Illinois’ Clean Energy Goals and the Importance of Carbon Capture and Storage
As Illinois works towards meeting its clean energy goals, it is crucial for policy makers to consider all the facts in order to determine the most appropriate course of action. Unfortunately, a recent opinion column arguing against carbon capture and storage (CCS) was misleading and rejected scientific evidence and facts in favor of fear-mongering to maintain the status quo.
The Safety and Effectiveness of Carbon Capture and Storage
Carbon capture and storage has been extensively studied by universities, federal and state governments, and the private sector. There is a broad consensus that the process is safe. The Prairie Research Institute at the University of Illinois, for example, has found that “multiple projects have shown that carbon storage can be done safely and effectively in Illinois.”
CO2 pipelines, which are used in carbon capture and storage projects, have a strong safety track record. Their incident rate is less than half that of natural gas pipelines. CO2 pipelines are already heavily regulated at the state and federal level by the U.S. Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration and the Illinois Commerce Commission, among others, who have decades of experience in safely operating and overseeing CO2 pipelines.
The Climate and Landowner Protection Act
The Climate and Landowner Protection Act (HB 569, SB 3311) proposed in the Illinois General Assembly provides clear direction for consultation with impacted communities to address local concerns, including specific provisions for environmental justice. It also includes additional funding for first responders and maintains and enhances the technical and environmental safeguards outlined in the U.S. EPA’s Class VI well program.
The Importance of Carbon Capture and Storage Technology
Experts from around the world, including the International Energy Agency, the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the Prairie Research Institute, and the Clean Air Task Force, agree that carbon capture and sequestration technology is essential for eliminating carbon emissions. Blocking vital infrastructure for CCS projects would prevent Illinois from accessing this important climate-fighting tool and make the state less attractive for investment.
The Role of CCS in Meeting Decarbonization Goals
CCS projects can play a vital role in helping various industries meet their decarbonization goals, especially for industries that face challenges in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Without the necessary infrastructure and sensible regulations, other states will benefit economically from these projects at the expense of Illinois, while also delaying important efforts to address climate change.
Conclusion
It is crucial for policy makers to base their decisions on accurate information and scientific evidence when it comes to clean energy goals and carbon capture and storage. By embracing CCS technology and supporting the necessary infrastructure and regulations, Illinois can make significant progress towards achieving its sustainable development goals.
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What are Police Priorities
Two recent articles in the Sun-Times raise questions about the priorities of the Chicago Police Department. The department seems unable to prevent or control violent disruptions by mobs on public streets, but is quick to suppress peaceful demonstrations. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the investigation and pursuit of justice for victims of violence, such as Guillermo Caballero, receive the same level of attention and dedication as cases involving police officers. These questions are not directed at individual police officers, but rather at Mayor Brandon Johnson, CPD Supt. Larry Snelling, and Fraternal Order of Police President Catanzara.
Peter Draper, South Shore
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
- SDG 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the following indicators can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Percentage increase in renewable energy share in the energy mix.
- Number of infrastructure upgrades and retrofits for sustainability.
- Inclusion of climate change measures in national policies and planning.
- Extent of conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems.
4. Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix. | Percentage increase in renewable energy share in the energy mix. |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable. | Number of infrastructure upgrades and retrofits for sustainability. |
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | Inclusion of climate change measures in national policies and planning. |
| SDG 15: Life on Land | 15.1: Ensure the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. | Extent of conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of terrestrial and inland freshwater ecosystems. |
Copyright: Dive into this article, curated with care by SDG Investors Inc. Our advanced AI technology searches through vast amounts of data to spotlight how we are all moving forward with the Sustainable Development Goals. While we own the rights to this content, we invite you to share it to help spread knowledge and spark action on the SDGs.
Fuente: chicago.suntimes.com
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