HIGHWOOD, Illinois – As part of a worldwide effort to provide a cleaner, healthier environment, Illinois is stepping up to the plate to ensure that Illinois is a green state at every level. State Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest ), along with Lt. Governor Pat Quinn, announced the filing of the Green Governments Illinois Act at a press conference Wednesday. The bill may be viewed at www.garrett98.com.

The purpose of Green Governments Illinois is to encourage all levels of state government, including local municipalities, townships, counties, and state agencies, as well as educational institutions, to make a commitment to adopt green technology through building and conservation measures so that greenhouse gas emissions will be substantially reduced in Illinois.

Under the leadership of Lt. Gov. Pat Quinn, the Green Governments Coordinating Council (GGCC) has already been established and will provide oversight and direction to all participants in the program. The GGCC will be responsible for working with governments to develop, disseminate, and assess their environmental plans and goals. Awards will be given on an annual basis to those entities that demonstrate innovative and sustainable environmental plans.

Green Governments Illinois will also provide a resource for governments on cost-sharing of environmental products, sharing of ideas and new markets, and testing of new programs such as renewable energy and alternative fuel vehicles. All plans, reports, resources, Internet links, guidance materials, and potential funding sources will be available on a web site: greensolutions.il.gov.

"Now Illinois will be providing opportunities and recognition for all levels of government and schools to be stewards of our environment. For the first time, these efforts will be coordinated and shared to allow for full participation from every area of Illinois," Garrett said.