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On Monday, April 21, 2008 Lt. Governor Pat Quinn celebrated Earth Week in Rock Island. He saluted the City of Rock Island for its forward-looking green initiatives and presented Mayor Mark Schwiebert with a 2008 Environmental Hero Award. This is the City’s second Environmental Hero Award; the first award was presented in 2005 for the Rain Gardens for Rock Island Program. Awards are made to recognize the commitment to providing and maintaining a healthful environment for current and future generation in Illinois.

“It is especially important during Earth Week to celebrate the achievements made in greening the State of Illinois,” Quinn said. “I salute Rock Island for realizing the importance of making our state more sustainable.”

A leader in green initiative, Rock Island has implemented a series of innovative energy solutions, including the purchase of a hydroelectric dam to power city facilities, the creation of the Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) that offers business owners free advice on sustainable applications, and the creation of the Advanced Technology & Sustainability Consortium (ATSC) to support technology-oriented businesses offering sustainable concepts, processes or products.

In addition, the City has created a "Green Team," where volunteers from all city departments look at ways to help create a more sustainable environment. “We also see this team as affording an opportunity for saving taxpayer dollars through reduced utility charges, and for exploring new opportunities for economic growth,” said Rock Island Mayor Mark Schwiebert. The team’s mission is to create a healthier, safer city that encourages and implements sustainable growth and maintenance throughout the community.

“I want to encourage other cities across the Land of Lincoln to follow the lead of Rock Island and make a commitment to sustainable practices and to think green,” Quinn said.