In a last minute bid to gain support ahead of Illinois' veto session, a massive piece of energy legislation designed to help two money-losing nuclear power plants owned by Exelon is being scaled back.
Illinois legislators have introduced a plan meant to save a pair of nuclear power plants. The measure, with a big hike in energy prices, has grown far beyond its original purpose. It's meant in part to save Exelon's nuclear power plants in Clinton and the Quad cities -- and many jobs in those communities.
Exelon wants to state lawmakers approve the Next Generation Energy measure this fall benefitting two of its nuclear plants, including one at Clinton. This week was considered a "point of no return" in some reports, but a company spokesperson says the decision could be reversed as late as November.
On the 21st: We learned about the proposal from an Illinois nuclear power company. Plus, we talked to a visiting European Union expert about the continuing implications of the Brexit vote, and we met a central Illinois photographer to discuss his new book.
Exelon Corp. says it will shut two Illinois nuclear plants, including the site at Clinton, because of legislative inaction on state financial support, but the company is still lobbying for the plan with legislators still dealing with the budget impasse. On Thursday, Gov. Bruce Rauner said he wanted to protect the estimated 1,500 jobs that would be lost, but wants to balance that with protecting rate payers and taxpayers, calling the company's Next Generation Energy bill 'a bailout.'
