Durin Not Giving Up on FutureGen

Press Release

Durin Not Giving Up on FutureGen

By Jackie McPherson

U.S. Senator Dick Durbin made a stop at the SIU Coal Research Center in Carterville Wednesday.

He says he'll continue the fight to build the FutureGen clean coal plant in Mattoon, and he had harsh words for federal officials.

"We thought this was the answer to our prayers" says Durbin, referring to the nearly emissions-free plant.

When it was announced last December that Mattoon would be the site for FutureGen, it seemed like an early Christmas present.

"We are very rich with coal resources. I've heard some estimates that the energy power of our coal in Illinois can equal whatever they have in Saudi Arabia" says Durbin.

It's been estimated the plant would generate a billion dollars for the state's economy, and create 1200 jobs.

Plus, it would have been a boost for SIU.

"There would have been lot of spin-off research to SIU, which means millions of dollars that accrue to the university" says SIU President Glenn Poshard.

Those hopes were quickly dashed.

In January, the U.S. Energy Department withdrew its support for the $1.8 billion project, citing rising costs.

During his stop in Carterville, Senator Durbin challenged that position.

"Some people say when Illinois beat Texas that was the end of FutureGen. That's a pretty cynical approach, but I can't dismiss it."

Now Durbin is fighting back.

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