Keep coal out of energy planning

In response to Sen. Don DeWitte’s Guest View titled “Towns must ensure affordable, reliable electricity” on Oct. 7, we respectfully disagree that coal should remain a cornerstone of reliable electricity. It is shortsighted to advocate for coal in today’s energy landscape. The last functioning coal plant in the UK recently shuttered, demonstrating that with the right policies, it is possible to transition away from coal in a much shorter time frame than Prairie State owners, like IMEA, are lobbying for.

Prairie State’s $1 billion worth of emissions equipment has not been successful, as evidenced by their lack of an EPA operating permit and the related lawsuit due to non-compliance with the Clean Air Act. Prairie State is one of the top greenhouse gas emitters in the country, significantly contributing to climate change.

Huge health and environmental costs are not factored into the seemingly competitive rates of coal-fired energy. The public is paying a steep, hidden and ongoing price.

Sen. DeWitte’s call for towns to ensure affordable and reliable electricity is valid, but coal is not the answer. Grid operators PJM and MISO retain full control over grid reliability. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the combination of renewable energy and storage solutions can match the reliability of traditional fossil fuel-based systems while drastically reducing emissions.

A sustainable future lies in collaborative clean energy policies and planning, which IMEA lobbies against. The people of St. Charles, Naperville and Winnetka should not double down on coal six years earlier than legally required. The people should demand that legislators set legally binding greenhouse gas emissions standards, regulate air pollution, fine polluters for lack of adherence. The people must demand policy initiatives because coal owners, and their legislative advocates, are stalling the transition to clean energy.

Jean Korte, Highland; Ted Bourland, Naperville; Susan Russo, Batavia