New bill is “green,” say supporters

U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), who hosted Tuesday’s news conference, says the issue is now personal. (Photo courtesy: Dave Dahl/Shutterstock)

By Dave Dahl

SPRINGFIELD – The bill which kept senators busy in Washington all weekend, and which only passed with the Vice President casting a tie-breaking vote, is a big win for the environment, says Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council.

“This is based on incentives and funding for projects; funding for solar, incentives for solar, rebates for electric vehicles,” Walling said at a news conference Tuesday outside the Springfield office of U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) “And when we put these new sources online, these are sources that have zero air pollution.”

Durbin says he’s walking the walk, with solar panels just now installed on his home in Springfield.

The bill goes to the House, which is due back from recess Friday.

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