Leaders of the House Energy and Commerce Committee continue seeking answers from administration officials about the potential impacts of EPA’s power sector rules, sending a pair of letters exploring how the rules could affect energy security and reliability of the electric grid and other critical infrastructure. In a letter to Secretary Napolitano, members expressed specific [...]

For the most part, companies offering energy audits are reputable and legitimate and will help you both save money and reduce your carbon footprint if you follow their advice in regard to upgrades. Your local electric cooperative or heating and air conditioning contractor are a good place to start for advice on energy auditing services [...]

Illinois fishing, hunting and sportsman combination licenses for 2012 are available now from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Direct license and permit vendors, online through the IDNR website www.dnr.illinois.gov or by calling 1-888-6PERMIT (1-888-673-7648). The 2012 licenses are valid through March 31, 2013 unless otherwise noted.

In December, Illinois launched the Welcome Home Heroes program to promote homeownership for Illinois veterans, active military personnel, reservists and Illinois National Guard members. Welcome Home Heroes is open to all qualified Illinois veterans. Active military personnel, reservists and Illinois National Guard members must be first-time buyers. The financing package includes a forgivable $10,000 grant [...]

The Serve Illinois Commission is seeking applicants for a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout Illinois. By entering a zip code, county, and area(s) of interest, applicants can view local volunteer opportunities in their area. Currently, the Serve Illinois Commission has over 100,000 volunteer opportunities statewide, and is always looking for bright, motivated, volunteers to fill [...]

In October, Governor Quinn recognized 28 outstanding volunteer groups from throughout Illinois with Governor’s Home Town Awards (GHTA). The GHTA recognizes volunteers for their work to improve their communities. The 28 projects recognized represent the work of more than 4,300 volunteers who devoted nearly 78,000 hours of their time, which equates to more than $1.7 million [...]

Hoosier Energy, an Indiana generation and transmission cooperative that that serves 18 distribution co-ops in Indiana and Illinois will soon be one of the first to generate power using coal bed methane. No mining or scrubbing is needed and the release of carbon dioxide is cut in half. Methane is produced by bacteria in coal [...]

With the federal phase out set to commence on Jan. 1, 2012, the fourth annual SYLVANIA Socket Survey found that for the first time since the study‘s inception in 2008, a majority of Americans (55 percent) said they are aware of 2007 congressional legislation that will phase-out most standard incandescent light bulbs. “We‘re encouraged by [...]

• A vast majority (87 percent) of respondents still use incandescent bulbs in their homes, but 53 percent plan to switch to a new technology, such as CFLs, LEDs or halogen, after the 100-watt is eliminated this January 2012. • Within the past year, the majority of consumers have evaluated the types of lighting options [...]

Do you have a severe weather response plan that covers not only your family but also your animals? For example, microchipping your pet now can be a lifesaver if your pet is separated from you during a natural disaster. If your animal is sometimes boarded or stabled away from your home, make sure the business [...]