Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn challenges local governments to purchase renewable energy: ‘It's as easy as 3-4-5'

., Lt. Governor Pat Quinn will ask local governments to join the state of Illinois in accepting the 3-4-5 renewable energy challenge. 

The 3-4-5 approach encourages greater use of renewable energy through a phased-in purchasing strategy.  Three percent of the energy used in state buildings will come from renewable energy during the first year of participation, four percent will be renewable during the second year, and five percent during the third year.

"The state of Illinois has accepted the 3-4-5 challenge and we are already reaping the benefits," Quinn said.  "This year alone the state will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 40,000 tons, and that's only the beginning of a long-term plan to improve our environment through reducing greenhouse gasses."

The state of Illinois committed to buying three percent of its energy needs from renewable energy credits beginning January 1, 2007.  Starting in May of 2008 the state will purchase four percent of its energy needs from renewable energy credits, and in 2009, five percent of the state's energy usage will be from renewable sources.   

The 3-4-5 renewable energy contract incorporates the purchase of accredited wind power generated in Illinois, and will be good for five years.

The state of Illinois is expanding the 3-4-5 renewable energy purchasing program by welcoming public entities into its contract.  New participants will have the freedom to determine individual levels of participation, but will be encouraged to follow the state's 3-4-5 plan.    

"We want to encourage all Illinois cities and universities to join the state of Illinois by making a commitment to purchase more renewable energy," Quinn said.  "And we want to salute cities such as Northbrook and Naperville who are already using innovative renewable energy programs that reduce polluting emissions and put Illinois on a path toward greater energy independence."  

            Northbrook's Village Board recently committed to purchase 4.5 million kilowatt hours of Illinois Wind Renewable Energy Certificates, which will provide enough energy to run the entirety of Northbrook's water filtration and pumping operations.  Naperville's Renewable Energy Option Program allows residents to voluntarily sign up to purchase renewable energy for their home.  More than 900 Naperville residents and businesses have signed on.

Lt. Governor Quinn is chairman of the Illinois Green Government Coordinating Council, which promotes the incorporation of pollution prevention and resource conservation practices into government management and operations.  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.