Mitchell: Bill good first step toward keeping Clinton plant open

Posted on November 17, 2016
Bill Mitchell
State Rep. Bill Mitchell (R., Forsyth) says negotiations will need to continue on an energy bill that could help keep the Clinton power plant open. (Photo courtesy YouTube)

By Greg Halbleib

SPRINGFIELD – A House Energy Committee has intially approved a plan for a large energy policy overhaul that could help keep the Clinton power plant open.

State Representative Bill Mitchell is a member of the committee, and said this initial agreement is good news.

“The bill takes a lot of work, so it’s not soup yet, so to speak,” said the Forsyth Republican. “It’s going to take a lot more work on the bill. At least it’s a good first step in terms of keeping the Clinton plant open.”

The bill includes subsidies for plant operator Exelon and for coal plants in southern Illinois. It also includes new rate structures, energy-efficiency requirements and investments in renewable energy. Mitchell and other lawmakers agree the bill will require more negotiations.

Greg Halbleib can be reached at [email protected].

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