Public comment on air pollution limits for metro-east coal plant ends Monday

The public has until the end of the day on Monday to weigh in on how much pollution a metro-east coal plant should be allowed to put into the air.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is asking the public to send written comments on a new permit for the Prairie State coal plant.

The plant is located near Marissa in St. Clair County, about an hour southeast of downtown St. Louis. According to data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the plant emits pollutants such as the cancer-causing chemicals chromium and vanadium, which can cause issues with the blood and lungs. The plant also topped the list for greenhouse gas emissions in Illinois in 2023.

The national environmental group the Sierra Club alleges the plant is running without an air permit required by the federal government. The company that owns Prairie State has said it’s legally allowed to operate under Illinois law.

You can find details on how to send comments in the notice from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.