.S. in Environmental Science from Santa Clara University. More details of his resume can be found in the Resumes section.

Lizbeth is a Chicago native passionate about helping communities build sustainable futures.

Throughout her life, Lizbeth was able to experience first-hand the benefits of City programs, especially through the Chicago Park District. Her experiences volunteering across the city has helped shape her approach to boosting and amplifying communities’ voices and ideas. She ensures that everyone has a seat at the table and no viewpoint is overlooked. She is a firm believer that “la comunidad es siempre en el mente y en el frente” (The community is always in front and in mind).

1.2.3 Project Manager’s Experience

Sharad Bharadwaj joined E3 in 2015; his main focus is on analyzing and modeling long-term greenhouse gas reduction strategies in the energy economy, and on combining E3’s strengths in electricity planning and markets with a broader economy-wide perspective on how the transportation, buildings, and industrial sectors may evolve over time. He served as the lead modeler on recent decarbonization studies in New York, Oregon, and Washington. Mr. Bharadwaj joined E3 after receiving his M.S. and B.S. degrees in Energy Resources Engineering from Stanford University, where he studied applied mathematics, system engineering, renewable energy processes, and emerging technologies. He also has significant research experience with energy storage modeling, data analysis, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions analysis. More details of his resume can be found in the Resumes section.

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 14

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency F.3 Proposed Technical Solution

Cai Steger will serve as the Project Manager for BW, overseeing research, drafting of external materials, and incorporating stakeholder feedback into the final report. Cai has direct experience managing similar CCAP projects as well as experience in the State of Illinois. Mitchell Schirch will lead the economic modeling focused on climate and clean energy workforce and economic impacts.

Other analysts will support the BW team with a range of quantitative and qualitative research activities.

1.3 Detailed Project Plan

Our plan is designed to be fully responsive to the requirements set forth in the RFP, leveraging our firm’s unparalleled expertise in climate action planning and our deep experience in the state, including our recent, highly relevant work for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), and historical and ongoing work for state agencies and other key stakeholders including ICC, IPA, and ComEd.

1.3.1 F.3.2.1 – Project Management Proposal

This proposal directly addresses RFP Section F.3.2.1, which requires a detailed project management plan. Our approach is designed to ensure transparent communication, timely delivery of high-quality deliverables, and collaborative partnership with IEPA staff throughout the project lifecycle.

E3 offers a comprehensive project management plan designed to ensure transparent communication, the timely delivery of high-quality work, and a truly collaborative partnership with IEPA. Our approach is built on a foundation of disciplined execution, adaptability, and a proven history of successfully managing large-scale, complex climate planning projects for state agencies across North America.

We have consistently navigated the complexities of multi-agency coordination and extensive stakeholder feedback. Our success in this area is demonstrated by our ongoing work with the Chicago Metropolitan Area on its CCAP, as well as our contributions to many ongoing state climate action plans including California, New York, and Hawaii. We bring this depth of experience to every engagement, ensuring we are not just a contractor, but a dedicated partner in achieving our clients’ goals.

We provide a clear leadership structure to ensure streamlined communication and direct accountability. This project will be guided by a dedicated team of E3 experts:

• Tory Clark, Partner (Project Lead): Tory will provide strategic oversight for the project, ensure the quality of all deliverables, and serve as the primary executive contact for IEPA leadership.

• Sharad Bharadwaj, Associate Director (Project Manager): Sharad will lead the contractor team and be responsible for all project deliverables. He brings extensive experience in GHG reduction modeling and has led multiple state climate action planning engagements, including for New York and New Mexico.

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 15

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency F.3 Proposed Technical Solution

• Molly Bertolacini, Senior Consultant (Day-to-day point): Molly will be the day-to-day point of contact for IEPA staff. She will manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables while coordinating all project meetings. Molly's experience includes managing E3's CCAP engagement with the Chicago metro area.

• Technical Leads: Our core leadership team is supported by subject-matter experts who will guide specific analytical tasks, ensuring the highest level of technical rigor and alignment with project objectives. This includes technical leads both within the E3 team and with our subcontractors, MUSE and BW Research.

A team outline is below:

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 16

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency F.3 Proposed Technical Solution

Consistent and transparent communication is the cornerstone of our project management philosophy. Our collaboration with IEPA will be structured to ensure the project remains on track and fully aligned with the State's goals from day one.

• Project Kick-Off: We will begin with a kickoff meeting with the core IEPA team and other relevant state agencies. This session will finalize the work plan, schedule, and communication protocols, as well as define roles and expectations for all parties.

• Regular Progress Meetings: E3 will facilitate bi-weekly meetings with IEPA to review progress, present findings, discuss challenges, and coordinate on the project's direction.

This regular cadence ensures deliverables continuously align with IEPA's goals. Our budget includes the requested two hours per week for ongoing consultation.

• Transparent Reporting: Alongside each invoice, we will provide monthly progress reports that summarize work completed, outline next steps, and identify any potential risks. We will also format progress updates for the State's CPRG quarterly reports to the U.S. EPA.

E3 is adept at navigating the dynamic nature of climate policy. We have a proven ability to efficiently incorporate new executive orders, legislation, and unforeseen events into our analysis and planning.

We will work collaboratively with IEPA to proactively identify and mitigate potential risks to the project timeline and budget.

In our experience, the most significant risks on a project of this scale involve the timing of external stakeholder engagement and the duration of internal review cycles. We will partner with IEPA to anticipate these timeline pressures and adjust our plan accordingly. Should any delay occur, we will notify the IEPA team immediately, explain the cause, and present a clear plan to ensure the project remains on schedule.

Our team is structured to provide end-to-end support for the development of both the CCAP and the subsequent Status Report. During intensive phase during the development of the CCAP itself, we will maintain a bi-weekly meeting schedule to ensure close collaboration. Following the CCAP submission, we will transition to a less frequent meeting schedule (e.g., bi-monthly or quarterly) while continuing to provide robust support. We will also refresh the information included in the Review of Authority to Implement and the Funding Availability analysis. Finally, our team will summarize the workforce development progress made since the CCAP submission and report on any ongoing challenges in this critical area.

Task Overview

Key Deliverables

Project kick-off, biweekly meetings and meeting notes

Budget evaluations

Monthly invoices with supporting progress reports

Key Staff

Tory Clark (Project Lead, E3)

Sharad Bharadwaj (Project Manager, E3)

Molly Bertolacini (Day-to-day contact, E3)

Comprehensive Climate Action Plan 17

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency F.3 Proposed Technical Solution

Ally Brisbin (Project Director, MUSE)

Phil Jordan (Project Director, BW Research)

1.3.2 Stakeholder Engagement Proposal

This section addresses RFP Sections F.3.2.2, F.3.2.3, and F.3.2.4, which calls for an approach to solicit input from stakeholders in diverse geographies, including "northern, central, and southern Illinois" and key metropolitan areas like "Chicagoland or Metro East;” calls for a clear logistical plan for stakeholder engagement, including venues, target audiences, timelines, and methods to maximize the quality and quantity of feedback; and calls for a strategy for engaging diverse perspectives, including industry, community members (especially LIDACs), subject matter experts, and advocates.

E3 understands that world-class technical analysis is only effective when paired with authentic, localized stakeholder engagement. In direct response to the RFP, this section details our comprehensive approach to soliciting public input, which is designed to be inclusive, equitable, and geographically diverse. Our strategy mitigates the common challenge of finding a single vendor with both elite technical skills and deep, state-specific context by integrating a proven, Illinois-based partner into our core team.

To ensure our engagement is effective and culturally competent across the state, we have partnered with MUSE Community + Design, a reputable, Illinois-based public engagement firm. This partnership is a cornerstone of our approach and is based on a highly successful collaboration for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) CCAP, which covered a 14-county, three-state region. MUSE has deep roots and credibility within Illinois communities. They will lead the design and implementation of outreach strategies tailored to the unique social, economic, and political contexts of northern, central, and southern Illinois, including the key metropolitan areas of Chicagoland and Metro East, as specified in the RFP.

Our proposals consistently feature detailed, best-practice logistical plans for engagement. Our work with MUSE for CMAP showcased a robust toolkit of engagement activities designed to overcome participation barriers and foster meaningful dialogue. Similarly, our work in other statewide CCAP projects such as Utah demonstrates our ability to facilitate complex, multi-stakeholder processes involving both technical experts and the general public.

As requested in the RFP, our team will conduct limited stakeholder engagement prior to the completion of the draft CCAP.