Strengthening American Energy Production While Protecting Our Environment

There’s no doubt that energy production plays a major factor in our economy, but it also plays a critical role in ensuring our environmental well-being. As your member of Congress, I’m committed to supporting innovative approaches to invest in clean and renewable fuel sources, combat climate change and promote a comprehensive plan that keeps energy affordable for the middle class.

Illinois’ 17th district includes some of the best farmland in the nation, and we have a real opportunity to be leaders in the 21st-century American energy economy through the production of biofuels, solar and wind. Additionally, we need to support non-carbon sources of energy, such as nuclear, while investing in research and development to develop new energy solutions and make existing ones cleaner and safer. 

That’s why I put forth the Rural Green Partnership, a framework of policies to bring together stakeholders across rural America to lower greenhouse gas emissions in every economic sector. Climate change may be the most complicated challenge our country has ever faced, but I intend to meet the challenge head-on and give rural America – including the families in Northwest and Central Illinois – a seat at the table as we tackle the climate crisis. 

We owe it to our next generation to do our part to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While there is no single solution to America’s energy challenge, we must take steps to move toward cleaner energy sources while protecting our economy.