CHICAGO (AP) — An energy company has announced plans to close one Illinois coal-fired generating unit in Romeoville and convert a facility in Joliet to natural gas to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The company says the move will eliminate 250 jobs.
New Jersey-based NRG Energy Inc. announced the plans Thursday. The company says it will close one of two coal-fired units in Romeoville, convert its plant in Joliet to natural gas and upgrade its plants in Pekin and Waukegan.
The company took over the four Illinois facilities in April when it acquired Edison Mission Energy.
The company says the changes represent a $567 million investment that will reduce overall carbon dioxide emissions by at least 16 million tons annually by 2020.
Environmental groups say it's an important step, but doesn't go far enough.