Clinton Power Station is one of three Exelon power stations that company has said could close if market conditions don't improve. (Photo courtesy Exelon Generation – Clinton Station)
By Eric Stock
CLINTON – A group promoting clean energy is pushing Illinois lawmakers to help prevent nuclear plants from closing.
Doug O'Brien with the Illinois Clean Energy Coalition said Exelon isn't just crying wolf when it says it might have to close three of its nuclear plants in Illinois, including Clinton, if market conditions don't improve.
"It's a very real possibility," O'Brien said, noting the closures of plants in Vermont and Wisconsin in the last year "for these same economic reasons."
A recent report done at House Speaker Michael Madigan's request touts the economic benefits the nuclear plants provide. It also suggests renewable energy could help mitigate the loss of nuclear energy, but O'Brien said that's just not feasible.
"If we can immediately develop additional renewable sources of electricity, if we invest in additional 'green jobs' and green economic development (it can happen)," O'Brien said. "Those are big if's."
Exelon has pushed for the state to help make nuclear power more competitive, possibly by penalizing coal-burning power plants and other emitters of greenhouse gases.
O'Brien said closing any of the nuclear plants would lead to big losses of jobs, tax revenue and economic activity.
Eric Stock can be reached at [email protected].
