It’s the end of an era in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky.
The town of Paradise inspired folk singer John Prine to write and record his classic song in 1971…
(music)
Now, a federal utility board has voted to close the remaining coal-fired power unit at the Paradise Fossil Plant.
The Tennessee Valley Authority took the action, despite objections from President Trump and U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
The TVA says the move will save its 10 million customers $320 million.
The decision could put 131 people out of work and could affect an additional 135 people who work in nearby coal mines that supply the plant.
The decision continues the TVA's trend of retiring its aging coal-fired power plants in favor of cheaper and cleaner energy sources, including natural gas.
Extra: The TVA board also voted to close a plant near Oak Ridge, Tennessee, by December 2023.