Lawmakers and economic development leaders for Dewitt County are urging the state to close a deal that can keep the Clinton Nuclear Power Plant open. State Representative Bill Mitchell said the plant is a huge economic engine.
"You've got 700 direct jobs, but 1,900 direct and indirect jobs. The average salary at that plant is $90,000. You just ddon't make that up easily," he said.
Legislation to offer the nuclear industry and renewable fuel sectors tax incentives has been stalled in Springfield for about two years. Exelon owns the Clinton plant and has made repeated threats to close the facility unless it becomes profitable.
Mitchell said passing the bill will be an uphill battle. The Forsythe, Republican said atomic power is a key part of the energy mix in Illinois.
"Nuclear has about 50%. If you take them off the grid, you are going to see a dramatic increase in energy prices," Mitchell said.
Clinton area leaders are lobbying for a break in the legislative logjam that has prevented a bill to help make the Clinton Nuclear plant profitable from passing.
Opponents of the measure said the Clinton plant's parent Exelon is wildly profitable. But, Exelon has said it will shut down the Clinton plant unless it can improve cash flow for that particular facility.
