Hoping Illinois can be last on this list

With the articles in the news recently on the new coal-fired power plants for our state, without controls to limit or remove carbon dioxide from the exhaust, it is disturbing to look at the figures on carbon dioxide pollution releases by states.

Our state power producers, regulating bodies and state officials do not seem to be concerned about the potentially damaging increases. Rather they seem to be trying to make Illinois No. 1 in the country for increased carbon dioxide output.

The figures for the 15-year period from 1990 through 2004 show that the overall Illinois output of carbon dioxide increased 22 percent, third highest in the nation. The national average increase was 18 percent.

Illinois is a state with a wealth of engineering knowledge. We need to tap into this resource quickly. Either refine our abilities to capture the carbon dioxide or adapt some of the many alternative sources for power, including wind generators and solar renewable energy.

Before the people of Illinois just blindly let new, coal-fired plants, using old methods, go into production, we need to have thoroughly reviewed our options.

William E. Bailey

Elgin