A local lawmaker last week addressed the future of the three nuclear power plants in Illinois that are currently fighting to keep their doors open.

Exelon has three power plants in Illinois that are not profitable and a local lawmaker says the possibility all three could close, including the Exelon Clinton Nuclear Power Station, is all too real. He points to power plants that have closed in the last few years in Wisconsin and Vermont as evidence this is a real possibility.

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The Senator says all Exelon is asking is to be included into a standard. Sen. Rose explains the argument towards Exelon is they are not considered a renewable energy, however, there is the belief by allowing nuclear energy providers into a standard, they could provide energy more efficiently and cleanly.

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According to Sen. Rose, there are some interesting parties coming together to make this bill happen that normally would not. He also notes there are those that are pushing back.

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Sen. Rose says something needs to happen this year or Exelon will be forced to make some tough decisions. He adds they will do as much as possible to keep the plants from closing and protect the jobs and economies of the local communities.