HR1621 95TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1621 LRB095 23078 MJR 53648 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Wind energy provides an emission-free energy alternative and uses natural resources to generate electricity and offset energy costs; and

WHEREAS, Illinois is ranked 16th among states for wind energy potential and has the 7th highest amount of installed wind energy capacity in the nation; and

WHEREAS, In Fiscal Year 2006, the Illinois Department of Corrections was the second-highest ranking agency in terms of energy building costs, spending more than $37 million; and

WHEREAS, Due to budget constraints, Illinois prisons are understaffed and older prisons face threats of closure in order to reign in spending; and

WHEREAS, Wind energy projects at prisons have shown potential in other states; in Indiana, the Department of Corrections installed a wind turbine at one prison that generates 10 kilowatts an hour and saves about $2,280 a year; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FIFTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we urge the Illinois Department of Corrections to pursue a wind generation pilot project at one of its correctional facilities to offset energy costs; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Director of Corrections Roger E. Walker, Jr.