Illinois doesn’t have to choose between economic growth and protecting our environment
State Sen. Bill Cunningham’s recent op-ed presents a compelling argument in favor of HB5856/SB3959, which he and state Rep. Barbara Hernandez proposed this year. The bill would help meet our future energy needs through clean energy storage, strengthening our economy, electric grid and environment at the same time.There is no doubt that Illinois is at a crossroads: We face rising energy bills next year due to a projected energy shortfall that will begin as soon as 2030, but we also have incredible economic growth potential that can only be fulfilled if our grid has enough energy to meet demand.It’s clear Illinois urgently needs to build more energy capacity to avoid future price hikes while keeping us competitive in the national business landscape.The good thing is, we can have our cake and eat it, too. SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. To be considered for publication, letters must include your full name, your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be a maximum of approximately 375 words. We strongly encourage Illinois lawmakers to quickly pass HB5856/SB3959, especially given the reality that, as explained in the Sun-Times’ Nov. 16 editorial, state-level action may become even more important depending on federal clean energy policy changes in the next few years.Clean energy is making a major impact on Illinois’ economy and our battle against climate change. Through solar energy alone, Illinois can power a half-million homes, and in the past two decades, Illinois has cut carbon emissions by 25%. On top of these environmental benefits, clean energy is strengthening the economy by supporting nearly 6,000 jobs and creating $5.7 billion in economic impact. We cannot overstate the impact that both state and federal policies have made and will continue to make on the clean energy revolution, and the benefits the transition provides to individuals and communities throughout our state.Illinois has all the tools and leadership we need to protect our environment, meet clean energy goals, and attract new economic investments. All we need is for the legislature to act.Lesley McCain, executive director, Illinois Solar Energy & Storage Association, and Andrew Linhares, central region senior manager, Solar Energy Industries Association No nirvana with MAGAIn the parable Jeremy David Engels tells (“What Buddhism can teach us about handling this time of deep division”) the murderer wants to change and is willing to stop his murderous ways. I am not sure how that applies to the current times.I see no evidence that the Trumplicans want to change. On the contrary, they have shown every intention of pursing acts that threaten the unalienable rights of others. And it is certainly not because people haven’t been willing to discuss.Calling people who support them "evil" isn’t likely to help. But neither is acquiescing to the very real damage that many of these policies will spawn to people poorly able to defend themselves.I am deeply uncertain as to the appropriate response. But I do not believe that addressing the current political divides is well served by glossing over what is in fact evil.Mike Koetting, River West Related What Buddhism can teach us about handling this time of deep division
State Sen. Bill Cunningham’s recent op-ed presents a compelling argument in favor of HB5856/SB3959, which he and state Rep. Barbara Hernandez proposed this year. The bill would help meet our future energy needs through clean energy storage, strengthening our economy, electric grid and environment at the same time.
There is no doubt that Illinois is at a crossroads: We face rising energy bills next year due to a projected energy shortfall that will begin as soon as 2030, but we also have incredible economic growth potential that can only be fulfilled if our grid has enough energy to meet demand.
It’s clear Illinois urgently needs to build more energy capacity to avoid future price hikes while keeping us competitive in the national business landscape.
The good thing is, we can have our cake and eat it, too.
SEND LETTERS TO: letters@suntimes.com. To be considered for publication, letters must include your full name, your neighborhood or hometown and a phone number for verification purposes. Letters should be a maximum of approximately 375 words.
We strongly encourage Illinois lawmakers to quickly pass HB5856/SB3959, especially given the reality that, as explained in the Sun-Times’ Nov. 16 editorial, state-level action may become even more important depending on federal clean energy policy changes in the next few years.
Clean energy is making a major impact on Illinois’ economy and our battle against climate change. Through solar energy alone, Illinois can power a half-million homes, and in the past two decades, Illinois has cut carbon emissions by 25%. On top of these environmental benefits, clean energy is strengthening the economy by supporting nearly 6,000 jobs and creating $5.7 billion in economic impact. We cannot overstate the impact that both state and federal policies have made and will continue to make on the clean energy revolution, and the benefits the transition provides to individuals and communities throughout our state.
Illinois has all the tools and leadership we need to protect our environment, meet clean energy goals, and attract new economic investments. All we need is for the legislature to act.
Lesley McCain, executive director, Illinois Solar Energy & Storage Association, and Andrew Linhares, central region senior manager, Solar Energy Industries Association
No nirvana with MAGA
In the parable Jeremy David Engels tells (“What Buddhism can teach us about handling this time of deep division”) the murderer wants to change and is willing to stop his murderous ways. I am not sure how that applies to the current times.
I see no evidence that the Trumplicans want to change. On the contrary, they have shown every intention of pursing acts that threaten the unalienable rights of others. And it is certainly not because people haven’t been willing to discuss.
Calling people who support them "evil" isn’t likely to help. But neither is acquiescing to the very real damage that many of these policies will spawn to people poorly able to defend themselves.
I am deeply uncertain as to the appropriate response. But I do not believe that addressing the current political divides is well served by glossing over what is in fact evil.
Mike Koetting, River West
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