Illinois is by far the most nuclear state in the United States. We have been plagued by a series of firsts and most... According to website Nuclear Illinois, “in December 1942, under the stands of Stagg Field at the University of Chicago, Enrico Fermi and Leo Szilard initiated the first atomic chain reaction in history. Thus began the atomic age.” Meaning the use of nuclear energy began in Chicago and soon expanded across the globe. Currently, in Illinois, there is a debate about the safest and best way to meet our energy demands. According to website Nuclear Energy in Illinois, “in 2010 alone, the Illinois’ facilities improved air quality by avoiding the emission of: 269,840 tons of SO2, 82,743 tons of NOx, 82.44 million metric tons of CO2.” This is important because there are many organizations that are funded by the nuclear industry that are trying to keep nuclear energy as our source of energy in Illinois. Currently, there are eleven nuclear power plants in Illinois.