HJ0056 97TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HJ0056 LRB097 15935 KXB 61098 r

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The United States sends hundreds of billions of dollars a year overseas for oil; a dangerous amount of this money is funneled through front groups and fake charities to terrorist groups and insurgents in Iraq and Afghanistan who attack United States troops; and

WHEREAS, U.S. military veterans, including veterans involved with Operation Free, advocate for reducing both America's oil dependence and carbon emissions in order to strengthen American security; and

WHEREAS, Countless men and women who bravely wear the uniform of our nation's armed services face threats and challenges caused by America's dependence on oil; and

WHEREAS, Investing in clean energy can both create new jobs in Illinois and make the United States more economically competitive in the global economy; and

WHEREAS, The U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. State Department, and the Central Intelligence Agency all recognize climate disruption as a threat to our national security because it destabilizes weak countries, turning them into breeding grounds for terrorism; and

WHEREAS, U.S. demand for oil drives up the price everywhere, allowing countries we refuse to buy from to profit, such as Iran, who uses its petroleum profits to fund its nuclear program; and

WHEREAS, The national and international challenges of America's oil dependence and fighting climate disruption are influenced by the energy and climate policies of individual states; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-SEVENTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE SENATE CONCURRING HEREIN, that we state our intent to duly consider the ramifications for America's security when taking up issues concerning carbon emissions and oil dependence; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we state our intent to consider partnerships with other states in the region on clean energy and oil-use-reduction programs where such joint ventures can efficiently and effectively address the challenges of climate change and oil dependence; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we resolve to encourage the growth of the clean-energy sector in order to create jobs for Illinoisans, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen America's security; and be it further

RESOLVED, That we express our deepest appreciation to America's service members, veterans, and military families for their selfless service to our country and recognizes the veterans of Operation Free for their continued work in service of our national security.