Urge Your Legislators to Support Nuclear Energy in Illinois

Experts have sounded the alarm for years that Illinois needs nuclear energy to meet climate goals, like reaching a 100% carbon-free power sector by 2050. But with the Byron and Dresden plants slated for closure later this year, there’s more at stake than climate goals. Not only do nuclear plants provide 87.6% of the state’s carbon-free energy, but the plants directly and indirectly provide 28,000 jobs and generate $3.8 billion in annual contributions to the state’s economy. That means billions of dollars funding local school systems, emergency services and ultimately the livelihood of communities across Illinois is on the line if nuclear plants close in Illinois.

These devastating economic and environmental effects were again reaffirmed by a recent report released from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and now Illinois has a choice to make. Now more than ever, we need YOU to take action and urge them to choose a future powered by nuclear carbon-free energy.

With just a couple clicks, you can send a pre-drafted note to your state legislators, urging them to preserve existing nuclear power plants in Illinois, support local energy jobs and ensure that nuclear carbon-free energy is properly valued as an economic engine and clean energy solution in the state. A future in Illinois without nuclear energy would be economically disastrous – and we have no time to waste.

Submit a pre-drafted letter to your representatives with just one click!

Subject:

Support nuclear energy and stop nuclear plant closures in Illinois

Dear Official,

As one of your constituents, I’m asking you to support our state’s nuclear plants as you consider the future of clean energy in Illinois and ultimately, the future of our country. With premature closures of the Byron and Dresden nuclear plants scheduled later this year, and potentially two additional Illinois plants at risk for premature closure, our state’s climate goals and economic future are on the line. We need you to side with the only solution that powers local Illinois communities with essential economic support and reliable carbon-free energy.

Today, Illinois is working toward a goal of 100% clean energy by 2050, and it can’t afford to sacrifice the only energy source that can affordably and realistically get us there. Nuclear plants currently provide 87.6% of the state’s carbon-free energy, but that generation isn’t promised for long. Premature closures of the Byron and Dresden plants in 2021 would remove 30% of Illinois’ carbon-free generation, dealing a devastating blow toward our state’s clean energy future.

Moreover, nuclear power in Illinois directly and indirectly provides 28,000 jobs and generates $3.8 billion in annual contributions to the state’s economy, powering local communities, fueling economies and providing funding for schools and critical services. A new study from UIUC’s Nuclear, Plasma and Radiological Engineering department only reaffirms just how central nuclear energy is to the economic future of Illinois, and clean energy future of the country at large. You can view the study here: https://ws.engr.illinois.edu/sitemanager/getfile.asp?id=3012

Losing the Byron and Dresden plants alone would cut Illinois’ progress toward greenhouse gas reduction in half, and it would render some zero-carbon targets impossible to achieve, gutting the state of more than $63 million in state tax revenue.

This setback would push Illinois further away from its climate goals and send economic shockwaves throughout the country. I’m urging you – please support solutions that value nuclear energy in Illinois, support the preservation of Byron and Dresden nuclear plants and Illinois’ nuclear industry, and ultimately support strong local communities across our state.

Regards, Your Name

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Thank you for supporting a brighter, cleaner future powered by nuclear carbon-free energy.