As reported in September of 2020, Illinois lawmakers are considering permanently closing two nuclear energy facilities in the state, one of which is a short drive from Rockford.
Unless our state officials realize the importance of these two facilities, more than 700 jobs in Byron (specifically) would be eliminated. Not to mention the financial devastation that would directly affect area fire and police departments, schools, and other services. Factoring in the Dresden plant, 3,500 jobs would be cut and the state itself would miss out on upwards of $75 million in taxes, according to
Community leaders Ogle and Winnebago County have been collaborating around the clock to make sure residents concerns are presented to government officials including Illinois governor J.B. Pritzker. And, as time runs out before a final decision by our elected officials, they need your help. Even if you believe this does not directly affect your household, think of your Illinois neighbors who
An updated report issued by the Brattle Group for the Illinois AFL-CIO says the closures would cost the region thousands of jobs and millions of dollars. Pat Devaney is the treasurer for the organization.
Credit Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco
“You re talking about 1500 full-time employees got a good paying job, and also a couple thousand supplemental workers that are brought in, during maintenance, outages and refueling,” Devaney said.
In August, Exelon announced plans to close the two facilities this coming fall. It cited declining energy prices and market rules that affected profitability.
Devaney said other findings include a direct impact to regional sales and tax revenue. And, he said, should the plants close, Illinois residents and businesses can expect to pay $313 million more annually for electricity.