SPRINGFIELD – Legislation co-sponsored by State Sen. Neil Anderson (Rock Island) to promote clean energy and support the regional economic contributions of the Exelon’s Quad Cities Generating Station finally got a public hearing May 19.
During a packed testimony-only hearing of the of the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee at the Capitol, officials from Exelon and legislators voiced their strong support for Senate Bill 1585.
“Exelon’s Quad Cities Generating Station in Cordova plays an important role in the economy of northwestern Illinois. We need to do what we can to keep this facility operating and preserve jobs for the hundreds of people employed there, and the many businesses they support in their communities,” Anderson said. “This measure will help those regions of Illinois whose local economies are closely tied to nuclear plants, as well as provide cost-effective clean energy for consumers.”
Anderson has been working closely with local officials to emphasize the important role the Quad Cities Generating Station plays in local, regional and state economies.
“Early last year, I toured the Quad Cities Generating Station and learned more about the role it plays in the 36th District,” said Anderson. “This facility employs nearly 800 people and is the largest property-tax paying entity in Rock Island County.”
Last month, Anderson hosted representatives from the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce, and local government and education leaders at the Capitol for a meeting with the Governor’s Policy Adviser for Environment and Energy. At the meeting, stakeholders were given the opportunity to discuss the impact that Exelon’s closure would have on the region.