Sierra Club, Environmental Groups, Vistra Propose Settlement Agreement to Retire E.D. Edwards Coal Plant and Fund Community Projects

PEORIA, IL. -- The Sierra Club, along with Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and Respiratory Health Association (RHA), are seeking approval of a proposed settlement with Illinois Power Resources Generating, LLC (IPRG), an affiliate of Vistra Energy, of a Clean Air Act lawsuit brought by environmental organizations in 2013. The settlement, which must still undergo review and approval from the Judge in the case, includes the retirement of the E.D. Edwards coal-fired power plant by the end of 2022 and $8.6 million in funding for workforce development and public health and environmental projects that benefit Peoria-area communities.

In response, Ryan Hidden, Peoria Resident and Organizing Representative for Sierra Club’s Beyond Coal Campaign, released the following statement:

"For families in Peoria and Central Illinois this proposed settlement is an important milestone in improving air quality. If approved, this settlement will include millions of dollars for the local community to spur job growth in the clean energy industry, provide educational and job training opportunities, reduce energy bills, and improve public health. Residents in the Peoria area have been working for years to voice concerns and hopes to push for a cleaner and more just energy future. The agreement we reached in this case proudly reflects the power of that work.

“Illinois communities are healthier without the impacts of coal. The benefits of this settlement for the community is a window into what might be if we look beyond the absence of coal towards an intentional and just transition away from dirty fossil fuels. This kind of framework--that puts community first--should be the norm in Illinois and not the exception. Our state needs a comprehensive policy that supports workers and communities as they navigate the transition away from coal and towards a clean energy economy. "