Interested in learning first-hand about the true cost of coal in Illinois? Join citizen activists and water quality professionals from the Heartland Coalfield Alliance for a day-long tour of central Illinois’ coalfields.

Participants will meet in Springfield in the morning and depart as a group on a driving tour of historic and contemporary coal mining sites. The group will learn about the history of the Illinois’ coal industry and organized labor, visiting the small towns where some of the nation’s deadliest labor battles were fought, as well as the only union coal mine left in Illinois today.

From there, we will explore the impacts that the entire coal life cycle has on the lands, waters, health, and quality of life of central Illinois communities. Participants will see areas subsided from longwall mining, massive coal slurry and coal ash dumps, and get the chance to hear directly from local residents who are concerned about coal’s effects.

This tour is intended for concerned Illinois residents who want to learn what they can do to promote a just transition from a coal economy to a sustainable economy in America’s heartland.

What: Driving tour of coal mining and coal waste disposal sites in Macoupin and Montgomery Counties, with information provided by Citizens Against Longwall Mining, local residents, and Heartland Coalfield Alliance members.

When: Saturday March 26th, 10:30 am – 6:45 pm

Where: Event begins and ends in Springfield, IL.

How: Cost is 25$ for transportation (provided), meals not included. Click here to register.

Be sure to check out the Heartland Coalfield Alliance website.