Illinois hasn't had much luck when it comes to governors.

 

When Lt. Governor Patrick Quinn took office after former Gov. Rod Blagojovich had to leave, many Illinois residents were skeptical.  That could be because Quinn denied Blago was corrupt and continued to openly support him -- oops!  But, since this appointment to office in late January, Gov. Quinn has proved that while his budget plans are unpopular, his environmental initiatives are not.

 

Februrary was the first month for Quinn to shine as a governor and separate himself from Blago's past.  He did so through appointing positions, working on the budget and developing some favorable environmental plans.  On February 15, 2009, Gov. Quinn signed a bill that would ensure the state of Illinois protects the more than $15 million in funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.  On February 18, 2009, Gov. Quinn signed the Sustainable University Compact, which proposed about 12 ways campuses could green their community, according to Illinois Government News Network.

 

"It is important that we implement a green way of thinking and acting to reduce our carbon footprint," said Gov. Quinn, according to IGNN's website.

 

In April a poll was taken involving 500 Illinois residents regarding their approval rate of Gov. Quinn's job so far.  The poll, conducted by Rasmussen Reports, found that Quinn had an approval rating of 61 percent from the April 14 vote, according to the Illinois Times.  Gov. Quinn's approval rating has been the highest since Jim Edgar was in office in 1999, according to the Illinois Times. 

 

Gov. Quinn's support for environmental issues didn't stop in February, he has continued to back environmental issues throughout the last few months.  He has put together a $2 million investment package for Wanxiang America to produce solar panels in Rockford, Ill., which would create 60 new jobs.  He has agreed with the dredging of Peoria Lake and the Illinois River to create an island in the Illinois River that would be beneficial for wildlife and would help transport goods.  He also created environmental awards, and signed an executive order to green the executive mansion and the state government.  Quinn also recognized I-Go, a car sharing program in Chicago, at the Governor's Green Expo, for helping green Illinois.  ComEd was also recognized, and through a Commonwealth donation, I-Go was able to purchase two hybrid cars, according to IGNN.

 

In the past couple months Gov. Quinn's approval ratings have surely fluctuated, due to a slew of ideas for the Illinois budget plan that many residents were against, such as a 50 percent increase in the income tax.  But, his stance on improving the environment and finding green alternatives has remained the same.  In the future, Illinois residents can be sure that Quinn will continue to be a green governor.

 

Photo Credit:  Center for Neighborhood Technology's photostream/flickr