A New Way on the Environment:

We can take actions here and now that will make our state, and our planet, cleaner, safer and greener

We have a fundamental right to a safe and clean environment. Particularly now, as scientists demonstrate that what we do here can melt glaciers in the Arctic, we must work at the state level to ensure clean air, clean water, and healthy environment for both Illinois residents and for the world.

Lawn Care Chemicals

Certain lawn-care chemicals make even playing in the park dangerous. As the Legislative Director of Citizen Action/Illinois, I fought for legislation requiring that child care centers notify parents before applying these toxic substances on their grounds. I was proud when the Illinois State Legislature passed a bill in the spring of 2009 mandating notification. Though this was a good first step, we have more work to do to reduce the use of toxic chemicals in our parks and backyards.

Diesel Exhaust

The exhaust from diesel engines on public buses and trains is full of pollutants. We have the technology to retrofit older diesel engines to dramatically reduce the soot pumped into the air.  I intend to fight to make sure that all of our buses and trains use the most modern technology.

Public Transportation

We have to make it easier for Illinois residents to access public transportation. A statewide network of fast, convenient rail and bus service could make everything from commuting to buying groceries more environmentally friendly. This will take serious but necessary investment: the CTA, Metra and Pace transit networks require ten billion dollars over the next five years to maintain and improve metropolitan Chicago’s transit system.  Skimping on public transportation will only result in further damage to our environment.

Climate Action Plans

Climate Action Plans help make smart growth an environmentally viable route for cities including Evanston and Chicago. I support the implementation of those plans, and will fight to provide state funding to ensure their implementation.

Energy Efficiency

Currently, 10% of our national energy consumption goes to powering our buildings. Simple things like more efficient lighting, water heating and appliances could have a major impact. I'm excited by the pilot program to give "smart meters" to 131,000 Illinoisans, which will give us the information to use electricity with greater efficiency and at less cost. I will support efforts to improve the energy efficiency of state government operations.

Alternative Energy

As we try to reduce government’s energy use, Illinois must also re-commit itself to the use of alternative energy. We’re already committed to renewable sources for 25% of our energy consumption by 2025, but compared to our neighboring states Illinois has lagged in its support of wind, solar, and clean energy technologies.  I will support alternative energy programs which will reduce green house gases and also create jobs in Illinois.

Clean Water

Protecting our water is another of my priorities. The Illinois Environmental Council Education Fund found that Lake Michigan, along with almost every other lake and river in Illinois, is polluted with mercury. If the federal government refuses to help, then the eight states bordering the Great Lakes need to study, coordinate, and implement an aggressive strategy to protect them. In the meantime, we also need to reinvest in the infrastructure that brings clean water to our faucets by repairing and modernizing the water distribution and treatment systems. 

Clean Air

I support aggressive action to limit the environmental damage caused by the coal fired power plants throughout Illinois. The mercury, sulfur dioxide, and soot released by these factories endangers the health of local residents. As the Respiratory Health Association of Metropolitan Chicago and other expert organizations have made clear, only the safest and most advanced technology will make meaningful progress in reducing the excessively high rate of asthma among Chicagoans.

Cap and Trade

Ultimately, the crisis facing the environment is sufficiently advanced that we need to consider more radical approaches as well. I fully support the sweeping reform proposal to fight global warming - using a cap-and-trade program for carbon dioxide emissions. Setting a limit for pollution and then providing emission “allowances” will establish market incentives for environmental improvement.

As a state legislator, I will fight for clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment for all Illinois citizens.