Trump’s Impact on IL Coal Debatable
Trump’s promises to Illinois coal mine workers doesn’t compute because of mechanization and markets, yet many still hope he will bring the industry to its former glory.
Transition for Communities
Help support Illinois communities whose economies have historically relied on coal. The downward trend in coal production demands diversification.
Benld City Council Eyes Support for Coal Severance Tax
Benld, once a thriving coal-mining town, is sinking. Pam Richart said a 5% tax on the value of coal could be used to repair and replace infrastructure.
Peabody Nears Bankruptcy, Just Transition Needed
EJC joins the call for a just response for communities and miners as Peabody nears bankruptcy, unable to meet its bond obligations. It’s time to make that transition from a coal economy by funding employment and new economic opportunities; and revenues for land reclamation and mine clean-up.
Infographic, Coal Severance Tax
An Illinois coal severance tax can benefit communities who experience the “boom and bust” cycles of coal mining by providing funds for workforce training; environmental clean-up; and infrastructure.
Illinois Subsidizes Coal
Illinois subsidizes coal nearly $20 million each year despite the fact that it has a budget deficit of over $9 billion. Isn’t it time that coal companies paid their faire share?
Get Involved / Campaign Resources
Eco-Justice Collaborative is working with the Community Futures Initiative, a state-wide effort whose purpose is to build support for an Illinois coal severance tax that would bring the majority of revenues back to coal-producing communities.
Illinois Coal Production Holding Steady
With its increased production, Illinois now ranks 4th among all coal-producing states in the country. Recoverable reserves at producing mines have been estimated to be 2.5 billion short tons, greater than those of any other state east of the Mississippi River.
The Plan
Eco-Justice Collaborative is working with the Community Futures Initiative (CFI), a statewide effort supporting a coal tax primarily for the benefit of communities in active coal-mining areas.
Support Coal-Producing Communities
Why should communities benefit from a coal severance tax? When companies pull out, or changes in production cause substantial job loss, communities experience spikes in unemployment, and loss of business and trade.
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