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91_SJ0025
LRB9100620ACsb
1 SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION
2 WHEREAS, It is projected that atmospheric concentrations
3 of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases may rise
4 significantly above 1990 levels during the 21st century and
5 the increase could lead to change in the earth's climate; and
6 WHEREAS, Changes in climate could impact Illinois'
7 natural systems, including water resources, indigenous flora,
8 and native fauna; and
9 WHEREAS, Climate change is a national and international
10 environmental issue with potential economic implications for
11 Illinois; and
12 WHEREAS, Illinois is a major emitter of greenhouse gases
13 and has a serious stake in assuring that only equitable and
14 effective national policies and regulations regarding these
15 trace gases are adopted; and
16 WHEREAS, Greenhouse gas emissions and energy policy are
17 inseparable issues; and
18 WHEREAS, Some preventive measures, such as energy
19 conservation and increased energy efficiency, make sense
20 regardless of any climate change benefits since they are cost
21 effective and yield other environmental and social benefits;
22 and
23 WHEREAS, The long-term nature of the climate issue
24 provides an opportunity to expand the State's economy by
25 creating jobs as Illinois industry develops, produces, and
26 uses technologies that reduce both trace gas emissions and
27 energy costs and prepares to adapt to a potentially altered
28 climate; and
29 WHEREAS, The Illinois State Water Survey has been
30 involved in climate research and monitoring for more than
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1 three decades and has collected climate and water resource
2 data since the turn of the century; therefore, be it
3 RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-FIRST GENERAL
4 ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF
5 REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that the Task Force on
6 Global Climate Change within the Department of Natural
7 Resources continue to monitor national policy, evaluate
8 potential options, study potential adaption needs, and make
9 recommendations for State climate change policies and
10 programs and their implementation; and be it further
11 RESOLVED, That the Task Force be composed of 16 members
12 as follows: one member designated by the Director of Natural
13 Resources, to serve as Chair; 5 state agency representatives,
14 with one designated by each of the Directors of Agriculture,
15 Commerce and Community Affairs, and Natural Resources, the
16 Secretary of Transportation, and the Director of the
17 Environmental Protection Agency; and 10 public members
18 appointed by the Governor and representing business,
19 agriculture, urban areas, academic institutions,
20 environmental organizations, and other private institutions
21 and organizations; and be it further
22 RESOLVED, That we respectfully request the Department of
23 Natural Resources to provide any necessary technical and
24 administrative support that the Task Force may require; and
25 be it further
26 RESOLVED, That the Task Force must report to the General
27 Assembly and the Governor on its further findings and
28 recommendations by December 31, 2000; and be it further
29 RESOLVED, That the Illinois State Water Survey, a
30 division of the Department of Natural Resources, continue to
31 serve as the State's center for scientific research and
32 information relating to global climate change; and be it
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1 further
2 RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be
3 provided to the Director of Natural Resources.