Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin is defending the use of nuclear power, despite the problems at nuclear plants in Japan.

“We are still challenged with the notion of nuclear waste: what we are going to do in terms of the safe deposit and safe storage of that waste. But I believe that nuclear power is part of our future,” Durbin said.

Durbin said half of Illinois’ electricity comes from nuclear power.

He said the United States considers Japan a strong ally and the U.S. will help provide resources to clean up from the major earthquake and tsunami.