ISU professor: Wind energy has been an economic boost in McLean County

Posted on December 8, 2020
Dr. David Loomis, a professor of economics at Illinois State University and co-founder of the Center for Renewable Energy, spoke Tuesday during a conversation with the McLean County Chamber of Commerce. (Neil Doyle/WJBC)

 

 

By Neil Doyle

BLOOMINGTON – McLean County is the top renewable energy producer in the state, according to a new study on the economic impact of wind and solar energy.

The county has more wind energy capacity than any other county in the state, and McLean county has received over $53 million in property taxes, with a majority of that money going to local school districts.

“That’s not to say those other counties are insignificant, but McLean County has been far ahead,” said Dr. David Loomis, a professor of economics at Illinois State University and co-founder of the Center for Renewable Energy. “It was our early start in wind that we’re reaping the long term benefits now.”

Loomis also discussed the Path to 100, a program and legislation in Springfield to restore funding for renewable energy in the state.

According to the study, renewable energy will generate over $8 billion in economic output and create over 53,000 jobs over the next decade.

Loomis spoke Tuesday during a conversation with the McLean County Chamber of Commerce.

Neil Doyle can be reached at [email protected]

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