The governor said he vetoed the legislation because it did not contain enough consumer protections and it would result in higher costs for businesses.

Chicago has lost thousands of jobs in recent years and the Leucadia Project would have brought meaningful employment back to the city. If approved, the bill would have created approximately 1,100 construction jobs as well as more than 600 more permanent local jobs at the plant and in the surrounding community once construction was completed. In addition, the Leucadia Project would have increased the demand for coal throughout the state leading to hundreds more jobs for coal mines in central and southern Illinois. Governor Quinn’s veto erased an opportunity for hard-working Illinoisans who are looking for jobs everyday.

The plant would have used a gasification process utilizing a mix of Illinois coal and petroleum coke to produce substitute natural gas (SNG) to be sold to Illinois gas utilities.

A billion and a half tons of Illinois coal would have been put to use if this legislation had become law. As Illinois strives to be more environmentally-conscious, this facility would have also sequestered the carbon dioxide that would otherwise be emitted into the air.

The Leucadia Project would have served as a major health benefit and it would have enhanced the quality of the air around the facility. The demand for this type of coal production will increase substantially down the road, and years from now today may be viewed as a blown opportunity for Illinois.

"I’m aware that the governor wants to discuss a more comprehensive energy plan and I am willing to have that conversation," Trotter said. "I do, however, want to make sure it includes creating jobs in my community and all across Illinois, while making sure that our state becomes more environmentally-conscious in the process."