Repowering America with clean energy
Ambitious goals in 2009 and beyond
In October, the clean energy tax credits that Environment Illinois pushed in 2008 finally became law. Now, we’re turning our attention to making sure that the new president and Congress pass a comprehensive energy plan that will cut our dependence on oil and reduce global warming. Together with our allies, we’re getting behind a bold plan to repower America. We’re calling for 100 percent renewable electricity and reducing America’s dependence on oil 50 percent.
Saving energy through high-performance and even zero-energy homes and businesses can cut energy use by at least 30 percent. Energy efficiency is the fastest and cheapest way to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, but we also need new sources of clean, renewable homegrown energy.
Even with existing technology, solar power in the Southwest and in cities across America, and wind power offshore and on land, could provide the power we need to meet our electricity needs. There’d even be some power left for transportation, and new breakthroughs are being made every day that extend the reach of today’s systems.
Political momentum
Environment Illinois worked to persuade Barack Obama and incoming members of the 111th Congress to commit to the following principles: 100 percent renewable electricity; cut global warming pollution 80 percent by 2050; and cut oil use in half.
We laid the groundwork by going door-to-door and activating our e-mail list to build support for the plan. Our staff in Washington, D.C., identified the number of votes we could count on in Congress. Right after the election, we released “Renewing America,” a report laying out a blueprint for how we can rebuild our economy on a sound foundation of clean energy. We enlisted the support of scientists, business leaders and entrepreneurs to stand up to the opposition from the oil, gas and coal industries.
Politically, the winds of change are blowing in our direction. President Obama pledged during his campaign to invest $150 billion in clean, renewable energy. As candidates for the Senate seats they now hold, Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (N.H.), Kay Hagan (N.C.), Jeff Merkley (Ore.) and many others made investment in clean energy a centerpiece of their campaigns.
Future of clean energy in Illinois
With vast natural and technological resources at our disposal, Illinois has the capacity to create a smarter, cleaner energy future. Through increased energy efficiency in our commercial buildings and homes, and broad-based movement toward renewable energy solutions, Illinoisans can save money, create new jobs and dramatically reduce global warming pollution.
Environment Illinois is working to ensure a clean energy future in Illinois by fighting for a cap on carbon emissions, stricter regulation of tailpipe pollution from automobiles, and a statewide building energy code for new residential construction.
