
				Pat Quinn, Governor

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Environmental Progress - Summer 2004

Energy Reliability Task Force Recommends More Renewable Sources; energy Efficiency, Increased Maintenance

A blue-ribbon "Special Task Force on the Condition and Future of Illinois' Energy Infrastructure," appointed by Governor Rod Blagojevich due to the August 2003 blackout in the East, has made a series of recommendations for Illinois energy reliability.

Illinois EPA Director Renee Cipriano was one of the 11 members of the Task Force chaired by Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn.

The Task Force urged adoption of a "renewable energy portfolio standard" requiring electric utilities to produce or buy more energy from such renewable "All-American" sources as wind, solar and biomass. This diversification would not only add to reliability of the power supply but create new jobs, the Task Force said.

Other key recommendations included increasing energy efficiency through rebates and consumer and small business education, as well as innovative price response programs.

The Task Force also emphasized the importance of more aggressive tree-trimming and vegetation management by electric utilities and rigorous security screening.