Illinois is a nationwide leader in wind energy

While Chicago is known as the Windy City, the entire state of Illinois is harnessing the natural power of the wind to produce clean energy and reduce pollution. The first wind farm in Illinois, Mendota Hills near Paw Paw, was activated in 2003. In the decade since this first installation, wind energy capacity in Illinois showed extraordinary growth. Illinois law pushed this wind innovation. By 2025, under the Illinois Renewable Portfolio Standard, 25 percent of Illinois electricity must come from renewable sources. In 2013, wind energy accounted for 4.7 percent of all electric generation in Illinois, enough energy to power the equivalent of 880,000 homes.

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Signs of a turnaround? Latest CoGFA report highlights positive economic indicators

Every month, the Illinois Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability puts out a report on the state’s budget and economy.

In July’s edition, the commission’s numbers continue to show a stronger economy than in 2013. Key economic indicators including new car and truck registrations, single-family housing permits, exports and the Chicago Purchasing Index are all up over last year. At the same time, unemployment is down.

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