The challenges Exelon's Clinton Nuclear Power Station faces and the uncertaintity of it's future have been well documented in recent months, and one local non-profit is voicing their support for the County's largest employer.
DeWitt County Habitat For Humanity has been the beneficiary of Exelon's contributions to the community in a number of ways. According to Norman Emery, a Board member for Habitat, the company has contributed both their finances, but also, man power.
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Emery points out the loss of Exelon to the community would go beyond the loss of jobs and tax dollars, he says it would be a loss of a great deal of support. He says non-profits rely on the charitable efforts from companies like Exelon.
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Emery has written a letter of support, which can be read below:
Dear DeWitt Daily News,
As an executive board member of Habitat for Humanity of Dewitt County, I want to express our organization’s support for legislation that ensures continued operation of all nuclear facilities in Illinois, especially the Clinton Power Plant.
There has been much discussion and emphasis of the direct economic impact of the closure of our local power plant on Clinton’s property taxes, school budgets and its economy. I want to highlight a closure’s indirect impact on giving to non-profits, specifically Habitat for Humanity of DeWitt County. While we enjoy the generosity of many local businesses, Exelon has been our affiliate’s single greatest benefactor over the last couple of years. In 2014 alone, Exelon donated $1000, its employees gave $3410 (Exelon has a matching program), and an employee fundraiser raised another $1064 Additionally, several employees have served on our board, to include our current president, Casey Brendler; many more have volunteered on our home building projects.
The closure of the Clinton Power Plant would have an indirect economic impact of reduced giving by all local businesses, not just Exelon. Clinton’s town celebrations, cultural events and valuable social services all rely on the generosity of sponsors and givers. Non-profits would be competing for the diminished resources of these economically impacted businesses. Hearts will always be big, but giving would almost certainly decrease.
Citizens can learn more and define their own positions by visiting www.nuclearpowersillinois.com.
I urge citizens of DeWitt County, especially in Clinton, to voice their support for the legislation of Low Carbon Portfolio Standard (LCPS) over the next month, and for elected officials to support the production of nuclear energy.
This supports Illinois, its citizens, our community, and preserves its benevolence.
Norman Emery
Executive Board
Habitat for Humanity of DeWitt County
facebook@habitatdewitt
hfh.dewitt.county@gmail.com
