Governor Pat Quinn today announced the signing of two bills into law that advance clean wind energy in Illinois. The new laws create a council to study offshore wind energy projects in Lake Michigan and clear the way for more wind energy projects throughout Illinois.
“These bills give the state additional tools to further enhance Illinois’ growing renewable energy industry,” Governor Quinn said. “A thriving green energy sector will further strengthen Illinois’ economy, create jobs and boost our economic recovery.”
House Bill 1558, sponsored by Rep. Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) and Sen. Jeff Schoenberg (D-Evanston), creates the Lake Michigan Offshore Wind Energy Advisory Council within the Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). The council will review the potential for wind energy projects in the waters of Lake Michigan. It will be chaired by the director of the IDNR and will be made up of representatives from state agencies and organizations that include environmental, tourism, education and energy entities.
Congrats to Nathan Kipnis and his pals in Evanston who have been pushing so hard for offshore wind power in Illinois!
I have a feeling the great political pendulum is going to swing back in favor of renewable energy and sanity in 2012.
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