Energy and the Environment Priorities

Biofuels

As the first member of Congress to introduce legislation requiring ethanol to be blended into gasoline, I have been a longstanding champion of domestic biofuel production. Biofuels have the potential to lessen our dependence on foreign oil reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve farmer profitability, and foster economic development in rural communities.

I continue to support policies that will help bring a variety of promising home-grown fuels to market and move our country closer to energy independence.

Invasive Species

As our world becomes increasingly interconnected – we will grapple with a growing number of invasive species. In Illinois alone, we face the threat of the emerald ash borer, Asian carp, zebra mussels, quagga mussels and a number of other invasive plants and animals. If left unchecked, these exotic species have the potential to decimate native wildlife populations, upset ecological balances, and cause significant economic damage.

Emerald Ash Borer

I have long supported efforts to increase funding for research, control, and eradication of the emerald ash borer species. I championed legislation designed to help municipalities afford the burdensome costs associated with combating this destructive pest. To learn more about the emerald ash borer and its impact in Illinois, visit http://www.agr.state.il.us/eab/.

Asian Carp

Originally introduced into fish farms in Arkansas, Asian carp have been making their way up the Mississippi River since the 1970s. Asian carp are aggressive competitors -- bighead carp can grow up to 100 pounds, while silver carp frequently jump out of the water at the sound of motors, in some cases seriously injuring boaters. Asian carp are abundant in the Illinois River and threaten to enter Lake Michigan through the Chicago Sanitary Ship Canal.

Since 2003, I have led Senate efforts to secure funding for the Army Corps of Engineers to construct and operate of electric dispersal barriers to prevent the carp from moving into Lake Michigan. I continue to work with my colleagues in Congress and with federal, state, and local authorities to intensify our work to stop this invasive species from entering the Great Lakes.

Climate Change

One of the most significant environmental crises we face is climate change. We are already witnessing some effects of a changing climate—melting glaciers, rising sea levels, extreme weather events, chronic floods and droughts, and accelerated erosion. Scientists predict that these events will occur more frequently in the future with negative repercussions for our economy and national security, in addition to our environment.

I support updating the Clean Air Act to strengthen standards for air pollutants, such as mercury, smog, and carbon dioxide. Such standards protect public health and drive investment in the development of affordable, clean energy. I also am a strong advocate of mandatory fuel efficiency standards for vehicles, which can lessen our dependence on fossil fuels.

Clean Water

In the future, water will prove to be an even more precious resource than it is today. That is why I have consistently supported efforts now to keep our lakes, rivers, and oceans safe in the years ahead. The Great Lakes are the largest fresh water supply in the nation, containing about 20 percent of all the fresh water in the world. The Lakes serve as the source of drinking water for nearly 30 million people throughout the region and support a wide range of recreational and commercial pursuits. I am dedicated to protecting Lake Michigan by fighting invasive species and reducing pollution. I have consistently fought industry efforts to discharge increased pollutants into our waters and worked with federal and state authorities to ensure that our drinking water standards protect public health. I will continue to lead the effort to restore, preserve, and protect the Great Lakes -- one of our country's greatest natural resources.

Wilderness Protection

The remaining wilderness areas in America are a precious and dwindling resource. I am working to preserve these areas, not only for our generation and the next to enjoy, but also to sustain the ecosystems and animals living in wilderness.

I have long supported Chicago Wilderness and the important work it's doing to protect natural habitat and make it available to people. I also have introduced legislation in recent years that will keep pristine nature areas of Southern Utah free from mining and overdevelopment. This land includes some of the most beautiful desert landscapes in the world, and it should be preserved. Finally, I have worked to block efforts to start drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, a protected sanctuary of land and wildlife that is one of the last truly unspoiled places in the country.

Energy Efficient Vehicles

Increasing transportation costs burden businesses and families alike. By improving vehicle fuel economy we can lessen our dependence on foreign oil and put money back into the pocketbook’s of hard-working American families.

Beginning with vehicles manufactured in model year 2012, new cars and light trucks will need to drive farther with less fuel. This important change, mandated by Congress in the 2007 Energy bill, will benefit our national security, our economic security, the environment and consumers.

Clean and Renewable Energy

Clean, renewable energy paired with advancing new technology means jobs and economic growth for Illinois and for America. With the abundance of renewable energy resources -- including the sun, wind, and earth -- the technical potential of major renewable technologies could actually provide more than five times the electricity this country needs. Moreover, clean, renewable energy will create jobs and income in rural areas. I strongly support the use of large utility-scale wind turbines. Illinois is home to more than 100 companies that contribute to the wind energy supply chain and support 15,000 jobs in our state. Growth in the wind industry in Illinois has been aided by the Illinois Renewable Electricity Standard. I support the creation of a federal renewable electricity standard that will encourage utilities to diversify their energy infrastructure. Increasing renewable energy will reduce the risks to the economy posed by over-reliance on a single source of new power supplies provide environmental benefits, and foster economic development.

Clean Coal Technology and FutureGen 2.0

About half of all electricity generation in the U.S. uses coal. Since coal is a significant part of our energy supply, we need to figure out how to use it more efficiently, so that we can generate more energy with fewer carbon dioxide emissions.

I am dedicated to finding cleaner ways to generate electricity using coal. For instance, new combined cycle plants produce both electricity and heat, generating two products from every ton of coal used.

The US Department of Energy has created a program “Repowering America’s Coal Industry”. Through this initiative the Department of Energy working with the FutureGen Alliance, Babcok & Wilcox and Ameren will retrofit Ameren’s 200 megawatt Meredosia Unit 4 with advanced oxy-combustion technology. FutureGen has selected Morgan County as the site for construction of a Regional CO2 sequestration storage and training facility.

The goal of FutureGen is to utilize our country’s abundant coal resources in combination with near-zero emissions technology. FutureGen will demonstrate the use of carbon capture and storage technology at a large industrial scale. And finally, the facility in Morgan County will train the next generation of workers to build and retrofit coal-fired power plants with advanced clean energy technologies.