DEERFIELD, IL – State Senate Candidate Julie Morrison (D-Deerfield) has declared Illinois a “Fracking-Free Zone” in her new environmental proposals.  Morrison’s green initiatives are aimed at preserving the state’s environment and creating jobs in Illinois. 

“Protecting our Lake Michigan, our state’s green space, and investing in alternative energy not only helps the environment, but it is also good for business,” Morrison said.

“Our state has failed to take the proper steps to attract environmentally friendly companies or companies that will produce the next generation in green technology.  Investing in these companies through tax credits and business incentives will help us put Illinois back to work.”  

Julie Morrison is seeking to replace retiring state Senator Susan Garrett.  The 29^th District will cover parts of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Deerfield, Highland Park, Lake Forest, and Lake Bluff.  Morrison has served as West Deerfield Township Supervisor for the past 15 years.  

Morrison’s green initiatives include:

• A statewide ban on fracking.  Fracking is a potentially dangerous practice that has the potential to impact our environment and water quality. To extract resources, engineers drill more than one mile into the Earth’s crust and inject liquids to generate increased pressure in the hopes that they will be able to trap oil and natural gas. 
• Preserve and invest in Illinois’ green space.  Illinois’ forests, prairie, and wetlands continue to be depleted by business and infrastructure growth.  We need to make sure that these vital parts of our state are protected.
• Provide tax credits for companies and individuals who use alternative energy sources to power their homes or businesses.
• Tax incentives for companies that create carbon neutral jobs in Illinois.

 “Our state shares stewardship of one of the most important resources on the planet, Lake Michigan, and we need to do everything we can to take care of it,” Morrison said.  “For years, Springfield has been talking about positively changing its environmental policies but it is always derided by attempts at political gain.  Efforts to stop fracking were derailed because it was politically beneficial for certain politicians.  If elected, my district can count on me to reach across the aisle and work to implement these vital changes.”