Kari Lyderson at Midwest Energy News reports Illinois residents want answers about what will come of the E.D. Edwards coal plant near Peoria, Illinois, in light of carbon regulations since Houston-based Dynegy bought the facility.
‘This company comes in from Texas, buys plants like this so they can sell the stuff that’s in it and get out,’ said Hall, a retired Caterpillar worker and member of UAW Local 974. ‘It’s like an old car, you get more money from the parts then selling the car. But what’s going to happen is those poor people, our brothers and sisters who work in there will end up with no jobs.’
There’s not necessarily a big market in used coal plant parts, but Hall’s overarching concern – that the plant will close and leave workers and the community high and dry – is a common one among local residents.