With the coal-fired Newton Power Plant scheduled to close in 2027, Jasper County officials have told the state that their community would welcome construction of a nuclear power plant.
“Jasper County strongly believes it would be an outstanding location for future advanced nuclear development and would welcome serious consideration for siting a facility within our community,” County Board Chairman Jason Warfel told the Illinois Commerce Commission in a May 22 letter.
Gov. JB Pritzker directed state agencies to solicit interest from communities open to hosting new nuclear facilities, as well as developers who may consider building and operating them. Jasper County was among nine communities that expressed interest. The letters are not a definitive declaration that any specific nuclear proposal has been accepted or received zoning approval, but rather the beginning of further conversations, Capitol News Illinois reported.
“Jasper County has proudly served as an energy-producing community for more than 50 years,” Warfel’s letter said. “The Newton Power Plant, a coal-fired generating station owned by Vistra, has long been a major employer, taxpayer, and regional source of reliable electricity. With the plant currently scheduled for retirement in 2027, Jasper County is uniquely positioned to continue its historic role as an energy exporter for Illinois and the Midwest through the development of a next-generation nuclear facility.”
Vistra notified the state earlier this year that 83 employees will be laid off when the plant closes in October 2027, according to the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity.
“The existing Vistra site represents an ideal opportunity for redevelopment,” Warfel’s letter said. “Situated on approximately 8,153 acres, the property already benefits from significant industrial infrastructure, established transmission access, transportation connectivity, and a workforce familiar with utility-scale energy production. Rather than beginning on a greenfield site, a nuclear facility in Jasper County could leverage existing assets while supporting a responsible energy transition.”
Warfel described Jasper County as “a proven energy community with experience supporting major utility infrastructure and associated workforce needs.
“Jasper County believes there would be strong community interest and support for a proposed nuclear facility,” Warfel wrote. “Residents understand the importance of energy production and have lived alongside utility-scale power generation for decades. The community recognizes the potential benefits of high-paying jobs, increased tax revenues, grid reliability, workforce opportunities, and continued energy leadership. Community engagement and transparency would remain essential throughout the process.
“The region benefits from an experienced workforce in energy production, skilled trades, construction, manufacturing, logistics, and industrial maintenance. Nearby community colleges and apprenticeship programs could support additional nuclear-specific workforce training.
“We have exported energy for generations, possess an ideal redevelopment site through the retiring Vistra coal-fired power plant, and maintain a community culture that understands the importance of reliable energy production. We believe a nuclear facility would allow Jasper County to continue its proud legacy as an energy-producing community while creating jobs, strengthening infrastructure, and contributing to Illinois’ long-term energy future.”