State of Illinois Archives: on Energy & Oil


Mark Curran: Yes to cleaner fuel but some climate ideas are alarmist

We can work to develop cleaner alternative fuel sources. Even if you don't believe man has contributed to climate change reasonable corrective behaviors will lead to cleaner air, cleaner water and a cleaner planet. I do not think it is necessary at this time to say what those corrective behaviors should be but many of the suggestions being put forward are alarmist. Many of these suggestions would be too costly, have little impact and would decrease quality of life.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race Nov 3, 2020

Mark Curran: Yes to cleaner fuel but some climate ideas are alarmist

We can work to develop cleaner alternative fuel sources. Even if you don't believe man has contributed to climate change reasonable corrective behaviors will lead to cleaner air, cleaner water and a cleaner planet. I do not think it is necessary at this time to say what those corrective behaviors should be but many of the suggestions being put forward are alarmist. Many of these suggestions would be too costly, have little impact and would decrease quality of life.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race Nov 3, 2020

Richard Durbin: Empower the EPA to regulate greenhouse emissions

If we want to avoid the most disastrous effects of climate change, we must rapidly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We need to empower the EPA to regulate emissions. We must invest in alternative fuels. We should help transition to a clean energy, carbon neutral future by putting a price on carbon. I've introduced America's Clean Future Fund Act, which would raise a carbon tax and invest the revenues in clean energy development, transition assistance for workers.
Source: ScienceDebate.org on 2020 Illinois Senate race Nov 3, 2020

J.B. Pritzker: Won't sign an energy bill written by utility companies

Our spring agenda must also address the pressing issue of adopting new clean energy legislation that reduces carbon pollution, promotes renewable energy, and accelerates electrification of our transportation sector. Urgent action is needed--but let me be clear, the old ways of negotiating energy legislation are over. It's time to put consumers and climate first. I'm not going to sign an energy bill written by the utility companies.
Source: 2020 Illinois State of the State address Jan 29, 2020

Mark Curran: Not convinced climate change is current threat to humankind

I am not convinced that climate change is currently a threat to humankind. However, humans have suffered negative effects from prior misuse of the planet. Although, I do not believe the dire warnings that the end of Earth is imminent we are still called to be good stewards of the Earth. We can work to develop cleaner alternative fuel sources.
Source: Chicago Sun Times on 2020 Illinois Senate race Jan 22, 2020

Mark Curran: Opposes "far-left radical environmental agenda"

Curran said Durbin has moved to the far left on issues like the environment. "Dick Durbin is in bed with the far-left radical environmental agenda which is killing Illinois," Curran said.
Source: WSIL-TV News-3 on 2020 Illinois Senate race Sep 10, 2019

Bruce Rauner: Relax emission limits to save coal-fired power plants

Climate Change: Consider climate change a critical threat?

Pritzker: Yes. Considers it "a real threat," wants to move Illinois toward 100% renewable energy.

Rauner: No public statements.

Climate Change: Should the government limit the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

Pritzker: Yes. Supports participation in U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of states committed to climate change action.

Rauner: No. Relax emission limits in order to save IL coal-fired power plants. Has not joined Climate Alliance.

Renewable Energy: Government support for renewable energy?

Pritzker: Supports increasing requirements for the percentage of renewable energy produced by utilities.

Rauner: Signed bill to promote "unprecedented" renewable energy sources,

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Illinois Governor race Nov 1, 2018

J.B. Pritzker: Climate change is a real threat

Climate Change: Consider climate change a critical threat?

Pritzker: Yes. Considers it "a real threat," wants to move Illinois toward 100% renewable energy.

Rauner: No public statements.

Climate Change: Should the government limit the levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere?

Pritzker: Yes. Supports participation in U.S. Climate Alliance, a coalition of states committed to climate change action.

Rauner: No. Relax emission limits in order to save IL coal-fired power plants. Has not joined Climate Alliance.

Renewable Energy: Government support for renewable energy?

Pritzker: Supports increasing requirements for the percentage of renewable energy produced by utilities.

Rauner: Signed bill to promote "unprecedented" renewable energy sources,

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Illinois Governor race Nov 1, 2018

Anne Stava-Murray: Reduce coal-protectionist provisions, increase regulations

I agree with the vast majority of the objectives and substance of the Future Energy Jobs Act. I believe we need to do more to have a net carbon neutral footprint, including reducing coal-protectionists provisions included in this act. Further, I think we need to increase regulation of consumption of coal energy from neighbor states so companies don't move to skirt IL environmental regulations. Finally, I believe we need to evaluate any other unintended consequences of this act
Source: Chicago Sun-Times on 2020 Illinois Senatorial race Oct 22, 2018

J.B. Pritzker: Support Paris Agreement, renewable energy

I will ensure Illinois upholds the provisions of the Paris Climate Agreement by joining an alliance of states committed to upholding the accord. I will fight to maintain full funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, and I will work to expand shared renewables like 14 other states and the District of Columbia, which already have plans in place. I will also defend our regional EPA office and restore funding to critical conservation programs across the state.
Source: 2018 Illinois Gubernatorial website JBPritzker com Sep 15, 2017

Ameya Pawar: Must confront climate change

We are responsible for protecting the environment not only for ourselves, but for future generations. Climate change is real, and we must confront it head-on. Illinois has been a leader in clean energy, and Ameya will continue to build on that legacy by prioritizing carbon reduction in new infrastructure projects and working to ensure our regulations incentivize the development of renewable energy.
Source: 2018 Illinois Gubernatorial website pawar2018.com Sep 1, 2017

Chris Kennedy: Lack of clean energy hurts competitiveness

When companies expand to Illinois or within our state, they want to know that they will find clean water and fresh air. As governor, Chris would work with public and private stakeholders to establish a long-term sustainability plan for our state. If Illinois does not act as a leader in protecting the environment and pursuing clean energy policy, we will damage our competitiveness, and ultimately we will have to follow the lead of other states.
Source: 2018 Illinois Gubernatorial website KennedyForIllinois.com Sep 1, 2017

Daniel Biss: Fully renewable energy

Reducing carbon emissions needs to be a priority. Illinois must move to a fully renewable energy mix, preserve its rivers, prairies, and woodlands, and make sustainability a goal in future infrastructure investments.
Source: 2018 Illinois Gubernatorial website DanielBiss.com Sep 1, 2017

Bruce Rauner: Green energy part of future mix

Governor Bruce Rauner signed the Future Energy Jobs bill. It contains a guaranteed cap that energy prices cannot increase more than 25 cents on the average residential home, and cannot increase more than 1.3 percent on commercial and industrial users over the next ten years. It also promotes unprecedented wind and solar expansion and preserves zero-emission generation, maintaining Illinois' status in leading the nation in zero-carbon generation.
Source: Quad City Times on 2018 Illinois gubernatorial race Jul 17, 2017

Raja Krishnamoorthi: The time for America's clean energy future is now

As president of an Illinois company that researches solar energy technology, Raja understands that the time for America's clean energy future is now. A cleaner environment and a stronger economy are not competing goals, as many in Congress seem to believe. Instead, nations that lead the way in developing clean energy technology will gain a competitive advantage in creating the good jobs of the future.

Now is the time to act to combat this global threat in a smart way that saves our environment while preserving and creating jobs. America, in concert with other countries, must work to reverse the damage being done to the global environment.

Source: 2016 Illinois House campaign website RajaForCongress.com Nov 8, 2016

Mark Kirk: Climate change is real, but no carbon tax

Q: On Climate Change: Believe that human activity is the major factor driving climate change?

Duckworth: Yes

Kirk: Has said climate change is real, but questions the role of industrial emissions: Kirk recently acknowledged that human activity contributes to climate change, but historically has questioned this and voted against bills that would have addressed climate change.

Q: On Climate Change: Should government limit the levels of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere?

Duckworth: Yes

Kirk: No. Opposes carbon tax and EPA regulation of greenhouse gases

Q: On Renewable Energy: Support government mandates and/or subsidies for renewable energy?

Duckworth: Yes

Kirk: Yes. Also supports fossil fuel subsidies.

Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Illinois Senate race Oct 9, 2016

Tammy Duckworth: Human activity is the major factor driving climate change

Q: On Climate Change: Believe that human activity is the major factor driving climate change?

Duckworth: Yes

Kirk: Has said climate change is real, but questions the role of industrial emissions: Kirk recently acknowledged that human activity contributes to climate change, but historically has questioned this and voted against bills that would have addressed climate change.

Q: On Climate Change: Should government limit the levels of greenhouse gasses in the atmosphere?

Duckworth: Yes

Kirk: No. Opposes carbon tax and EPA regulation of greenhouse gases

Q: On Renewable Energy: Support government mandates and/or subsidies for renewable energy?

Duckworth: Yes

Kirk: Yes. Also supports fossil fuel subsidies.

Source: CampusElect Voter Guide to 2016 Illinois Senate race Oct 9, 2016

Napoleon Harris: More renewable energy credit; more CO2 regulation

Senator Harris co-sponsored legislation SB1485: Amends the Illinois Power Agency Act.
Source: VoteSmart synopsis of 2015-2016 Illinois voting record Nov 1, 2015

Mike Bost: Focus on exploration, to become energy independent

For too long, we have lacked a long-term energy plan. It's time to stop talking about the need to becoming more energy independent and start working on an agenda, in a bipartisan manner, to actually move us closer to it. Mike believes that America can and should be energy independent, and that a focus on exploration, innovation and technology are the keys to harnessing our own natural resources. As a leader in the Illinois State House, Mike was the chief negotiator for the Illinois Hydraulic Fracturing Regulation Act in 2013, which will allow the state to expand and grow its energy production with the potential to creating thousands of good, high paying jobs in Southern Illinois.
Source: 2014 Illinois House campaign website, BostForCongress.com Nov 4, 2014

Sharon Hansen: No subsidies for wind and solar

Question topic: Governments should pay to develop wind and solar energy solutions when these are not economically feasible.

Hansen: Strongly Disagree

Source: Faith2Action iVoterGuide on 2014 Illinois Senate race Sep 30, 2014

Richard Durbin: Energy tax to fund infrastructure investment

Q: Are other taxes that you believe that you can raise?

DURBIN: We need to open our minds to our tax revenue. We've had conversations about an infrastructure fund that will really start America building again, for the highways and airports and locks and dams.

Q: How do you fund that? It's already funded by gas taxes, right? You want to raise the federal gas tax?

DURBIN: I believe we should have energy taxes that really fund infrastructure investment.

Q: On who?

DURBIN: It's going to create jobs in America. On the gas tax: now is not the moment to raise it, but it really is something we should consider in the future. But there are other sources of energy taxes we ought to consider. I'll give you an example, the electric power grid in America is ancient. If we are going to expand it so that it can meet the needs of the 21st Century, we need an investment. That means revenue coming in from that sector. I think they would be open to it if the investment went back into the infrastructure

Source: CNN SOTU 2013 interview on 2014 Illinois Senate race Jan 6, 2013

Bill Enyart: Support the coal mining industry

The UMWA endorsement shows my support of the coal mining industry in Illinois, Enyart said. after the endorsement was announced at the Coal Miners Memorial Park in West Frankfort.

"Enyart is very supportive of the issues we lobby and fight for, including mine safety and easier qualification for Black Lung benefits," a United Mine Workers of America representative said. "But he is also opposed to national right-to-work legislation. When Gen.

Source: The Southern Illinoisan, "United Mine Workers of America" Oct 18, 2012

Bill Enyart: Support the coal mining industry

The UMWA endorsement shows my support of the coal mining industry in Illinois, Enyart said. after the endorsement was announced at the Coal Miners Memorial Park in West Frankfort.

"Enyart is very supportive of the issues we lobby and fight for, including mine safety and easier qualification for Black Lung benefits," a United Mine Workers of America representative said. "But he is also opposed to national right-to-work legislation. When Gen. Enyart calls for opening more coal mines without insisting that they be union mines, he appears to be putting the interests of the mine owners over those of the workers. For that reason, I am disappointed that the UMWA would endorse him."

Enyart said he would work with the UMWA to "stress the importance of skilled union miners in bringing that coal up. There is a push by companies to develop non-union mines and that is not the way to go."

Source: The Southern Illinoisan, "United Mine Workers of America" Oct 18, 2012

Pat Quinn: $400M for IL as center of Midwestern high-speed rail network

We can be an inland port for the whole central part of our country. But we have to make sure we have good transportation. We have to unsnarl some of the freight bottlenecks in our rail. We have to have good passenger rail. We want to have a passenger train that goes from Chicago to the Quad Cities & beyond. And we also want to have high-speed rail that connects Chicago to St. Louis.

You know, fast trains are the wave of the future. Our president is committed to this. Our state has invested $400 million dollars. We look forward to a high-speed rail network where our state is the center for the whole network for the Midwest. I've worked with other governors across the Midwest, both Democrat & Republican. We understand that rail can create a lot of new jobs, and we're very committed to that.

We want to use an inland port, that whole idea, to create new high-wage jobs in Illinois. We are creating an intermodal [system] that is going to create thousands of jobs for hard-working people.

Source: Illinois 2010 State of the State Address Jan 13, 2010

Pat Quinn: Invest in both clean coal and wind power

We understand that FutureGen, a project that is on the drawing board and is close to fruition, located in Matton, Illinois, where we have clean coal, we do it in the right way. This is an opportunity for our State, and I want to personally thank Senator Durbin for his leadership on this issue. Hopefully we can get that investment in downstate Illinois.

Related to this: the whole area of wind mills and wind turbines. I think this is something that all of us will embrace as we go through this next few years. We've invested money in our capital bill in this. We have investment also in opportunities for credit for those who develop wind power. We make sure they have contracts and so on. But what's important about wind power is it's clean, and it's all from our own back yard and it's all American.

I've been to Iraq; I've been to the combat zone. And I think it's our duty back home to try and be as energy independent as we can.

Source: Illinois 2010 State of the State Address Jan 13, 2010

Alexi Giannoulias: Put price on global warming pollution to spur investment

As America maintains a dangerous dependence on foreign oil, our global competitors are investing heavily in renewable energy and efficiency technologies. While we struggle with modest policy changes to reduce our emissions of climate change pollution, China invests 10 times more than the US in clean power as a percentage of GDP.