Dealing With The Aftermath of Coal Plants
Coal ash ponds at the Vermilion Power Plant, located in the floodplain of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River. Darrell Hoemann/The Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting
Between 2010 and the 2019, U.S power companies announced the retirement of more than 546 coal-fired plants, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. In Illinois, about a dozen power plants have closed in that time. Environmentalists have worried that a lack of strict regulations could put communities at risk when it comes to dismantling these coal plants.
The 21st spoke to a resident of Madison County, a reporter and an activist to learn more.
Guests:
Toni Oplt, Madison County Resident
Eric Schmid, Metro East Reporter, St. Louis Public Radio
Edith Tovar, Organizer with LVEJO (little village environmental justice group)
Prepared for web by Zainab Qureshi
Help shape our coverage on The 21st by joining our texting group and answering weekly questions. To join, text “TALK” to 217-803-0730 or sign up with your phone number below: