By Joe Ragusa

CLINTON – Supporters of nuclear energy are pushing state lawmakers to pass a bill giving Illinois’ three nuclear power plants credit for not emitting carbon.

The bill is being pushed by Exelon as a way to keep those three power plants open, but critics say the plants are making more money than Exelon is claiming.

Brett Nauman of the Clinton Power Station says nuclear power is a much better option for Illinois’ power needs compared to coal.

“Its really not even an argument, because when you compare the two, one of these forms of energy doesn’t emit carbon into the environment and one of them does,” Bauman said. “Its a simple, clear cut case of do you go for the pollution or the clean air energy?”

Another piece of legislation, supported by southern Illinois lawmakers, would make it cheaper for Illinois power plants to burn Illinois coal by removing regulations that allow electric companies to shift the cost of importing Western states’ coal to electric customers.

Another bill promotes the use of renewable fuel, like wind energy.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].