Make Illinois less dependent on oil

In our world, the only constant seems to be change. Just 20 years ago, cellphones were the size of bricks and the Internet sounded like a web of magical tubes. Almost every sector of our lives has undergone profound, dramatic change.

But, somehow, our transportation sector is still dependent on fossils. Before we had any alternatives or modern science, we needed oil without knowing its harmful effects. But now we know that our cars cause global warming and deadly air pollution, and we have all sorts of promising new transportation technology. In the 21st century, getting to work shouldn’t destroy our environment and cause deadly asthma attacks. So why aren’t we there yet?

Unfortunately, oil companies are one of America’s most powerful special interests, retaining multibillion-dollar taxpayer subsidies while making record profits. They’re fighting in Washington to ensure that we stay dependent on their product, and Congress can’t seem to get anything done.

It’s time to get our independence from oil. Since Congress isn’t doing its job, we need to lead here in Illinois. Fortunately, there’s a bill in the state legislature called the Illinois Independence from Oil Act, to create a plan for Illinois to be half as dependent on oil by 2050. In the past 20 years, we’ve gone from brick-size car phones to 3-D smartphones. In 40 years we can drive our cars at least halfway into the 21st century. Legislators should support this bill.

Michelle Stein

Campaign coordinator

Environment Illinois

Chicago