On Sept. 29, energy company Vistra announced its intention to close four coal plants in Illinois, including the intended shutdown of the Joppa-based plant in the 59th Senate District.
State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) issued the following statement on the closure announcement:
“Vistra’s announcement of the forthcoming closure of the Joppa-based coal plant is incredibly disappointing. This decision to retire the power plant by 2025 will negatively impact more than 115 full-time employees, their families and the Joppa community as a whole.
The high costs placed on the backs of our coal industry under federal regulations have led to this incredibly tough decision, and it’s more important than ever we recognize the importance of coal energy in our country.
I know this announcement has created uncertainty for many hardworking individuals in Southern Illinois. I remain dedicated to working closely with Vistra to seek out opportunities for those impacted by this decision to retire the coal-fired power plant. Moving forward, I will continue my efforts to support Illinois’ coal industry and work to identify future economic opportunities for the Joppa community and surrounding area.”
Vistra announced that under the filing of the revised federal coal ash rule, known as the Coal Combustion Residuals (CCR) rule, the power plants located in Baldwin and Joppa will close no later than the end of 2025.