The Non-Nuclear Energy Future: The Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard

Date: Thursday, March 10, 2005, 7-9 p.m.
featuring a representative from the Lt. Governor’s office; solar contractor Brandon Leavitt
Location: NEIS office, 845 Chicago Avenue, Ste. 207, Evanston, IL
admission: voluntary contribution

This session will deal with the viable options to nuclear power here in Illinois. A representative from the office of Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn will present information about state legislation to create a “renewable energy portfolio standard” (RPS) for Illinois, which would mandate that a percentage of Illinois’ electricity be generated by renewable resources by a specified date. Also invited to present is noted local solar energy contractor, Brandon Leavitt, who will discuss the practicality of solar energy systems in our region. The session will allow for question and answer dialog.

This is the third installment of Nuclear Energy Information Service's "Know-Nukes!" series. NEIS will bring the issues it is working on in 2005 into greater focus and detail throughout the year. Each month (USUALLY on the second Thursday, and USUALLY at the NEIS office conference room; this may vary, so check our web-calendar or answering machine message) a guest speaker or informative DVD/video will be featured concerning one of the main issues we will work on in 2005 and beyond. A Q&A/discussion period will follow.

Please RSVP your intentions to attend this session to the NEIS office, either by phone or e-mail. We look forward to seeing you at these events in 2005.

2.)
URGENT ACTION NEEDED!

SUPPORT A NON-NUCLEAR ENERGY FUTURE FOR ILLINOIS! SUPPORT “RPS”!

In the Spring session of the Illinois State Legislature, a vote is expected to take place calling for a passage of a “renewable energy portfolio” standard (RPS). No specific bill number has yet been assigned (NEIS will post this when we get one). In his State of the State Address, Gov. Blagojevich announced a renewable energy development plan that calls for 8% of the energy sold in Illinois be supplied by renewable sources. According to the Apollo Alliance, “Illinois has enough wind to generate a substantial amount of energy. By tapping into this clean, homegrown and renewable energy source, the state will create 3,000 jobs, generate more than $3 billion in local investments, and power nearly 1 million Illinois households with clean energy."

In the meantime 1.) CONTACT your state legislators (don’t know who? Contact the League of Women Voters office near you to find out), urging them to support the Governor’s RPS targets when they come up for a vote. 2.) send letters to your local paper in support of an RPS; if you don’t, the opposition surely will.