Illinois quick hits: EV manufacturer announces layoffs; fuel waiver announced; Pritzker VP speculation continues

EV manufacturer announces layoffs

A Joliet plant that had been heralded as one of the largest commercial EV manufacturing facilities in the country is announcing layoffs. Lion Electric said disappointing sales is leading to the company laying off nearly one-third of its employees. It is not known how many of the 300 job cuts will be in Joliet where electric school buses are made. The Canadian-based company’s only U.S. factory celebrated its official opening a year ago with a ribbon-cutting with Gov. J.B. Pritzker and promises of 1,400 jobs coming to Joliet.

Fuel waiver announced

The Environmental Protection Agency is issuing an emergency fuel waiver to help alleviate gasoline shortages in Illinois and three other states following the shutdown of a Joliet refinery. Exxon Mobil shut down the refinery last month after a power outage when tornadoes swept through the area. Power has been restored, but it can take weeks to restart the facility, which can produce about 9 million gallons of gasoline per day.

Pritzker VP speculation continues

As the Kamala Harris campaign gets set to announce a running mate, Illinois business leaders have offered an endorsement of Gov. J.B. Pritzker. In a letter to Harris, the business leaders praised Pritzker for his “ability to navigate challenges and deliver tangible results.” CNN is reporting that Pritzker has had both an initial and follow up running mate vetting interview with aides with the Harris campaign.