It’s Time to Act Against Illinois' Coal Ash Problem

Illinois is one of the states most impacted by coal ash waste and pollution; we face a growing crisis that is threatening our groundwater, rivers and lakes, health, and property values. Inadequate federal and state coal ash standards have left Illinois largely unprotected. Even though coal ash is tainted with mercury, lead, arsenic and other heavy metals that are linked to cancer, nervous system damage, cardiovascular problems, and developmental disorders, it continues to be dumped in dozens of leaking ponds and landfills across the state. We have repeated reports of ongoing groundwater contamination at the majority of coal ash dumps in Illinois, including visible leaching of toxic coal ash directly into Illinois’ only National Scenic River, the Vermilion. Illinois residents and taxpayers deserve clean, safe water and air and we refuse to allow out-of-state corporations to leave us with pollution and clean-up costs.

The Illinois legislature should immediately pass comprehensive legislation that 1) PROTECTS ILLINOIS COMMUNITIES by stopping ongoing groundwater contamination and requires dry handling and disposal of coal ash; 2) GIVES CITIZENS A VOICE: access to coal ash information in their communities and meaningful participation in decisions about how coal ash will be handled locally; and 3) A GUARANTEE that holds polluters accountable for the cost and clean-up of their coal ash mess so that taxpayers aren’t left with the bill.