Quinn for Illinois

CHICAGO – Citing Governor Pat Quinn’s years of standing up for the environment of Illinois against greed, corruption and neglect, the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club on Saturday formally endorsed Governor Quinn in the Democratic primary.

"Pat Quinn is the clear choice for Illinois voters who want to move to a clean energy economy and protect our drinking water and wild places," said Jack Darin, Director of the Sierra Club, Illinois Chapter.  "Throughout his career, Pat has fought for the people against the powerful.  Illinois is a cleaner, healthier place to live thanks to his dedication.  He knows smart energy solutions are key to creating good, high-paying jobs in the clean industries of the future.   We are proud to recommend him to voters looking for the right leader to change Illinois from a state of crisis to a state of innovation and advancement."

“I am honored by the Sierra Club’s endorsement today,” Governor Quinn said during a news conference on the shores of Lake Michigan in Chicago. “Under our state constitution, every person in Illinois has the right to a healthful environment. I look forward to working side-by-side with the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club to protect our right to clean air and water, to preserve our environment, and to promote a greater appreciation for Illinois’ great natural heritage.”

In his endorsement, Darin praised Governor Quinn’s leadership in passing Illinois Jobs Now!, the state’s first comprehensive public works plan in more than a decade.  Illinois Jobs Now! reflects Governor Quinn’s commitment to a 21st-century vision of clean air and water, green jobs, and sustainable energy, directly investing $1.3 billion in environmental projects, including $516 million for water projects.

Through Illinois Jobs Now!, the state of Illinois will help to make communities cleaner, greener, and healthier, and will position Illinois workers to profit from the sustainable energy economy of the future.

Darin and Quinn were joined at the news conference by members of the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club, which is celebrating 50 years of successful and effective advocacy for environmental issues. Today, the Illinois Chapter of the Sierra Club represents 30,000 members and supporters.

In his remarks, Governor Quinn commended the Sierra Club for their role in the three-year battle against developers who wanted to build on Plum Island, a natural habitat for bald eagles in the Illinois River near Ottawa, Ill. He has also spoke about their shared fight to protect the waters of Lake Michigan from increased pollution by an Indiana oil refinery and their successful

 “I have been proud to work alongside the Sierra Club to protect Illinois’ precious natural environment,” Governor Quinn said. “Together, we have saved Plum Island for the eagles who make their homes there, we have protected Banner Marsh, and we have worked successfully to change our laws to give Illinois EPA more authority to crack down on polluters.”

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