CHICAGO, July 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Today more than 150 community members of the Southeast Side of Chicago gathered in support of the Chicago Clean Energy project, a $3 billion private investment in the city. Frustrated by misinformation and rumor being circulated against the project, the group took a stand to set the record straight and to urge Governor Quinn to sign SB 3766, legislation that advances the project. Chicago Clean Energy will use gasification – a proven technology that creates substitute natural gas without burning or combustion and captures carbon dioxide and harmful emissions.

Opponents of the project are trying to scare consumers into thinking they will pay impossibly high and imaginary prices for natural gas from the Chicago Clean Energy facility. The information is completely false.

The fact is the project is guaranteed by law to save consumers at least $100 million on natural gas bills over 30 years. The Illinois Power Agency oversaw a $10 million state-sponsored study that demonstrated that the project is likely to save consumers over $1.2 billion. The pricing structure established by the existing law includes a number of built-in consumer protections to keep the price of natural gas near market during volatile prices swings. This includes a 2 percent rate cap, a $1.5 billion reserve account that mitigates rate changes and a performance-based system to share savings and extra revenues with consumers. The structure of the rate caps is comparable to those established for wind and solar projects in Illinois.

"It's troubling that opponents of this project don't even try to understand the law, the economics or the math," said Representative Joseph M. Lyons (D – 94). "Presuming natural gas prices will remain the same for the next 30 years is bad thinking and bad policy. The residents of Illinois deserve better. They also deserve a shot at a clean energy future, and an innovative project like this one."

"Enough is enough with the lies and scare tactics from special interest groups that know nothing about our community," said Dan McMahon, business manager, Carpenters Local 272 and lifetime resident of the Southeast side. "We know the Chicago Clean Energy project is good for our community because we are the ones who live and work here. We urge Governor Quinn to listen to our voices and not those spreading false information."

Gasification is a critical part of the necessary transition from traditional coal-fired power to a cleaner energy future. Six separate pieces of legislation comprise the enabling statutory framework for the Chicago Clean Energy project, each of which passed both chambers of the Illinois General Assembly by wide margins, with strong bi-partisan support.

"On behalf of hundreds of my constituents, we urge Governor Quinn to sign SB 3766 advancing the Chicago Clean Energy project," said Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr. (D -33). "This project has broad-based, statewide, bi-partisan support because it's a solid and innovative project that brings a proven technology to our state while protecting consumers and creating needed jobs."

"This project is a win-win-win for our city, our state and consumers," said Ald. John Pope (10th Ward). "Projects and investments like these don't come along every day. We urge Governor Quinn to not let this opportunity pass us by."

The project is slated to generate more than $10 billion in economic output for Illinois, including an estimated $1.25 billion in added state and local tax revenue. It will create more than 2,000 jobs and clean up a currently contaminated area – while ushering in a new chapter in clean energy technology for Illinois.

"No one can say what natural gas prices will be in 5-and-a-half years when the project is operational - without this project our state is wholly unprepared for the next gas price spike," said Ted Stalnos, president of the Calumet Area Industrial Commission. "But we do know the Chicago Clean Energy project will provide a stable price, and more importantly will open new doors for workers and businesses across our state. We urge Governor Quinn to make that happen."

"We know what's good for our community and it's the Chicago Clean Energy project," said Reverend Walter P. Turner, Pastor of New Spiritual Light Church. "We need this project to help revitalize our community and we ask that Governor Quinn move this project forward immediately."

About Chicago Clean Energy Chicago Clean Energy is an initiative of Leucadia National Corporation (NYSE: [ LUK ]) that supports the $3 billion investment in green technology on the Southeast side of Chicago. The gasification facility to be located at 115th Street and Burley Avenue will produce substitute natural gas through the cleanest method of utilizing Illinois coal anywhere in the world. For more information, please visit [ www.chicagocleanenergy.com ].

SOURCE Chicago Clean Energy

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Southeast Side Residents Urge Governor Quinn to Sign Chicago Clean Energy Bill

Southeast Side Residents Urge Governor Quinn to Sign Chicago Clean Energy Bill

Fed up with lies and misinformation, community gathers to get out the truth and move clean energy project forward