Quinn for Illinois

Lt. Gov. Candidate Sheila Simon at SIU Carbondale's Earth Day Herb Planting

On Earth Day, we pause to reflect on how we can protect our planet for current and future generations. Since taking office, Governor Quinn has strengthened clean water laws, ordered state government to limit its environmental impact, reopened state parks and ‘greened’ the Executive Mansion.

The Governor is bringing green jobs to Illinois, signing legislation backing the construction of renewable energy, clean coal and energy efficient projects. Governor Quinn’s strong environmental record has led the Sierra Club of Illinois to call him "our green governor" and "the clear choice for Illinois voters who want to move to a clean energy economy and protect our drinking water."

In contrast, Senator Brady has displayed a hostile attitude toward environmental protection and sustainability. He claims that human activity doesn’t contribute to global warming, no matter what scientists say. His outdated thinking matches his 17-year legislative record, which includes votes against reducing Illinois’ greenhouse gasses, emissions testing for diesel trucks, and the prohibition of sludge treatment plants near Lake Michigan.

That’s an environmental vision from 1910 — not for 2010.

This Earth Day, we hope you’ll find new ways you can have a positive impact – recycling, getting involved in a community garden, or switching out the car to walk, bike or use public transit. Each of us must do our part to ensure that our children will be able to enjoy the beautiful parks, forests and waterways of our state.

And we hope you’ll use your vote in November to ensure that we keep moving forward towards a greener, cleaner Illinois.