U.S. Representatives Adam Kinzinger and Rodney Davis/Photos courtesy of the lawmakers' offices.

WASHINGTON–Congressman Adam Kinzinger (R-Channahon) and Congressman Rodney Davis (R-Taylorville) are leading a bipartisan coalition of the Illinois Congressional Delegation in expressing support for maintaining Illinois’ leadership in nuclear energy. The group of 13 House Members sent a joint letter to Governor Bruce Rauner and leaders of the Illinois Senate and House urging them to consider legislative solutions that would allow Illinois’ nuclear plants to continue to operate.

“Nuclear power provides Illinoisans an invaluable, crucial source of energy that keeps heating prices low in subzero winters, supports well-paying jobs in our communities, and helps ensure our national security,” said Rep. Kinzinger. “It is our hope that the Illinois Legislature will join us in fighting for this essential form of American-made energy and protect these benefits enjoyed by millions of families in Illinois and across the United States.”

"Illinois not only relies on nuclear energy to heat our homes but for good-paying jobs as well," said Rep. Davis. "In my district, the Clinton Power Plant provides an affordable, reliable source of energy to a million homes and is responsible for thousands of jobs.  I hope our leaders in Springfield will join us in supporting policies that help prevent plant closures and ensure Illinois remains a leader in nuclear energy production."

The letter is in response to a report recently prepared at the request of the Illinois General Assembly that found Illinois would lose nearly 8,000 jobs and $1.8 billion in annual economic activity if just three nuclear plants closed their doors. The letter urges Illinois leaders to consider these potential long-term consequences of inaction and calls for immediate consideration of any potential legislative solution that would prevent the detrimental consequences outlined in the report.

The letter is signed by the following Representatives from Illinois: Bobby Rush (D-1), Dan Lipinski (D-3), Mike Quigley (D-5), Danny Davis (D-7), Tammy Duckworth (D-8), Bob Dold (R-10), Bill Foster (D-11), Mike Bost (R-12), Rodney Davis (R-13), Randy Hultgren (R-14), Adam Kinzinger (R-16), Cheri Bustos (D-17), and Aaron Schock (R-18).