Chambana Sun

Exelon Corp. has announced plans to shutter two nuclear power stations over the next two years, prompting Congressman Rodney Davis (R-IL) to voice his “extreme disappointment” in the Illinois General Assembly for failing to pass legislation to keep them open.

"I am extremely disappointed to hear of Exelon's announcement and continue to urge state legislative leaders to find a legislative solution that will allow Illinois' nuclear plants, including Clinton Power Station, to continue to provide low-cost, reliable energy to millions of families and prevent more than 4,000 people from losing their jobs,” Davis said.

Earlier in the year, Davis and nine legislators issued a bipartisan communication to Gov. Bruce Rauner, State Senate President John Cullerton, House Speaker Mike Madigan and other state leaders in an impassioned appeal.

"Illinois leads the nation in nuclear energy production where its six state-of-the-art plants provide our state with 48 percent of its electricity,” the letter said. “Unfortunately, markets and public policies still do not adequately recognize the contributions of these facilities.”

The entreaty asked lawmakers to consider a Zero Emission Standard, concluding that the state cannot afford to sacrifice the plants’ economic and infrastructural support. 

“It's time to put politics aside, and find a solution that recognizes the benefits of nuclear energy and the economic opportunities it provides our state," Davis said.

Exelon announced forthcoming shutdown procedures recently for both Clinton Power Station in Clinton and Quad Cities Generating Station in Cordova — to close June 1, 2017 and June 1, 2018, respectively — owing to stalled progress on state energy legislation.