Governor Quinn Announces Illinois a Top Green Power-Purchasing State
U.S. EPA Ranks Illinois as Second-Highest Green Power Purchasing State
CHICAGO, IL – August 5, 2010 – (RealEstateRama) — Governor Pat Quinn today announced that, for the first time ever, Illinois is ranked on the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) list of the nation’s 50 largest green power purchasers. Illinois ranked 23 overall and second among state governments listed.
“We’re proud to be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as one of the top green power-purchasing state governments,” said Governor Quinn. “Illinois’ use of green power demonstrates our commitment to sustainability and support for the development of cleaner, renewable energy sources, which is good for both our environment and our economy.”
According to the U.S. EPA, Illinois’ green power purchase of 176 million kWh is equivalent to avoiding the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of more than 24,000 passenger vehicles per year, or the CO2 emissions from the electricity use of more than 15,000 average American homes annually. Illinois is buying a combination of renewable energy certificates (RECs) and utility green power products – from Integrys Energy and City Water, Light & Power – that meets 33 percent of the state’s electricity use.
“EPA’s Green Power Partners are raising the bar for clean, renewable energy use,” said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator for U.S. EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “By using green power, the state of Illinois is fighting climate change, while proving that sound environmental practices can also be economically sound.”
The purchase qualifies the state for U.S. EPA’s Green Power Leadership Club, a distinction given to organizations that have significantly exceeded the agency’s minimum purchase requirements.
“We are honored by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s recognition of our work to incorporate more green power into our energy portfolio,” said James P. Sledge, director of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS), the state agency responsible for energy purchases. “Supporting clean sources of electricity is a sound business decision and an important choice in reducing climate risk.”
Governor Quinn has signed numerous Executive Orders and statutes into law to ensure greater energy efficiency, use of renewable energy, and protection of Illinois’ land, air and water resources. For more information please visit Green.Illinois.gov.
U.S. EPA updates its Top Partner Lists quarterly at http://www.epa.gov/greenpower/toplists/.
