GALENA, Ill— On October 13, 2020, the Jo Daviess County Board passed a resolution to support the development of a Jo Daviess County climate change action plan. This plan, designed to protect and enhance the quality of life for the current and future generations in Jo Daviess county, establishes that the county will strategize to reduce the impacts of climate change.
This resolution is among the first of its kind to be passed by county boards in Illinois, accompanied by Cook and Lake counties. This resolution is significant, as it can help push Illinois towards its goal of 25 percent renewable energy generation by 2025. So far, Illinois has only reached 8 percent and is projected to fall short of its goal required by the Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard.
Hendrica Regez, a member of the Jo Daviess County Board was the first to introduce the idea of a resolution to the Board. After consulting with the State’s Attorney to prevent legal objections, the Board moved forward with a vote on the resolution and passed with a majority.
Regez also addresses the complexity of the term “climate change,” which many Americans (and Jo Daviess County residents alike) see as political. The Board was not able to resolve the debate around the politicized term, but the majority agreed that action would need to be taken to preserve the environment they hold dear.
“Climate change is a complex problem, and it needs to be approached from many angles and from local to global levels,” writes Regez. “Nobody has all the answers, but if we do our part, we can make a big difference.”
The County Board hopes this public declaration encourages Jo Daviess residents to feel empowered to act and talk about climate change. Earlier this month, the Telegraph Herald reported on climate change effects on the Mississippi, quite clearly a topic that hits Jo Daviess County residents close to home.
Looking onward, the County Board is looking to Jo-Carroll Energy co-operative and community members to assist in creating the county’s climate action plan. From planting trees, making the county EV friendly, implementing solar energy both communally and residentially, and more sustainable practices, Jo Daviess County has a bright future. Encouraging these practices may even stimulate job growth and economic recovery, as several solar companies and utilities operate in Jo Daviess County and bring high paying jobs to the area.
Did You Know?
Since 2017, Stateline Solar has helped 14 Jo Daviess residents make the switch to solar energy and has installed 104 kW in the county.
Stateline Solar is a proud member of the Galena Area Chamber & the Stockton Chamber.
Many of Stateline Solar’s employees have friends and family that call Jo Daviess County home.
