Press Release - Friday, August 04, 2006
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Sweltering heat wave underlines the need for more solar power in Illinois Lt. Gov. Quinn scales roof of the World's Largest Solar Laundromat
BERWYN - Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn climbed to the roof of the "World's Largest Laundromat" Friday in Berwyn to promote solar power and the Illinois Solar Initiative in the Land of Lincoln.
Tom Benson doesn't complain about the summer heat. In fact, he thrives on it. Benson is the owner of the "World's Largest Laundromat," a 50-year-old Berwyn laundry institution boasting the largest commercial solar hot water system in Illinois - not to mention 153 washers, 148 dryers and 15 flat-screen TVs.
The self-service laundry uses 36 rooftop solar panels to channel the energy of the sun. The solar system provides clean, renewable energy to heat the laundromat's water, saving Benson $25,000 annually. The innovative system was funded in part by state grants.
"Developing All-American energy sources like solar power creates jobs for Illinois workers," Quinn said. "Let's follow the example of Tom Benson and declare ourselves independent of foreign potentates by making a long-range commitment to All-American energy sources such as solar."
Illinois is a shining example of solar opportunity. The Chicago metropolitan area alone has as much solar power as the sun cities of Atlanta and Los Angeles, reflecting a Persian Gulf of flat roofs that are well positioned to take advantage of solar energy and its benefits.
That's why Quinn is proposing the Illinois Solar Initiative that will ask the voters of Illinois to approve an energy initiative to invest in solar projects across the state. The $500 million bond issue will be funded by closing the "lockbox loophole" that allows Illinois-based financial corporations to use lock boxes to evade paying taxes on interest income.
In 2003-04, Quinn chaired the "Special Task Force on the Condition and Future of Illinois Energy Infrastructure," which examined ways the state could cut electric demand, promote energy efficiency and utilize energy sources such as wind, solar and biomass.
For more tips on how to conserve energy, visit: www.BlackoutSolutions.org.
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