HIGHWOOD – State Senator Susan Garrett (D – Lake Forest) will hold a subject matter hearing of the Senate State Government Committee on a proposal for a new program called Greener Governments for Illinois. The program would encourage and recognize municipal, township, county, and state agencies that adopt greener practices.

Highlights of the program:
• Voluntary participation by any level and any size of government
• Resources for helping to develop plans for reducing greenhouse gases that fit the local government
• Annual reporting by participating governments so that achievements can be shared
• Web site for accessing information and sharing successes and effective ideas
• Development of an awards/recognition system

Greener Governments for Illinois would collaborate with and expand on the Illinois Lieutenant Governor’s Green Governments project by adding reporting and data-sharing capabilities, as well as by expanding to encompass any governmental entity in Illinois. According to Senator Garrett, “Illinois needs to make a commitment at every level of government to ensure that the state does all it can to cut back on greenhouse gases.”

Organizations and individuals expected to attend and/or testify include Illinois Lt. Governor Pat Quinn; State of Illinois Capital Development Board; Illinois Municipal League; Metro Counties; Northwest Municipal Conference; Metro West Council of Governments; City of Waukegan; Village of Northbrook; Environment Illinois; and Sierra Club.

Who: State Senator Susan Garrett, Chair of the Illinois Senate State Government Committee

What: Subject Matter Hearing on Greener Governments for Illinois Program

When: Thursday, November 9, 2006, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Where: James R. Thompson Center, 100 W. Randolph St., 16th floor – Room 503, Chicago, IL 60601