New light in the search for climate solutions

As America's leaders searched in recent months for the right responses to global >warming, Environment Illinois released four studies illuminating the paths forward -- and at least one dead end.

Our first report looked at America's carbon pollution since 1990. The national trend is troubling, with emissions rising by nearly a fifth. Yet we found that in 17 states and in Washington, D.C., emissions peaked by 2005 and began to decline thereafter.

Why the decline? A key factor is the decision by state and local governments to improve energy efficiency programs and invest in clean energy.

America on the Move

We further examined state initiatives in "America on the Move." Released on the eve of the Copenhagen global summit on climate change, Environment Illinois was joined by Gov. Pat Quinn, Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott, State Sen. Heather Steans and other leaders at a press event surrounding the report's release.

While most of the world views the United States as a laggard on the issue, and rightly so, our report found state initiatives having a significant impact: By 2020, they should reduce carbon emissions by 536 million metric tons. That's more global warming pollution than is currently emitted by all but eight of the world's nations. In particular, Illinois has been a success story. Illinois's renewable energy standards, energy efficiency portfolio standards for utilities, and energy-efficient building codes are among the nation's strongest. Collectively, these and other key policies cause Illinois to rank third among all 50 states in expected global warming pollution avoided by 2020.

"To preserve our environment for future generations and help create 'green' jobs now, Illinois has made a serious commitment to investing in green infrastructure and renewable energy technologies," said Gov. Quinn. "We've made significant progress, but there's much more to be done."

America's Biggest Polluters

A third report suggests where more progress can be made. "America's Biggest Polluters" found that power plants released 2.56 billion tons of carbon pollution in 2007, a whopping 42 percent of the country's total. We found the nation's oldest plants to be the dirtiest. Less than half of all plants were built before 1980, but these coal-fired clunkers emit nearly three quarters of the industry's carbon.

With carbon emissions from the generation of electricity up 53 percent in Illinois since 1990, these plants need to clean up or shut down.

Finally, our research team also released a report taking a critical look at nuclear power's role in solving global warming.