Vistra’s coal plant closures demonstrate need for clean energy legislation in Illinois

EDF statement from Christie Hicks, Senior Attorney and Manager, Clean Energy Regulatory Implementation

(CHICAGO, IL) Texas-based Vistra Energy announced today the retirement of four coal-fired power plants in Illinois.  In an effort to protect company profits, Vistra opted to close its more expensive plants outfitted with pollution control equipment, while keeping its dirtier, but cheaper-to-run plants online.

“We are disappointed that Vistra has chosen to leave open some of the dirtiest plants in its Illinois fleet. It is not surprising for an out-of-state company that has long chosen to put its bottom line first, rather than considering the needs of the communities they directly impact. That’s why it is more important than ever that Illinois pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) which will help the state move toward more clean energy while investing in coal plant communities to help them navigate this change.”

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Billy Weinberg