Early Thursday morning, Exelon announced they would delay a decision on the future of their Clinton nuclear facility for one year.

According to Brett Nauman, Communications Director of Exelon, the plant has delayed their decision because of a potential change in the market that would greatly change their future outlook. He also points to the continued discussions in Springfield about the legislation that would also be beneficial to the company.

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Ruth Stauffer heads the DeWitt County Development Council and she says a closure would not only mean a loss of jobs but there would be impacts to the negative for the school district, the housing market, the tax base, and many others.

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While he recognizes this doesn't mean the County or any other entities are out of the woods, DeWitt County Board Chair David Newberg calls the delayed decision great news. He feels it gives County leaders and many others time to continue to take the steps necessary to ensure the power plant can remain in the community and remain viable.

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Superintendent of Clinton Schools, Curt Nettles, says the postponement of an Exelon decision is a good thing for the school district and feels it allows for opportunities for the company to remain in the community. Nettles points out, there are a lot of reasons having Exelon in the community is beneficial.

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Clinton City Administrator Tim Followell released the following statement Thursday afternoon, quote - "I am pleased to see Exelon defer any decision on the future of Clinton Power Station. The plant and its employees mean so much to this community, whether you're referencing the highly skilled jobs, the nearly $13-million in taxes paid by the plant or the thousands contributed to charitable organizations." End quote.