The current climate of the energy market threatens the future of nuclear energy in Illinois, and to help promote legislation in the Illinois legislature, around 600 people turned out for a rally in Springfield Wednesday.
The stagnant market threatens four plants in Illinois, three in northern Illinois and one in Clinton, which would result in the loss of around 800 jobs and close to 2-billion dollars in economic losses. While those losses are the focus the majority, local non-profits are touting the benefits of the power plant to their operations.
Rennie Cluver is the Executive Director of the Clinton YMCA, he says Exelon has provided them with the money necessary to make improvements to their locker rooms at the 'Y'.
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The DeWitt County Friendship Center has been a group that has benefited from the generosity of Exelon. Sissy Leggett, the Center's Executive Director indicates their brand new kitch within the last five years was almost exclusively funded by Exelon.
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The Clinton Chamber of Commerce's biggest event of the year has benefitted from the contributions of Exelon. Marian Brisard, the Chamber's Executive Director indicates they have helped make repairs to their building and have had many staffers serve on their Board of Directors.
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Not just non-profit groups are rallying for the plant's existence, but also various entities. According to DeWitt County Sheriff Jered Shofner, the loss of the power plant would greatly limit the services they could provide the County because of the tax dollars that go to the County with their presence.
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Danny Ballenger recently stepped down his post on the DeWitt County Board to take a seat with the Clinton City Council. He says it is one of the bigger funding sources for the County and also points to it's impact on the school district. He also says it has it's impact for the city's first responders.
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Clinton and DeWitt County were represented by about 60 people at the Wednesday rally.
