Lawmakers end veto session with vote to keep nuke plants open

From today's Midwest Energy News:

NUCLEAR: The Illinois General Assembly passes a wide-reaching energy bill that will provide financial support for two of Exelon’s struggling nuclear plants as well as increase investments in renewable energy and efficiency. (Southern Illinoisan)

Here is the vote count:

The Illinois State House voted 63-38 in support, and the Senate 32-18, of the Future Energy Jobs Bill (S.B. 2814), and Public Citizen expects Governor Bruce Rauner will sign it into law.

The bill will provide about $235 million annually in total to Exelon's 6 existing nuclear plants through a ten-year contract beginning June 1, 2017 - paid for by consumers -  for a total cash value to Exelon of $2.35 billion.

Legal challenges before the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) by opponents to the nuclear bailout in IL are in the offing, as have already been filed against the nuclear bailout in NY.