Durbin Statement Regarding Coles Together Decision on FutureGen 2.0

[SPRINGFIELD, IL] – Sen Durbin today made the following statement in response to a decision by the economic development organization for Coles County, Coles Together, to decline participation in the FutureGen 2.0 program:

“I am disappointed by the decision of community leaders in Mattoon and Coles County to forgo participation in the FutureGen 2.0 project, but as I said at the outset, I will abide by their decision.

This week, I will ask the Department of Energy to solicit other Illinois communities to take on the role envisioned for Mattoon. Both my office and the Department of Energy have heard from a number of communities throughout the state expressing their interest.

I wish cost overruns, project delays and rapid advances in science in other parts of the country had not necessitated a change in the FutureGen project. But we must face reality.

I remain convinced that FutureGen 2.0 will create thousands of jobs, generate substantial economic activity, provide important environmental benefits, and infuse more than $1.2 billion in federal funds to the State of Illinois. I am committed to moving this project forward and ensuring our state the leader in clean coal technology.”

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