By Greg Halbleib and WMBD Staff
PEORIA – The Illinois Pollution Control Board heard from several people during a hearing in Peoria on Wednesday opposing lower pollution standards to benefit coal-fired power plants.
Dynegy has asked the board to relax standards for its coal-fired plants, claiming the plants are struggling financially and that situation would be worsened if forced to comply with strict air pollution measures.
During Wednesday’s public testimony in Peoria, the Reverend Tony Pierce of Illinois People’s Action said jobs and clean air are not mutually exclusive.
“We hope that they don’t buy into this false narrative that’s going around that says you have to choose between good health and good jobs. That’s totally false,” Pierce said.
Brian Ubaszewski of the Illinois Respiratory Health Association said increased pollution will add to breathing difficulties already experienced by some.
“Those are vulnerable people who have trouble breathing every single day. And when you add air pollution to the mix, they can listen to their doctors, they can take their medications, but they can’t really control what’s outside,” Ubaszewski told the panel. “That’s really something that has to come from public policy.”
The state pollution control board is continuing to take testimony early this year.
