Futuregen Update

Mattoon and Tuscola are still in the running for the Futuregen coal plant, but so are two Texas cities. The Lone Star State may be hitting a minor snag as environmentalists there are opposing the plant. The Texas chapter of the Sierra Club say mining the coal will ruin mountains. They also say moving the coal to the plant will pumps more gases like diesel into the environment. The Group says the Futuregen plant proposal in Texas goes against one of its energy policies. They say, although it may be an improvement from current coal plants, its not still not what theyre hoping for. Here in Illinois, the local group hasnt taken a position on the plant. A member says, they are looking into the plans and issues, but wont say if theyll take a similar stance as their Texas counterpart. Leaders heading the fight for Futuregen in Illinois say the plan has gotten the support of many people and groups, including some of the biggest environmentalists in the State. They say whats going on in Texas, can only help the fight here. Anthony Pleasant who is the Vice-President of Coles Together says, "weve had unbelievable support , weve had polls done, just to count the the local support bringing Futuregen here, and thats amazing for a project." Leader say, people here have raised questions about the environmental impact, and they have helped answer any concerns. They say, the plant helps improve the environment, by storing carbon dioxide gases back into the ground. The Department of Energy did a full report on how the plant will impact the environment at all four sites. Its expected any day now. A final decision of where the plant will be built will come sometime this Fall.