State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Collinsville, talks about his book, "Hope from the Heartland," which supports the Midwest adopting clean energy technologies and reducing its dependence on foreign oil

by Codell Rodriguez, The Southern, January 22, 2010

CARBONDALE, IL -- State Rep. Jay Hoffman, D-Collinsville, visited Southern Illinois University Carbondale on Thursday to discuss his book and environmental responsibility

Hoffman's book, "Hope from the Heartland," supports the Midwest adopting clean energy technologies and lessening dependence on foreign oil. Hoffman was joined by SIU President Glenn Poshard, Director of the Coal Transition Program and Clean Air Task Force John Thompson and Director of the SIUC Coal Research Center John Mead. Poshard said Southern Illinois is one of the best locations in the country for alternative energy research and jobs. He said the book is very informative.

"You're going to find the book very enlightening and very pragmatic," Poshard said.

Hoffman said the region needs to work toward getting clean-coal technology. Not only would environmentally sound and alternative energy sources bring jobs, but it would also make for a healthier planet, he said.

"All the scientists can't be wrong and all the experts can't be wrong," Hoffman said. "Global warming is upon us."

Thompson said to fight global warming, there needs to be a change in energy technology.

"Unless we come up with new technologies and employ them, it's really game over for climate change," Thompson said.

Thompson said he soon will make a trip to China to see clean-coal technology, noting it is unfortunate he can't yet make a drive to Mattoon, where the stalled FutureGen zero-emission coal facility is on track again to be built. Hoffman said it is extremely important for clean-coal technology to come to the region.

"We can't let other countries beat us to the punch in clean-coal technology," Hoffman said.

In addition to helping the planet, Hoffman said it would also help the economy, with the FutureGen project offering about 1,300 construction jobs and 250 permanent jobs. He said the region needs to step up and be a leader in projects such as clean-coal technology for economic and environmental health.

"It's time that we in the heartland begin to lead," Hoffman said.

codell.rodriguez@thesouthern.com

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