American businesses and homes still get the most power from coal-fired and natural gas. One of the biggest problems with this method is the significant amount of carbon dioxide produced. According to studies, reducing the use of coal plants could lower CO2 emissions by as much as 2.5 million metric tons – in Illinois alone, for example.
Mayors in major cities are aware of the problem. Rahm Emanuel said that “Chicago is continuing to invest in the industries of tomorrow in order to create the jobs we need today.”