Illinois is among the top states in the nation when it comes to renewable energy. Kevin Borgia, with the Illinois Wind Energy Coalition, says recent growth will have a strong impact in Southern Illinois. "The primary beneficiaries are going to be rural communities that are going to get new jobs, new economic development, new payments to new farmland and land owners, and new property-tax revenue. That's going to be a huge infusion for those communities", said Borgia. Borgia says increased renewable energy could also translate to stable energy costs for homeowners and businesses. That means it could ward off more potential rate hikes. Illinois added more turbines than any other state last year and ranks fourth in the nation when it comes to overall wind energy. full story
