Reps. Davis, Kinzinger fight for Illinois' nuclear industry

U.S. Reps. Rodney Davis (R-IL) and Adam Kinzinger (R-IL) are heading a bipartisan coalition of the Illinois Congressional Delegation Wednesday, which demonstrates considerable support for maintaining Illinois’ leadership in nuclear energy.

Together as a group, the 13 House Members sent a letter to Gov. Bruce Rauner and leaders of the Illinois Senate and House, which implored them to take into consideration legislative solutions that would keep Illinois’ nuclear plants open and operational.

"Illinois not only relies on nuclear energy to heat our homes but for good-paying jobs as well," Davis said. "In my district, the Clinton Power Plant provides an affordable, reliable source of energy to a million homes and is responsible for thousands of jobs. I hope our leaders in Springfield will join us in supporting policies that help prevent plant closures and ensure Illinois remains a leader in nuclear energy production."

Written in response to a recent report that revealed that, if even three nuclear plans were shut down, the potential loss in Illinois would include nearly 8,000 jobs and $1.8 billion in yearly economic output.

“Nuclear power provides Illinoisans an invaluable, crucial source of energy that keeps heating prices low in subzero winters, supports well-paying jobs in our communities, and helps ensure our national security,” said Kinzinger. “It is our hope that the Illinois Legislature will join us in fighting for this essential form of American-made energy and protect these benefits enjoyed by millions of families in Illinois and across the United States.”

The following representatives from Illinois support the letter: Bobby Rush (D-1), Dan Lipinski (D-3), Mike Quigley (D-5), Danny Davis (D-7), Tammy Duckworth (D-8), Bob Dold (R-10), Bill Foster (D-11), Mike Bost (R-12), Rodney Davis (R-13), Randy Hultgren (R-14), Adam Kinzinger (R-16), Cheri Bustos (D-17) and Aaron Schock (R-18).