Illinois Lt. Governor Stumps for Renewable Energy Standard

 

March 10, 2006

"Now more than ever we need a Renewable Portfolio Standard to increase our use of Illinois' untapped renewable energy resources," Quinn said. "We need to encourage everyone to invest in clean All-American energy to help the environment and boost our economy."

The plan would require electric utilities to provide eight percent of their power from renewable energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass by 2013. This requirement means nearly 4,000 megawatts (MW) of power would be generated by renewable sources by 2013, enough to serve nearly one million Illinois households. At least 75 percent of that renewable energy - or 3,000 MW would be generated from wind, an abundant resource in Illinois.

The Sustainable Energy Plan represents years of dedicated work by environmental groups and includes recommendations of the "Special Task Force on the Condition and Future of Illinois Energy Infrastructure," chaired by Quinn. Task force recommendations included increasing renewable energy as a key strategy to bolster Illinois' energy infrastructure.

"The Sustainable Energy Plan will put Illinois on a path toward greater energy security, a cleaner environment and a growing economy," Quinn said.

Not only would the Governor's plan reduce blackouts by taking pressure off the electric grid, a University of Illinois at Chicago study found the plan would create 7,800 jobs and boost economic growth by approximately $7 billion across the state by 2013.

Lt. Governor Pat Quinn is chairman of the Illinois Green Government Council to promote pollution prevention, resource conservation, and energy efficiency practices into state government operations.