NEI: Illinois Joins New York in Recognizing Value of Nuclear Power Plants

 

Nuclear Energy Institute
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 01, 2016

Contact: media@nei.org, 202.739.8000 or 703.644.8805 (after hours and weekends)

Illinois Joins New York in Recognizing Value of Nuclear Power Plants

Future Energy Jobs Bill Levels Field, Keeps Top Carbon-Free Energy Source

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Legislators in Illinois today passed the Future Energy Jobs Bill, a measure that will ensure the continued operation of the Clinton and Quad Cities nuclear power plants in that state. The two power stations employ 4,200 workers and have a combined generating capacity of more than 2,800 megawatts of electricity. In addition to provisions preserving the nuclear energy facilities to support cleaner air, the measure advances renewable energy development and expands energy efficiency initiatives. The action in Illinois comes after the New York Public Service Commission last August adopted a Clean Energy Standard that recognizes the economic and environmental benefits of commercial nuclear energy in that state. Following is a statement from Maria Korsnick, the Nuclear Energy Institute’s chief operating officer. 
“This is a remarkable moment for the people of Illinois and for thousands of nuclear energy industry employees. Gov. Bruce Rauner and members of the Illinois General Assembly deserve immense credit for recognizing the unique value of the state’s nuclear power plants and their important role in its critical infrastructure.  
“The Future Energy Jobs Bill, now headed to the governor’s desk, preserves more than $1.2 billion in annual economic activity across Illinois, including 4,200 direct jobs at Clinton and Quad Cities and thousands more jobs that the plants support.
“Despite characterizations by opposition that this legislation constitutes a bailout, to the contrary, it is an investment in Illinois’ clean energy future. The bill levels the playing field for nuclear energy with other carbon-free energy sources. The clean energy benefits from this action are significant. Between them, the Clinton and Quad Cities facilities prevent the emission of more than 20 million metric tons of carbon dioxide a year – the equivalent of taking nearly 5 million cars off the road.
“All the better, the Future Energy Jobs Bill protects ratepayers. Lawmakers are expanding clean energy at a cost well below 25 cents per month for typical residential customers. The long-term savings from not having to replace the electricity supply that Clinton and Quad Cities reliably generate is substantial. In New York, where Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the state Public Service Commission earlier this year acted to preserve upstate nuclear energy facilities, a Brattle Group study showed that the savings to customers from the plants’ continued operation was nearly $2 billion annually through 2024.
“Again, our thanks to Gov. Rauner and members of the Illinois General Assembly. Approval of this legislation is a tremendous achievement, and we look forward to the governor swiftly signing the Future Energy Jobs Bill into law.” http://www.nei.org/News-Media/Media-Room/News-Releases/Illinois-Joins-New-York-in-Recognizing-Value-of-Nu