Following Dynegy Inc.’s recent revelation that it will close three coal-powered plants in southern Illinois—eliminating almost 4,000 jobs and costing the state’s economy $1 billion—state Senate candidate Paul Schimpf had strong words regarding the decision.
“I hope our leaders in Springfield can take bipartisan action that will cause Dynegy to reconsider its decision,” Schimpf, who is running to represent District 58, said. “This announcement is terrible news for many families in Southwest Illinois.”
Dynegy’s three generating plants—two of which are at the Baldwin Power Station and the other at Newton Power Station—collectively represent a substantial portion of jobs in that region. Additionally, the company announced its intention to close the Wood River Power Station as well.
“With our state on the brink of disaster, all of us — Democrat and Republican — trust our leaders to work together to find common solutions,” Schimpf said on a post on his campaign's Facebook page. “Instead, last night Mike Madigan and his Democratic enablers chose to demonstrate amazing hubris, disregard for the Illinois Constitution, and a profound apathy toward Illinois voters who are demanding change by passing a budget that is $7B out of balance.”
Shutdown operations, anticipated to begin over the next year, will result in a 30 percent cut to southern Illinois’ power generation capabilities. Dynegy’s CEO Robert Flexon issued a statement calling the decision a difficult one and commending the firm’s employees for their service.
“This is precisely the type of conduct that I will fight against if the voters trust me to represent them in Springfield,” Schimpf said.
Alerts Sign-up