CEAC-2020-11-November

Vistra Corp. to Close Coal Power Plants
in Illinois, Ohio
CHICAGO (AP) — A Texas-based company has announced
the closure of its remaining coal-fired power plants in Illinois
and two in Ohio as part of a plan to transition to renewable
energy and reduce the company’s carbon footprint.
afraid more coal-powered plants could close if Democrats
seek climate proposals favoring clean energy.
Environmental groups praised the development.
Vistra Corp., had already shuttered four Illinois plants in
Canton, Coffeen, Havana and Hennepin, and agreed to close
another near Peoria in a legal settlement with environmental
groups.
But the company based in Irving, Texas, recently announced
that it plans to close its four remaining Illinois coal plants
within a decade, including Baldwin Power Plant in Randolph
County. It’ll also close two Ohio plants.
“Supporting a fair and robust economic and community transition
is a critical next step for Illinois and Ohio,’’ said Mary
Anne Hitt, the Sierra Club’s national campaigns director.
Roughly 15 percent of the electricity generated in Illinois last
year came from Vistra coal plants. But the Chicago Tribune
cites federal records that show the company’s fleet was
responsible for nearly half the carbon dioxide and sulfur
dioxide emitted in 2019 by Illinois’ power plants.
“Vistra’s commitment to our transformation to a low-to-nocarbon
future is unequivocal and offers unique opportunities
for growth and innovation,’’ Curt Morgan, the company’s
president and CEO, said in a statement.
However, Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Bost of Murphysboro,
said the decision would affect 130 Illinois families.
He called the decision “deeply disappointing,’’ saying he’s
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