"Nuclear and Byron Station in particular must be a part of any secure energy future!” State Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) wrote on Facebook. | Facebook
"Nuclear and Byron Station in particular must be a part of any secure energy future!” State Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) wrote on Facebook. | Facebook
The General Assembly could soon convene for a special session, with a massive energy package that has proven to be a white whale for Illinois lawmakers likely on the agenda.
Exelon’s announcement last year of its plans to shutter two Illinois nuclear power plants had raised concerns about how the communities they serve would survive without them.
One of the communities that could be adversely affected by the plant closures is Byron, which is about a dozen miles away from Rockford.
"Nuclear and Byron Station in particular must be a part of any secure energy future!” State Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) wrote on Facebook. “The Governor need to stop playing games with our energy and lead.”
Kankakee Times reported that a closure would also affect area teachers and first responders, whose salaries are paid with property taxes dependent on the local energy sector.
“I am committed to fighting for a responsible energy plan for the people of our state, and I will continue to do all that I can to protect the jobs of working people and the environment at the same time,” State Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) said in a press release obtained by the publication.
Electricity to some 2 million northern Illinois residences is generated by Byron’s nuclear facility, WTTW reported.
The plant, which played a role in a population boom in Byron, is under heavy consideration from Exelon for retirement.
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