Illinois becomes the second state
to join the Chicago Climate Exchange
Illinois Governor Blagojevich announced the beginning
of a long-term strategy by the state to combat global climate change
to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, such as enhancing the
use of wind power, biofuels and energy efficiency.
“The impact of global warming from greenhouse
gases in Illinois and around the globe could be devastating,”
said Governor Blagojevich.
The Executive Order signed in October by Governor
Blagojevich creates the Illinois Climate Change Advisory Group,
which will consider the full range of policies and strategies to
reduce GHG emissions in Illinois and make recommendations to the
Governor.
The Advisory Group will have broad representation,
including, business leaders, labor unions, the energy and agricultural
industries, scientists, economists, and environmental groups from
throughout the state. The Governor named Doug Scott, director of
the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, as chair of the Advisory
Group.
Illinois will also join New Mexico to become the
second state in the nation to join the Chicago Climate Exchange
(CCX). As a CCX member, the state makes a voluntary, but legally
binding, commitment to reduce GHG emissions from the electricity
and fuel needed to operate state facilities and motor vehicles.
CCX is North America’s only GHG emissions
registry, reduction and trading system. CCX members are required
to reduce GHG emissions by six percent by 2010, compared to their
average emissions between 1998 and 2001. Members that cannot meet
their emissions reductions targets can buy credits from members
that have exceeded their required reductions, or from farmers or
others who have reduced carbon releases to the atmosphere.
As part of the Governor’s global warming
initiative, Illinois EPA director Doug Scott and Steven Frenkel,
director of policy development for Governor Blagojevich, will meet
with top officials from California to discuss GHG reduction strategies.
Governor Schwarzenegger recently signed legislation that creates
the most ambitious greenhouse gas reduction program in the United
States. |
