United Nations leaders will soon talk about measures that can be taken to limit climate change. But, the Democratic party candidate for Congress in the 13th district is keeping her comments general about what kind of programs she would support. Ann Callis spoke to reporters after a Bloomington campaign stop.
"I think it's just a combination of working with - first of all I think we have a unique opportunity here in our district. We have three major state universities and research universities. So I think there are exciting things that can happen when we can draw out our innovators."
A weekend demonstration in New York City called for lower petroleum use worldwide. Callis prefers to talk about green jobs.
"Well, I think I fall straight down the middle of rationality on what needs to happen. I think that of course we need to have clean air and water for our children, of course we do. But, we also need to grow good green jobs here in our district."
Callis does not say anything specific about the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing. She told reporters she is taking a wait and see approach on regulations being drafted to rule oil and gas extraction by injection of fluids to shatter shale holding petroleum deposits.
"Because we do need to grow jobs here. But, we also need to balance the protection of environment."
Callis's opponent Republican Rodney Davis said earlier this summer that it is a debate on how much of the ongoing climate change is natural and how much is caused by humans.
Davis has supported some proposals that encourage biofuel development, but has also criticized the Obama Administration for proposed emissions rules for power plants, calling them a war on coal and anti business.
The 13th district extends from Bloomington Normal south to the metro east area.