Citizens’ Greener Evanston (CGE) first proposed that the City of Evanston explore the possibility of an offshore wind farm on Lake Michigan in November, 2007. CGE’s Renewable Energy Taskforce has continued to develop the idea to the point that the City of Evanston recently sent out an RFI (Request For Information) for potential wind developers to review and comment on. CGE strongly supports moving
ahead with this project for several reasons. Wind farms are a growing source of clean energy generated in this country. With the chances of averting the worst consequences of global warming diminishing, it is imperative that alternatives to current energy sources responsible for much of our greenhouse gas emissions be fully explored. The City of Evanston, by pursuing this project, will be demonstrating that even a medium scaled city can take major steps to ensure that its homes and businesses have access to clean energy that will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the local level. The Evanston Wind Farm project emerged from the concerns and research of citizen volunteers who have a considerable stake in the community. These concerned citizens have been out-front in making the City and its residents aware of the project and its implications. A September 2010 poll by Citizens Utility Board found that nearly 85% of the respondents were in favor of an offshore wind farm in Lake Michigan (see “Has there been a Survey” for additional information)
It is time to move ahead. As energy becomes more expensive, especially that which is produced by using fossil fuels and nuclear materials, a reliable source of clean energy near our boundaries will be a tremendous asset in building Evanston’s viability as a sustainable community.
