Durbin Makes Earth Day Visit to Twin Groves Wind Farm

Press Release

DURBIN MAKES EARTH DAY VISIT TO TWIN GROVES WIND FARM

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) visited Twin Groves Wind Farm today, on the eve of Earth Day, and reported the Senate will be taking action to support renewable energy in the coming weeks. Durbin said he expects to see a number of proposals reach the Senate floor next month that aim to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, as well as invest in clean domestic energy production.

"The entire nation needs to follow this lead; we need to create energy in a clean, sustainable way," said Durbin. Upon completion, there will be 240 wind turbines at Twin Groves capable of generating enough electricity to meet the energy needs of about 120,000 homes. In addition to the clean source of electricity, the wind farm also means jobs and tax revenue for McLean County, which Durbin applauded.

Durbin will send a letter next week to Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) and Ranking Member Pete Domenici (R-NM) asking them to aid in the development of renewable energy sources by creating a federal renewable portfolio standard which would require a certain percentage of energy be generated by renewable resources, including wind, solar, geothermal and biomass.

Durbin said he also expects legislation designed to dramatically increase the Renewable Fuel Standard, or the amount of renewable fuel that must be generated annually, will receive a vote on the Senate floor next month. He noted the production of biofuels already exceeds the Renewable Fuel Standard the Senate passed two years ago.

It's likely that the increased Renewable Fuel Standard will require cellulosic ethanol production in addition to corn-based ethanol, Durbin said. By encouraging the use of additional feedstocks, such as agricultural waste and fast-growing grasses to produce ethanol, farmers will have additional revenue opportunities.

Durbin said he also expects the Senate to take action on comprehensive global warming legislation that will significantly reduce our greenhouse gas emissions later in the session.

"For the first time, I think we've reached a point where the vast majority of our nation agrees that it is time to take global warming seriously. That includes scientists, the Supreme Court, Fortune 100 leaders and military leaders. It is time for Congress to act on this issue and I can tell you, here on the eve of Earth Day, we are eager to do so -- and we need more places like the Twin Groves Wind Farm to help us achieve our goals.

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