Working for Illinois Caucus

State Rep. John Connor, D-Lockport, announced he is engaging owners of power plants named in a report on coal ash pollution around Illinois, including Will County.

“I originally learned about the potential dangers of the coal ash ponds present in my district after meeting with Prairie Rivers Network advocacy group last year,” Connor said in a statement. “I appreciated the meeting because they informed me of the issue of coal ash disposal in the power generating industry, and how renewable energy could help address them.”

Connor said he advocated for renewable energy and improved environmental guidelines.

“After recently meeting with NRG, who has been proactive on this topic, and the village of Romeoville to discuss the coal ash ponds and water contamination, it is clear that significant change in the handling of coal ash is coming,” Connor said. “I’m hopeful that the new administration will implement policies to protect out environment, while looking long term by choosing to invest in renewable energy sources.”