Quinn for Illinois

Illinois' economy is changing, and Governor Quinn knows that we must adapt to compete. Job growth in our state will increasingly be the result of green energy and technology projects, such as wind power, ethanol, biodiesel, and clean coal. In order to build Illinois' green economy, and to ensure that our children will grow up with a clean environment, we need to renew our commitment to protecting and defending our natural resources.

Green Jobs

As Governor, Quinn has made it his mission to make Illinois a sustainability leader. Pat knows that one of the best ways to break the recession's hold is to bring well-paying and non-outsourceable green to our state. Jobs and Growth for Illinois, Governor Quinn's jobs plan, aims to do just that, by incentivizing green businesses to locate in Illinois. Governor Quinn has taken additional steps to ensure a green recovery:

• Pat signed and passed the "Illinois Jobs Now!" capital bill, which includes $2 billion for environmental energy and technology projects
• Quinn signed legislation enabling the Illinois Finance Authority to offer $3 billion in guaranteed project financing for renewable energy and clean coal endeavors
• Quinn captured $100 million in federal grants for green industry business development and renewable energy production in Illinois
• Used tax incentives to bring Wanxiang Solar Manufacturing, one of the world's largest producers of solar panels, to Rockford, Illinois

Green Energy

Governor Quinn has fought for clean, safe and affordable energy since taking on the gas companies in the late 1970s. He spearheaded the fight to create the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) in 1982-83, which has saved Illinois consumers $4 billion, fought for safer gas pipelines and nuclear plants, and put Illinois on a path to increased renewable energy.

• Quinn chaired the Blackout Solutions Task Force in the wake of the devastating 2003 power outage that affected two million residents in eight states.
• Pat pushed for an All-American Energy Plan to boost wind, solar and biofuel usage, boost conservation, improve reliability of our electric grid and strengthen security at our state's nuclear power plants.
• Beginning in 2005, he also headed the Green Governments Coordinating Council, which has helped public agencies and schools cut their carbon footprint - and costs - with innovative environmental solutions.

Developing new sources of energy isn't only essential to halting global warming, it's also good business. Nobody knows that fundamental fact better than Governor Quinn.

Innovation and Conservation

Governor Quinn has become a leading advocate for energy innovation, and has a record of accomplishments to back up that commitment.

• Quinn signed into law the "25-by-25" initiative to produce 25 percent of our state's energy from renewable resources by 2025
• Governor Quinn strengthened Illinois' commitment to wind power, and has made Illinois a national leader in the number of wind turbines under construction.
• Working with then-Congressman Ray LaHood (R-Peoria), Quinn initiated the "Mud-to-Parks" project, in which 105,000 tons of sediment was dredged from the Illinois River at Peoria, barged up to vacant lots in Chicago, spread out and planted with grasses.
• Governor Quinn strengthened the voices of clean water advocates by convening the first Chicago River Summit and "It's Our River Day."
• Pat continues to expand the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program to stop erosion by creating streamside forests and wetlands.