Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Gov. Quinn signs Renewable Energy Center bill
By Staff Report
Daily Eastern News, Eastern Illinois U.
June 23, 2009

State Representative Chapin Rose said they are taking the necessary steps to move forward the new Renewable Energy Center Monday.

Governor Pat Quinn will be signing the legislation that allows the development of the center.

The new center is planned to cost $75 million to build, but Rose is hoping the building will be worth the money in the long run.

"This project creates jobs, saves student's and local taxpayer's money, and helps protect our environment - it's a win-win-win proposition," Rose said. "This is exactly the type of solution we need to be focusing on in terms of the 'big picture' as we head back to Springfield this week to continue work on the state budget."

The center will take the place of the already existing 1920's era coal fired power plant located on the north side of campus.

Although the steam plant has been repaired through the years, many of its features are out of date.

Students and taxpayers do not have to pay for the building. The project is going to be funded entirely through the energy savings made in upcoming years. Previously, this type of financing wasn't allowed in new construction projects, but with the signing of the bill the new exception to the law will go into effect.

It will be built near the intersection of 18th Street and Edgar Drive.

"The new energy center will provide reliable service, greatly reduce the University's maintenance costs, and reduce CO2 emissions by 85 percent," Rose said. "Most importantly in our current economic climate, it will create much-needed jobs for families in our community. In addition to thanking Governor Quinn for signing this legislation, I also want to thank the local building trade unions who helped work on this bill."

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