Illinois getting greener, with an eye toward gold
It's not a "gold star" state yet but a national environmental group is recognizing Illinois for efforts to reduce energy consumption.
Environment America, a federation of advocacy groups from across the country, lauded 21 states on Wednesday for promoting clean energy programs.
A report by Environment America gave Illinois a "rising star" award for recent efforts to encourage energy efficiency and using renewable energy sources, such as wind power.
The General Assembly passed a measure this summer requiring utilities to obtain 10 percent of their power from renewable sources by 2015 and to reach 25 percent by 2025.
The bill also requires utilities to increase investment in energy-saving technology with the aim of reducing costs to consumers and cutting back on greenhouse gas emissions.
During a news conference Wednesday in Downers Grove, organizers with Environment Illinois called the announcement a signal to Congress to begin adopting tougher emissions laws.
State Sen. Kirk Dillard said he believed the state needed to build on its progress "so that we can become a gold star state in the next report."
To that end, leaders with the Sierra Club called on the General Assembly to pass legislation mandating tougher emission standards for vehicles.