I only caught parts of the speech Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer gave at the Illinois State Fair, but I heard him finish by talking about green jobs. It makes sense since that was the most successful part of the federal stimulus bill.
The wind industry now employs more people than coal mining, and it's the fastest growing energy source in the country. There are still people in central Illinois who believe they can boost the regional economy by reviving coal mining. They might as well try to revive the horse and buggy sector. Illinois' future isn't in 19th century energy sources.
Iowa already produces 20% of its power from wind. Illinois is headed the same direction wtih the renewable energy portfolio standard. Rather than getting nostalgic about the last Illinois coal boom, communities that are serious about creating jobs should look to wind, solar and other green job opportunities.