Coal Mines In Illinois Politics

Illinois has been making history ever since the United States was founded, even though it may not have been a state yet. A huge and continuing part of Illinois history is the large amount coal mines that are right underneath where we are standing. The first coal discovery was in 1673 on the outskirts of the Illinois river. Ever since this first discovery, Illinois has been famous for our coal production and mine subsidence. These advances and discoveries have changed Illinois history for better and for worse. The Illinois coal mines affect Illinois politically, economically, and socially. To start off, Illinois coal mines have affected Illinois politically. A recent problem that has occurred is that coal mines are shutting down. In 2016 the

Deer run along with many other coal mines have been shutting down because there is no need for them to run anymore. Kari Lydersen’s (2016) research found the following:

More than 200 coal-fired power plants nationwide have closed or have announced closures since 2010, including two shuttered in Chicago in 2012. And the nation's largest coal companies have declared bankruptcy, as low natural gas prices, environmental regulations, and increasing amounts of renewable energy have turned coal from the bedrock of our country's energy supply into an increasingly uneconomical power source.

Increasing amounts of renewable resources are putting coal mines out of business. In search of “clean energy,” Illinois has shifted to hydropower and wind power. Hydropower is a clean type of energy that uses water from dams and other water sources to produce electricity. Wind power is an energy

The taxes that will be generated can be used towards fixing the roads and helping out public schools. Not only will this add value to the property, but it will add value to the neighboring counties. Research done by the Illinois State Geological Survey says that, “institutions and businesses (schools, hospitals, shops, etc.) in the region generating economic activities that would at least be diminished without the mining activity… Coal mines, for example, deliver coal to power plants that can be close or far away.” Industries such as transportation are also included in the mining industry. Trucks transport coal over short distances, while barges and trains go for a longer distance. Transporting coal puts jobs on the market. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (Office of Coal Development and Marketing)