SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is celebrating $1.5 billion in economic development and 700 jobs coming to central Illinois as the Illinois EPA gives the green light to build a new natural gas-fueled power plant in Pawnee.

“The Lincoln Land Energy Center will create good paying jobs right in our backyard,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When we look at the realm of companies we hope move to central Illinois, those that will positively contribute to our society are at the top of the list – and that’s an attribute of EmberClear’s Lincoln Land Energy Center.”

EmberClear is developing the Lincoln Land Energy Center, a natural-gas fueled power plant about a half mile south of the Village of Pawnee on 160-acres of land. The project location is next to the new Austin substation and minimizes aerial transmission and viewshed concerns. The Illinois EPA has backed the project, saying it will comply with state and federal air control regulations.

Throughout construction, the IEPA projects the build will generate $1.5 billion in economic development and 700 jobs – with 35 permanent jobs coming to the site upon completion. The total project cost is estimated at $1 billion, and the plant will be exclusively built and operated by union labor.

“Lincoln Land Energy Center is an investment not just in our state, but also in our community and our families,” Turner said.  “I stand strong in my commitment to fight for ways to modernize central Illinois’ economy and secure jobs that our communities have long asked for.”