Rockford Sun

Illinois State Rep. Jeff Kiecher (R-Sycamore) is calling on residents in DeKalb to use free yard signs to protest the proposed closing of the Byron Station Nuclear Power Plant. Kiecher cites the facility's benefit to the local economy including 727 direct jobs and more in supporting industries.

The signs, available by request by calling Keicher’s district office, read “Save the Nuclear Plants.”

“I support protecting the jobs at Byron and standing up for the families and communities who would suffer irreparable harm if the plant is permitted to close,” Keicher said on his web page. “If you would like a yard sign to show your support, we have several dozen available at my office in Sycamore. Thank you to the hardworking men and women of IBEW Local 15 (electrical workers union) for providing the signs and for all the work they do at Byron Station. Together we will continue to advocate for keeping Byron open and saving the jobs local families depend on.”

Exelon plans to close its Byron location by September 2021 | Pixabay

Located in Ogle County, two miles east of the Rock River, the nuclear plant units one and two began operation in 1985 and 1987. Officials of the plant’s parent company Exelon announced they would close the plant in September, 2021.

Keicher said the Byron Plant pays out $38 million yearly in property taxes that fund 11 districts, including K-12 schools in the area. The plant provides about 2 million homes with carbon-free energy or 2,500 megawatts of power, he added.

“Byron Nuclear and the other Exelon plants are huge assets to their communities!” Terry McGoldrick said, President/ Business Manager of IBEW Local 15. “The employees work very hard to provide clean, safe and reliable base load electricity regardless of the weather.”

For more information go to savebyron.com.

To pick up a free yard sign protesting the closing of the Byron Power Plant, call Keicher’s district office at 815-748-3494.