Gov. Blagojevich proclaims March 19 - 24, 2007 to be "5 Ton Carbo-Diox Diet Week" in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich thas proclaimed March 19 through 24, 2007 to be "5 Ton Carbo-Diox Diet Week" in Illinois, based on a program designed by the Rock Valley College Students in Free Enterprise group to increase awareness of and bring action to the growing issues of climate change that our Earth is experiencing.

 

"I commend the students of Rock Valley College for their environmental leadership.  Their efforts are perfect examples of we can take minor steps in our daily lives and still have a major impact in Illinois and around the globe," said Gov. Blagojevich.  "When we commit to making change in our own backyard like turning up the thermostat degrees up a couple degrees in summer or walking to the corner store instead of driving, we make a world of difference.  I encourage all citizens to join in this worthy program by following this one-week plan to reduce global warming gases."

 

The "Carbo-Diox Diet" is a one-week program that outlines how Illinois citizens can reduce their carbon dioxide output in both their homes and businesses.  The "Diet" consists of specific strategies to reduce greenhouse gases: 

 

Monday - Replace high use regular incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs; Tuesday - Move your thermostat down two degrees in winter and up two degrees in summer, clean or replace filter on your furnace and air conditioner, and wrap your water heater in an insulation blanket; Wednesday - unplug electronics from the wall when you're not using them, and turn off electronic devices that you're not using; Thursday - Get your car tuned up and check your tires weekly to make sure they're properly inflated; Friday - reduce the number of miles you drive by walking, biking, carpooling or taking mass transit wherever possible; Saturday - start your family recycling at home, and plant a tree. 

 

The SIFE group asks that citizens report their results to www.rvcsife.org when finished with the "Diet."

 

"The Illinois EPA and the Office of the Governor appreciate the efforts of the Students in Free Enterprise group," said Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott. "To achieve our goals, we must all do our part, individuals and government, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

 

The SVIE group developed the "Diet" due to their concerns about global warming and the belief that individuals and businesses can make a difference.  In the proclamation, Governor Blagojevich cited steps the state of Illinois has taken to reduce greenhouse gases and combat global warming. 

 

Last month, the Governor announced a statewide goal to slash the production of heat-trapping greenhouse gases to 1990 levels by 2020 and 60 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.  The GHG goals are part of a long-term strategy by the state to combat global climate change and builds on steps the state has already taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to protect the environment and public health.  In addition, he has convened the Climate Change Advisory Group to address the serious and urgent issue of global climate change.  The Governor charged the advisory group with recommending strategies to meet these GHG reduction goals. 

 

Last summer, Gov. Blagojevich announced an ambitious plan to meet the state's energy needs by investing in wind power and cleaner burning renewable fuels that will cut greenhouse gas emissions.  The plan also includes a proposed pipeline to help capture carbon dioxide emissions from new coal gasification plants.  In July, he announced the State of Illinois would begin powering 141 Springfield-based facilities under his control with clean renewable wind energy purchased from the Springfield's municipal utility company, City Water Light and Power.

 

In early 2006, Illinois launched the Illinois Conservation Climate Initiative (ICCI) in partnership with the Chicago Climate Exchange (CCX) and the Delta Institute.  ICCI offer farmers and other landowners the opportunity to earn and sell greenhouse gas emission reduction credits through CCX when they take steps to trap carbon dioxide and reduce methane emissions by using conservation tillage and planting grasses and trees.  These practices keep carbon in the soil and plants instead of being released as carbon dioxide.  Illinois is the first state to sponsor such a program.  More than 200 landowners have enrolled 67,000 acres.

 

The State has also taken numerous steps to reduce GHG emissions from its vehicle fleet, including reducing the overall number of state vehicles by 11 percent, from 13,635 in 2003 to 12,100 now; increasing the number of flex fuel vehicles in the state fleet from 1,339 in 2000 (10 percent of fleet), to 1,944 now (16 percent of fleet); increasing the use of renewable and cleaner burning ethanol and biodiesel in the state fleet. More than one million gallons of biofuels have been consumed by state vehicles since April 2004. 

 

In the proclamation, Gov. Blagojevich encouraged all citizens to join in this worthy program by following this one-week plan to reduce global warming gases.

 

-30-