close coal-fired power plants
Almost half (46% in March 2014) of electricity produced in Illinois comes from coal, much of it exported to nearby states. Illinois is the number two state in the nation for recoverable coal reserves at producing mines, most of it exported overseas. Significant state funds are dedicated to "clean coal" research and development. Coal is clearly an important part of Illinois' economy.
Unfortunately, many of Illinois' coal-fired power plants are inefficient and polluting pre-1960s "dinosaurs". They both endanger the health of residents and emit high levels of CO2 which contributes to climate change.
Environmental and health activists have worked hard for years to close down some of Illinois' dirtiest coal power plants. Although there have been great successes, there is still work to be done.
Unfortunately, many of Illinois' coal-fired power plants are inefficient and polluting pre-1960s "dinosaurs". They both endanger the health of residents and emit high levels of CO2 which contributes to climate change.
Environmental and health activists have worked hard for years to close down some of Illinois' dirtiest coal power plants. Although there have been great successes, there is still work to be done.
Closing the Cloud Factories tells the inspiring story of how a coalition of Chicago residents, environmental activists, and city leaders joined together to close the Fisk and Crawford coal-fired power plants in Chicago.
Two local environmental groups based in Pilsen and Little Village that led these efforts, LVEJO (Little Village Environmental Justice Organization) and PERRO (Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization) continue to work on environmental justice issues.
Two local environmental groups based in Pilsen and Little Village that led these efforts, LVEJO (Little Village Environmental Justice Organization) and PERRO (Pilsen Environmental Rights and Reform Organization) continue to work on environmental justice issues.
Closing old coal-fired power plants is a major goal of the Sierra Club's Beyond Coal campaign. The Illinois Chapter organizes their members to phone state regulators, testify at hearings, etc. See Beyond Coal Illinois for a three minute video describing their work, as well as suggestions of actions residents can take.