Ill. House panel approves nuclear power resolution
Illinois House committee approves nuclear power resolution to help Exelon plants
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) -- Illinois lawmakers have advanced a plan urging environmental agencies to adopt nuclear power-friendly rules following financial struggles at major state energy provider, Exelon Corp.
A House committee voted unanimously Wednesday to approve House Speaker Michael Madigan's nonbinding, bipartisan resolution. The request comes as government agencies are scheduled to require new standards for nuclear power plants this year.
The Chicago Democrat says nuclear power plants should be treated the same as other low-carbon energy suppliers. He says possible plant closures would hurt job growth and reliable energy sources.
Exelon has said several of its nuclear power plants could be closed if their financial outlook doesn't improve.
Environmental activists argue that Illinois should invest in renewable energy sources because nuclear power produces emissions.
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The resolution is HR1146.
Online: http://www.ilga.gov
