Illinois’ Pollution Control Board could decide as soon as next week whether to alter a 2006 law aimed at reducing pollutants emitted by coal-fired power plants – a change that environmentalists say would damage air quality in pockets of the state, even as Illinois stands to make progress in other areas via a plan announced Wednesday that would spend $20 million on replacing dirty diesel engines with cleaner ones.

Illinois is set to receive an additional $88 million in a settlement from Volkswagen after the automaker admitted to cheating on emissions tests. The money is earmarked for targeting damage caused by the falsified emissions tests and cannot be used, even if Illinois wanted to, on other needs, like the outstanding backlog of overdue bills or pension debt.

Follow Amanda Vinicky on Twitter:@AmandaVinicky

Related stories:

Illinois to Sue Trump EPA Over Rollback of Clean Car Rules

Illinois EPA Ditches Plan to Hold Public Meetings on VW Settlement

Illinois Idling on Spending Plan for Volkswagen Settlement Money