Coal Mining

No New Coal Mines

Illinois doesn’t need any new coal mines. Coal mining and coal ash pollution is a threat to our farmland, our water, and our communities. As coal reserves dwindle in Appalachia and overseas demand for coal is surging, Illinois coal basin communities are faced with a surge of new coal mining. Unfortunately, today’s coal mines use bigger machines to dig more coal while employing fewer people than ever – and the consequences for Illinois’ land and water are mounting.

Problem: Big Coal Economy is a Threat to Our Land, Water, and Communities

The big coal industry in Illinois is not only a threat to the health of our land and water, the Illinois coal basin economy is in trouble as well. The economic future of coal in Illinois is dim. That’s a good thing for the environment. Coal mines in Illinois still rely on outdated pollution control technologies, if any, that do not remove the harmful pollution in mine wastewater and site runoff before it is discharged into rivers, streams, and lakes. Most mines in Illinois process coal onsite, which generates millions of gallons of coal slurry, a mixture of water, coal, waste rock, and chemicals, including harmful salts and metals. When runoff from slurry pits and “reclaimed” mine sites is discharged, it often contains elevated levels of sediments, salts, and metals, threatening clean drinking water as well as the health of hunters and anglers that rely on healthy wildlife. Today, Illinois communities face a critical question: Are we willing to bet our economy and its workers on an industry that can’t last the long-haul, or are we ready to look to new opportunities and support communities in transition away from fossil fuels?

Solution: Just Transition to Clean Energy

Because we know it takes a network to save a river and even more to protect clean air, land, and communities, Prairie Rivers Network fights to strengthen or oppose permits that threaten clean water in Illinois. We also provide technical and organizing assistance to local communities to help them protect their clean water supply from coal pollution. Links

Key actions that we are working on include:

Deter investment in new fossil fuel infrastructure
Advocate for sufficient funding to allow Illinois to meet Renewable Portfolio Standard goals (e.g., 100% renewable energy by 2050)
Organize support for policies that decarbonize Illinois’ electricity sector by 2030
Ensure just transition policies and programs are adequate and responsive to frontline fossil fuel community needs through engaging those communities
Aid traditionally underserved communities through expanded access to energy efficiency programs, low-income solar incentives, workforce and business development efforts, and reformed electric rate structure
Support beneficial electrification and the electrification of state and municipal fleets
Incentivize smart technologies and energy storage