Vella Helps Pass Legislation to Keep Byron Generating Plant Open, Saving Jobs and Ensuring Clean Energy

ROCKFORD, Ill. – As part of his efforts to fight for the livelihood of his constituents, state Rep. Dave Vella, D-Rockford, helped pass an energy bill that ensures the Byron Nuclear Power Plant does not close, protecting the jobs of many local residents and ensuring the flow of clean, reliable energy.

“Over the past few months, my top priority has been to ensure that local jobs were being prioritized in this energy bill,” said Vella. “With so many in our community reliant on the high-quality jobs that the Byron plant provides, it is unacceptable to allow the plant to close due to a lack of resources. This legislation protects many local families from losing their jobs and ensures our community will continue to reap the many economic benefits the plant provides for years to come.”

With the Byron plant slated to be permanently closed on Sept. 13, Vella co-sponsored and voted in favor of the bipartisan-supported Senate Bill 2408, which provides necessary funding to Byron to ensure that the plant continues to operate, saving thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of economic activity. The bill also contains provisions strengthening oversight of utility companies to protect ratepayers and ensure state funding for the plant is being used as effectively as possible.

“After a year in which many in our community struggled financially, the closing of the Byron plant would have been devastating,” said Vella. “I am proud to have been a part of passing this legislation and giving local families the peace of mind that they will continue to have their jobs after this week. I strongly urge the Senate to pass this legislation and the Governor to work as quickly as possible to get this bill signed into law.”

Senate Bill 2408 passed the House and is now waiting to be voted on in the Senate.