A local coal power plant will be shutting its doors. Vistra Energy has announced the closure of four Illinois power plants in Coffeen, Canton, Havana, and Hennepin. The Coffeen Power Plant is located south of the city near the Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area in Montgomery County. State Representative Avery Bourne who represents the 95th District, says that this is a major blow to the community.
The plant in Coffeen was lauded as one of the cleanest coal companies in the entire nation. Bourne says that this closure is not just because of Vistra, but also has ties with Governor JB Pritzker’s agenda.
State Senator Andy Manar who represents the 48th District is confused as to why they are shutting down the plant and says it’s completely unnecessary.
Bourne wants to encourage Montgomery County residents that she’s continuing to fight for the community and that she will continue to look for answers from the Pritzker administration.
Over 300 people will lose their jobs at these power plants that are closing including 95 people in Coffeen. The plants are expected to close by the end of this year.
