Today, the Illinois House of Representatives passed a Renewable Energy Standard (HB1871) requiring the state to buy 2% of its power from renewable energy sources by 2008, 10% by 2015, and setting a goal of 25% by 2025. The 103-12 vote puts Illinois in a strong position to take advantage of the huge environmental benefits and economic potential that renewable energy -- most specifically, wind power -- offers in Illinois.

"Developing wind power, a 'no-CO2' energy source, can help to solve our global warming problems," said Howard A. Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center. "Renewable energy is a win-win-win-it's good for farmers, good for rural economic development and good for the environment. We commend Rep. Elaine Nekritz, the lead sponsor of HB1871, and the bipartisan group of Democrats and Republicans who overwhelmingly supported the Renewable Energy Standard."

Illinois has enough wind power capacity to be a national leader, and wind generation is currently the world's fastest growing energy source. Illinois is the hub for transmission lines, making connecting new wind projects to the electricity grid more affordable than in other states. There are now 5,500 megawatts of wind power in the development pipeline in Illinois. That's enough to power 1.7 million homes.

Currently, Illinois has three large wind power "farms" operating: The new Twin Groves wind farm east of Bloomington will produce 400 megawatts of power by the end of 2007, making it the largest wind power farm east of the Mississippi River, Crescent Ridge in Bureau County produces 50 megawatts of energy, and Mendota Hills in Lee County produces another 50.

"Illinois is playing catch up to the 20 states that have already passed Renewable Energy Standards," added Learner. "We can now hit the ground running and become a national leader in renewable energy production within the next few years. That will bring thousands of jobs to the state, millions of dollars in rural economic development, and a cleaner environment for all of us. We look forward to the positive action from the Illinois Senate that is needed to make it happen."

SOURCE Environmental Law & Policy Center
CHICAGO, May 3, 2007 /PRNewswire