As the United States faces mounting energy challenges, the State of Illinois is committed to doing its part to support alternative energy sources, new technology and increased efficiency, according to Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, who served as the keynote speaker at Eaton Corporation’s energy conference, Energy Evolution 2010, today in Chicago.

“We must work together to address effectively the energy challenges we face as a state and as a nation,” said Governor Quinn, who has made clean energy and green jobs top priorities of his administration. “This symposium will help us continue to foster innovation and generate solutions to confront our energy challenges and create a more sustainable future.”

The event, the third in a series of nationwide events, was hosted by diversified industrial manufacturer Eaton Corporation (NYSE:ETN) as part of its continuing effort to provide leaders from the public sector and industry with the tools they need to navigate rapidly evolving needs for improved energy management.

Eaton has nearly 675 employees in Illinois and operates a manufacturing facility in Lincoln and a combined service center in Glendale Heights. Eaton also designed the integrated power system for the largest urban solar energy plant in the United States, located on Chicago’s south side. Built by Exelon and SunPower on a once junk-filled industrial site, the solar plant now serves as a source of clean, renewable energy for approximately 1,500 Chicagoland homes. In addition, Eaton is working on hybrid projects with Com Ed, the Chicago Bureau of Transportation and other organizations to deliver substantial fuel economy and emissions savings to the city.

Kevin Bell, president and CEO of Lincoln Park Zoological Society, which operates one of Chicago’s greenest institutions, the Lincoln Park Zoo, delivered closing remarks at the half-day event. Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of Environment, Suzanne Malec-McKenna; and President of the Chicago Transit Authority, Richard Rodriguez, were among local participating experts who provided in-depth and lively commentary on topics including hybrid technology, green buildings and renewable energy.

In addition to calling for private-public collaboration to address current energy challenges, Governor Quinn highlighted several of the state’s green energy strategies, from grants to train workers in smart grid technologies to the state’s ENERGY STAR Appliance Rebate program that has helped families purchase energy-efficient appliances.

Craig Arnold, Eaton vice chairman and chief operating officer, Industrial Sector, welcomed the audience, noting, “Sustainability today is uniting environmental interests with corporate interests. Given growing budget pressures and an emphasis on the great need for increased energy efficiency, it makes powerful economic sense to go green,” he said. “We all have a part to play in protecting our nation’s resources for future generations, and it is encouraging to have started this important dialogue between the public sector, academia and business to lead the way toward a sustainable economy.”

More information on the event can be found at www.energyevolution2010.com.

Eaton Corporation is a diversified power management company with 2009 sales of $11.9 billion. Eaton is a global technology leader in electrical components and systems for power quality, distribution and control; hydraulics components, systems and services for industrial and mobile equipment; aerospace fuel, hydraulics and pneumatic systems for commercial and military use; and truck and automotive drivetrain and powertrain systems for performance, fuel economy and safety. Eaton has approximately 70,000 employees and sells products to customers in more than 150 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com.

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