ELLSWORTH - Renewable energy sources produce more than electricity - they also produce jobs and boost the local economy, U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin told a group Saturday at the Twin Groves Wind Farm.

With spinning wind turbines as a backdrop for the Earth Day visit, the Illinois Democrat told a small group of wind energy supporters that they can expect action in Washington, D.C., in the coming weeks on several energy proposals.

"The entire nation needs to follow this lead - we need to create energy in a clean, sustainable way," said Durbin, the Senate majority whip.

The Twin Groves farm will have 240 wind turbines when the project is completed by the end of the year. About half the towers are generating electricity now, according to Steve Lange, operations manager for Horizon Wind Energy, owners of the farm.

Wind power represents "a great awakening for America and for economic development," Durbin said.

The wind complex near Ellsworth in eastern McLean County could produce enough electricity to power 120,000 homes when it's fully operational.

Local political leaders joining Durbin on Saturday included Bloomington Mayor Steve Stockton; Normal Mayor Chris Koos; state Rep. Dan Brady, R-Bloomington; and Debbie Clark, assistant to state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington.

Changing philosophy

The nation's energy philosophy has changed since the first Earth Day 36 years ago, Durbin told the group assembled at the wind farm offices before a trip to view one of the towers close-up.

"For the longest time, we were in denial, and we've gone from denial to a new phase of acknowledging the challenge facing us," Durbin said.

Durbin said he expects a vote next month on legislation that could dramatically increase the renewable fuel standard, the amount of renewable fuel that must be generated annually. The production of biofuels already exceeds the fuel standard the Senate set two years ago, Durbin noted.

New, comprehensive global-warming legislation that could reduce greenhouse gas emissions could be addressed later in the legislative session.

"For the first time, I think we've reached a point where the vast majority of our nation agrees that it is time to take global warming seriously. That includes scientists, the Supreme Court, Fortune 100 leaders and military leaders," Durbin said.

Allen Grosboll, senior policy advocate with the Environmental Law and Policy Center, attended the visit. He said the state has great potential for production of wind energy, adding that two other wind farms are located in counties north of Bloomington.

"This gets us the energy we need in a fashion that doesn't pollute and is a tremendous economic development project," Grosboll said.