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.
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.
Illinois is “broke”. Coal mining production is on the decline. Why adopt a coal severance tax now?
“This isn’t coal country. Not anymore. The coal still comes out of the ground, but without many workers.” Mechanized mining is leaving its workers behind.
Help support Illinois communities whose economies have historically relied on coal. The downward trend in coal production demands diversification.
Work with us! Healthy community requires advocacy and action on urgent environmental issues in ways that connect with social and economic justice. – Dieter T. Hessel
Today, Illinois communities are facing a critical question: Are we willing to bet our economy and its workers on an industry that won’t last?
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.
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 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?
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.