Nuclear Energy Recognized in New Illinois Future Energy Jobs Bill

In the biggest state energy action since 1997, Illinois lawmakers passed SB2814-The Future Energy Jobs Bill (FEJB) on December 1, a bill that recognizes nuclear's clean energy benefits alongside solar and wind. The bill has been largely debated and modified over the past months but will allow Exelon's Clinton and Quad Cities reactors to remain open for at least the next 10 years.

"The preservation of nuclear power in Illinois through the Future Clean Energy Jobs bill, in addition to the jobs it saves, is a model for other states. The hard work and dedication of the leaders in Illinois and New York demonstrate that there are policy options available to states with nuclear power to maintain their reactors as a clean energy producing solution," said ANS President Dr. Andy Klein.

The FEJB bill expands Illinois clean energy production while protecting more than 4,200 jobs and maintaining competitive electricity rates, with caps and protections to limit the impact on consumers and businesses. It also includes zero-emissions standards and provisions such as ratepayer-generated funding that supports renewable energy to build new wind and solar installations.

The ANS Special Committee on Nuclear in the States has been a supporter of the bill in addition to the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council and Environmental Defense Fund. Klein stated that the ANS Special Committee on Nuclear in the States will continue its grassroots initiatives in other states to preserve the U.S. nuclear fleet and position nuclear as an integral part of our energy solutions for the future.

The bill was passed by both Illinois houses at the eleventh hour on the final day of the 2016 veto sessions. It must now be signed by Governor Rauner and is expected to take effect on June 1, 2017.