A bipartisan resolution passed the Illinois House last week that indicates potential political support for market reforms benefitting nuclear plants at risk of closure in the state.Exelon has suggested it might close the Byron, Quad Cities and Clinton plants if low natural gas prices and peak periods of subsidized wind generation continue to force them to operate at a loss. Chicago media reported earlier this year that Exelon broached the subject of possible legislative help that would reward the reactors for their non-carbon-emitting baseload power.The resolution adopted Thursday stops short of that but urges several state and federal bodies to "ensure the continued operation of nuclear power plants in Illinois" and to review greenhouse gas regulations. The plants in question generate nearly 5,300 megawatts from five reactors that employ about 2,300 people.
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