Local news: shutting down reactors in illinois?

Illinois has the most nuclear reactors of any state in the U.S.  Until recently, that meant at least half of the electricity that we use here was nuclear.  But in the last couple of years, cheap electricity produced by natural gas as well as the rise of wind power in the midwest has made it less cost-effective to run the nuclear power plants.  So, the company that runs them (Exelon) is considering shutting a couple of them down. 

Here is an article that discussed the economic impact this might have on Illinois.

Right now, Illinois is trying to figure out how to meet EPA greenhouse-gas reduction targets, and nuclear energy has the advantage of being (nearly) 'carbon-free'.  If the economic situation shifted, for example through the implementation of a carbon tax, the picture would look different for the future of nuclear energy here.  Exelon is in fact arguing for a carbon tax, as discussed here.  

This is an example of a relevant local issue that would make a great topic for your first paper!