"Energy affects every home and every business and our daily quality of life," said Illinois Chamber president and CEO Doug Whitley in a recent publication. "Generating and distributing a reliable, secure supply of energy with the fewest effects on our environment is creating headaches and opportunities that affect the local and global market place alike." 
 
It's easy to get caught up in the "green" movement. Especially when a study conducted by the U.S. Green Building Council and Booz Allen Hamilton predicts that the green building industry alone will be responsible for the creation or support of 7.9 million jobs, contributing $554 billion to the U.S. gross domestic product in the next four years.
 
However, a first-of-its kind study highlighted in the Illinois Manufacturers' Association August newsletter warns that only a few states and cities have policies in place that will drive green job creation. This study explores the full range of green jobs and policies that help promote select clean energy industries.
 
Based on a survey of 30 state governments and 25 cities, the study identifies 15 best practices and policies for states and another 15 for cities. This research concluded that, "As a result of the basic demand policies, Illinois is positioned to be a leader in clean-energy industry development and green-job creation. However, many of the supply-side policies oriented toward green business development and innovation are missing."

 

To read the full report click here.
 
Illinois Energy Opportunity

Whitley agrees that the energy industry is one of the economic cornerstones in Illinois' economy with research revealing that about 1.9 percent of the state is employed in energy industries, at above average wages, which translates into millions of dollars in tax revenue.
 
"Billions and billions of dollars will be spent on energy efficiency, generation and infrastructure in the next few decades," wrote Whitley. "Illinois can become a leader in this new energy portfolio or it can sit on the sidelines and watch good jobs, good wages and economic opportunity escape into other states."
 
Local Energy Frontier

Although not included in any of these national studies, Quincy and Adams County has done a remarkable job pursuing energy related projects and jobs. Thanks to leadership from the City of Quincy, Adams County and GREDF energy specialist Pete Pohlman, millions of dollars in energy projects are underway or are being explored in the area.
 
These include the recently passed wind ordinance to facilitate the construction of a wind farm in Adams County and possible hydro project on Lock and Dam 21. Other forward thinking steps include the Energy Efficiency Loan Program available to City of Quincy businesses, the soon-to-be LEED certified Kroc Center and other small and large projects across the county.

 

These efforts started eight years ago when GREDF and the City of Quincy teamed up to secure a then DCEO energy grant conduct energy audits and energy efficiency  improvements in the Historic Quincy Business District.

 

Thanks to local government initiative and Pete's 40 years of experience in the energy field, our region is positioned to become a leader in the production of clean energy. This speaks volumes about the commitment of our community to embrace new technologies for the development of the region as a whole.