EIU Media Relations

Lieutenant Governor to Visit EIU; Seeks Constituents Input Into Energy Issues

Lt. Gov. Patrick Quinn plans to visit the campus of Eastern Illinois University in order to hear his constituents' thoughts on energy conservation and renewable energy.

His visit is scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 23, in Lumpkin Hall, room 2011. Admission is free and open to the public.

Quinn, as chair of Illinois' "Special Task Force on the Condition and Future of the Illinois Energy Infrastructure," has been charged by Gov. Rod Blagojevich with the task of analyzing the state's existing energy infrastructure, examining Illinois nuclear power safety and looking at ways to relieve pressure "on the grid" by promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy.

The task force - which convened on Aug. 22, 2003 - is expected to make comprehensive recommendations for reform in early 2004.

The formation of the task force was a direct result of the Aug. 14, 2003, power outage which affected more than 50 million people on the east coast and resulted in an estimated $7 billion in damages. It was concluded that a massive electric power transmission network had failed.

In an open letter from Quinn (www.blackoutsolutions.org, he notes that "the mission of the 11-member Special Task Force will be made easier if everyday citizens are active participants in the process.

"We need to hear the voices of ratepayers, small business owners, environmentalists and anyone who is concerned about developing long-range solutions to this new energy crisis," he wrote.

Those unable to attend Tuesday's meeting are encouraged to offer their ideas and thoughts via the above-mentioned website, through the mail (Office of Lieutenant Governor, State Capitol, Springfield, Ill. 62706), or by phone - (217) 782-7884.

Quinn's visit to Eastern is being co-sponsored by Pi Sigma Alpha (a political science honors society), the Political Science Association and EIU's College Democrats.