The Metropolitan Mayors Caucus held their Environmental Committee and Energy Sub Committee meeting at Magid Glove in Romeoville and then took a tour of Magid’s rooftop solar array. The array is about 75% installed, but not wired yet. It should be up and running by October and, once finished, will consist of over 10,500 solar panels that will produce enough electricity to offset 100% of Magid’s annual load. The 3.5 Megawatt array will be the largest in the Midwest.
“It was great to have the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus host their Environmental Committee and Energy Sub Committee meeting here in the 11th Congressional District, which is home to several communities that are taking the lead on environmental issues,” said Congressman Bill Foster. “We need to be leaders at the local level to confront these challenges and mobilize our communities to take action.”
The goals of the Environmental Committee are focused in priority areas like clean energy policy, protecting water resources, electronic waste disposal, and climate. The event was well attended with nearly 70 elected officials and influential members of the surrounding communities. Among the attendees were Foster and Will County Executive Larry Walsh.
“I am proud of all the efforts to employ green technology across Will County,” said Walsh. “In Will County, we have been very successful in our green initiatives. It will take all of us, as local leaders, to ensure these green practices are encouraged in our businesses and future developments.”
To assist in making the solar project possible, the Village of Romeoville waived all building permit fees. By using solar panels instead of electricity from ComEd, Magid is saving the equivalent of over 2 million tons per year of CO2 from being emitted by power plants.
“When Magid Glove wanted to install this solar array, they came to us and we worked closely with them to get it done,” explained Mayor John Noak. “In Romeoville, we believe in renewable energy and Magid’s level of commitment to this power source is something we take great pride in.”
Once things go online in October, don’t be surprised to hear about more legislators and companies coming through Romeoville to tour Magid’s setup. It’s an exciting look into the future of energy and it’s happening right here in Romeoville.