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The report argues that accelerating the retirement of coal plants in Illinois in favor of clean energy technologies will improve public health, reduce carbon emissions, and lower electricity bills without compromising grid reliability.

The report argues that accelerating the retirement of coal plants in Illinois, beyond the mandates of the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA), would significantly improve public health and provide economic gains. Modeling shows that replacing coal with wind, solar, and energy storage is affordable and does not compromise grid reliability, as demonstrated by a case study of the Waukegan plant. The analysis highlights that pollution-burdened communities of color and low-income residents stand to benefit most from this transition.

The document outlines the technical framework for the 'Soot to Solar' analysis, utilizing the Regional Energy Deployment System (ReEDS) and HOMER Pro models to evaluate energy scenarios in Illinois. It specifies cost and performance assumptions for various generation technologies, calculates the social cost of carbon and health benefits of emission reductions, and assesses the feasibility of replacing natural gas peaker plants with storage and solar. Additionally, it includes land availability assessments for former coal sites and a public health impact analysis conducted with the Clean Air Task Force.

The Waukegan Generating Station in Illinois causes significant health harms, including an estimated 18 premature deaths annually, and disproportionately affects people of color. Analysis indicates that the plant's coal units can be retired without impacting electricity reliability, as generation can be replaced across the PJM regional transmission organization. The document proposes a just transition involving site remediation, energy storage, and the use of nearby brownfield sites for solar projects under the Future Energy Jobs Act (FEJA).