Illinois has an abundance of resources that energize our economy, including rich agricultural lands, prairie, lakes, and rivers that provide spaces for recreation and wildlife ecosystems. They sustain us and tell a story central to our history and culture going back generations. While abundant, these resources are not unlimited and we must develop judicious protections to ensure they remain for our children and grandchildren.

Fortunately, Illinois is also home to cutting-edge technology to efficiently use and preserve these resources. From electric vehicle manufacturing and technology, to biofuels and our national laboratories at Argonne and Fermi, our world-class research is paving a path for sustainability for the nation. Clean, renewable energy supports jobs for Illinoisans in a growing industry and contributes to climate crisis adaptation, mitigation, and recovery.

We depend on clean water and a vibrant ecosystem for our health, recreation, and economy. The Great Lakes are the largest fresh water supply in the nation, containing about 20 percent of all the fresh water in the world. The Lakes serve as the source of drinking water for nearly 40 million people throughout the region and support a wide range of recreational and commercial pursuits. Further, the flora and fauna that contribute to a strong ecosystem similarly impact human health. Promoting biodiversity lowers risks of disease spread and ensures healthy populations of wildlife.  I am committed to preserving wilderness areas and native wildlife in Illinois and across the country for future generations to enjoy.