Congressman Weller receives "Hunk of Bunker" Award

Joliet, IL, Nov 2 -  

U.S. Representative Jerry Weller (R-Morris) was recognized Wednesday evening for his legislation which allowed for the creation of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and his continuing involvement in the project. This year marks the tenth anniversary of the enactment of the Illinois Land Conservation Act sponsored by Weller. The U.S. Forest Service and the Midewin Tallgrass Prairie Alliance presented Rep. Weller with a “Hunk of Bunker” Award at the Midewin Volunteer Recognition Banquet. The award is an actual piece of bunker from the former Joliet Arsenal mounted on a plaque.

“Midewin resulted from the teamwork of conservationists, environmentalists, and sportsmen,” Weller said. “While it was my legislation the formally created the first national prairie preserve of its kind, it’s the volunteers that have given thousands of hours of toward restoration in what many now call Will County’s own, ‘Central Park’.”

Midewin is the largest conservation area of its kind. It spans more than 19,000 acres. Since the Land Conservation Act was signed into law, Weller has secured more than $9 million to help with various projects at the Prairie. Weller used the opportunity of his recognition to talk about other environmental initiatives.

“One way to preserve the environment is to set aside land, like we did at Midewin,” Weller said. “But I’m working in Congress to pass other pieces of legislation that will protect the environment, especially measures designed to reduce air pollution emissions that may be the cause of global warming.

“We can reduce CO-2 emissions by replacing fossil fuels like oil with alternative and renewable sources of energy like biofuels, wind, geothermal and solar.

“I’m an advocate of creating a Renewable Portfolio Standard for U.S. energy consumption,” Weller continued, “of 25 percent non-fossil fuels by 2025.

“When we cut down on fossil fuels we reduce the need to import oil and send money overseas. Money invested in ethanol and wind energy creates jobs in Illinois and keeps money in Illinois. We all win with energy independence and reduction of air pollution emissions.”