IL League of Conservation Voters Commends Speaker of the House

Contact: Amanda Espitia                                                                       FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Phone: 312-731-6108                                                                               Date: February 19, 2007

IL League of Conservation Voters Commends Speaker of the House

The IL League of Conservation Voters commends the Speaker of the House, Michael Madigan (22-Chicago) as well as members of the House, for taking an important early step in making Illinois a leader in the fight against global warming. As one of their first acts of the 95 ^th General Assembly, Speaker Madigan and House members proved a commitment to environmental progress by creating six new committees dealing with the environment and sustainable development: Biotechnology, Ethanol Production Oversight, Least Cost Power Procurement, Mass Transit, Renewable Energy, and Smart Growth and Regional Planning.

"The citizens of Illinois deserve a public leadership willing to address the environmental problems we face and investigate new solutions, like alternative energy production and green building practices," said Speaker Madigan.

"Speaker Madigan and members of the House understand the necessity of initiatives to give this state the information on alternative energy it needs to reach sustainable and affordable solutions," said ILCV Executive Director Amanda Espitia. "The Speaker continues to lead Illinois as a pro-environment state."

While there is still considerable development to be done in the field of renewable energy sources to increase efficiency and reliability, significant steps like the creation of these committees will provide the public support necessary for this development. "This is a big opportunity for renewable energy in Illinois," said Mark Burger, President of the Illinois Solar Energy Association. "These committees will help craft innovative and comprehensive legislation to bring the benefits of renewable energy to our communities that will ultimately create new jobs for Illinois residents."  

Finding alternative energy sources has been a particular concern for many voters due to skyrocketing gas prices, and this concern has been heightened in Illinois in particular with the possibility of an end to the price freeze on utility rates. A rising public voice for alternative energy has seen veteran environmentalists joined by lower- and middle-income families, who typically feel the impact of such high prices most acutely.

The ILCV will continue to advocate for legislation promoting energy conservation and mainstream renewable energy production.

For further information or to get involved in the ILCV, email info@lcvillinois.org, call 312-731-6108, or visit the website at www.lcvillinois.org .

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