Illinois to Follow in California's Carbon Footprints

Governor Rod Blagojevich is emulating the Governator Arnold Schwarzenegger's emission reduction laws in California. Blagojevich has set new goals for the State of Illinois to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 60 per cent by the mid-century mark. The Governor's Climate Change Advisory Group will work over the next six months to recommend actions that the State can implement to reduce emissions and reduce the State's dependence on fossil fuels.

According to a press release issued by Blagojevich's office, the Governor has set the goal of reducing greenhouse gases (GHG's) to the level they were in 1990, with the eventual reduction of 60 percent of the 1990 levels by 2050. This ambitious plan to reduce emissions is much like those goals set forth by California's Governor, and builds on previous goals set forth by Blagojevich. Blagojevich adds that, "The impact of global warming in Illinois and around the globe could be devastating, and we can't wait for the federal government to act because scientists worldwide have warned that we must address climate change within the next decade to avoid serious and irreversible consequences."

Recently, the UN has published a report that blames global warming on human activity, as well as making some dire predictions as to the consequences of the impending temperature rise. The United States Federal Government has not made much effort to implement any strategies for addressing the issue of climate change, most notably in the failure to sign on to the Kyoto Protocol, which calls for international efforts to reduce carbon emissions in order to alleviate global warming. The Bush Administration has recently been accused of pressuring scientists to reduce their assessments of the devastation that increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere are causing.

The reluctance of the Federal Government to address climate change is what has been spurring many state governments to implement their own strategies for reducing carbon emissions. Most notably, California has signed into law several measures to cut the state's GHG emissions, and has been seen as a leader in setting goals for reducing GHG's. Now, Illinois wants to become the first state in the Midwest to do their part to combat global warming. Blagojevich states that, "By committing ourselves to action in Illinois, we can help minimize the effects of climate change and ensure our children and grandchildren inherit a healthy world full of opportunity."

This new goal to reduce GHG emissions is the latest in many moves by Illinois and Blagojevich to protect the environment and reduce the state's output of pollution. Last month, Blagojevich's proposal to cut mercury, sulfur and nitrogen emissions was finalized, and part of that agreement includes shutting down three of the State's dirtiest coal-fired power plants. Last fall, Illinois became the second state after New Mexico to join the Chicago Climate Exchange, a carbon-cap trading board, which also demands members to reduce GHG emissions from state buildings and vehicle fleets. There is also been a measure to increase the number of bio-fuel burning vehicles in the state's fleet. Also, last summer, Blagojevich announced ambitious plans to increase the state's reliance on wind and solar power.

The proposed reductions of GHG's have brought accolades from environmental groups and other officials. "Illinois is stepping up to advance needed policy solutions to our global warming problems while the federal government has lagged behind," said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center. Learner is also a member of the Climate Change Advisory Group. The State Director for Environment Illinois, a citizen-based advocacy group, offers, "Three cheers for Governor Blagojevich in taking on the most serious environmental challenge of our generation."