A major proponent of energy jobs and a state leader on the issue, State Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Peru) represented Illinois at the Legislative Energy Horizon Institute (LEHI), an energy program for new or emerging energy policy leaders July 23-26 in Richland, Washington.
Rezin represents the Energy and Chemical Corridor of America, which employs thousands. Her 38th Senate District has three nuclear plants along with numerous coal/gas plants, refineries, and wind farms. There are also 11 chemical producing facilities in the 38th Senate District. Rezin is also the Republican Spokesperson for the Energy Committee at the Illinois Statehouse.
“We have dozens of energy and chemical producers in our backyard, providing jobs for thousands, giving local economies and the state’s economy a huge boost, and supplying millions of people with power at a low cost,” Rezin said. “I don’t know of any other district in the country that has as many power producers, or energy jobs. That’s something we should be proud of as the 38th Senate District and Illinois are looked to as leaders in the energy industry from people across the country.”
Through a partnership with the National Conference of State Legislatures, the Pacific Northwest Economic Region, the University of Idaho and the U.S. Department of Energy, LEHI offered legislators an opportunity to increase their ability to address energy challenges in their states.
“It was an honor to attend this energy conference with some of the brightest minds in the energy sector today,” Rezin said. “I will certainly take what I learned from this experience to the Capitol in Springfield. Our energy producers can play a vital role in Illinois’ economic recovery and create many good-paying jobs. Illinois policy makers need to understand why this industry is so important and deserves close attention.”