Energy Democracy Rural electric cooperatives (co-ops) serve the critical electricity needs of rural Illinoisans. Prairie Rivers Network is working to ensure that they are poised to take advantage of clean energy and be part of tackling the climate crisis. This work requires an understanding of their history and the unique challenges limiting opportunities for the […]
Climate & Energy
Energy Community Reinvestment
Illinois’ efforts to transition to a clean energy economy should also include support for communities and workers that are most impacted by the closure or reduced operation of fossil fuel power plants, nuclear power plants, or coal mines. To date, the transition away from coal in Illinois has been unplanned and disordered including, no advance […]
Climate Change
We All Can Be Part of the Solution Inspiring change to the status quo is hard, but together we can address climate change to make a difference. Problem: Fossil Fuels, Coal, Gas-Pollution and Climate Change Earth’s climate is changing at a rate and in a way that is not explainable by natural factors. Human influences, […]
Dynegy Vermilion
Quick Facts: Listen to an Interview or Download a Flyer Contents Overview What is Coal Ash? What are the Ash Pits? Middle Fork River; What is at Risk? What is Dynegy’s Plan for the Pits? Groundwater Violation Timeline History of the Site Vermilion County Passes Resolution US EPA Coal Ash Rules and Vermilion Overview […]
Coal Ash
Making Polluters Pay Behind Illinois’ coal-fired power plants lies a dirty secret: coal ash, the solid byproduct that is left over after coal is burned for electricity. Coal ash is full of heavy metals like mercury, arsenic, selenium, chromium, and cadmium, which can cause cancer and brain damage in humans and are harmful to fish […]
