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Since they finished up the spring session in overtime June 1,
state lawmakers have been discussing various aspects of a
proposed bill regulating the state’s energy industry. Such a
deal didn’t come together in the final hours last week before
both chambers left Springfield.
Several lawmakers from both sides of the aisle said they should
come back to deal with the issue, especially as Exelon has said
it will have to close some nuclear plants by this fall because
of hundreds of millions in revenue loss.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker last week said a deal is being put in bill
form.
A member of Senate President Don Harmon’s staff confirmed the
Senate will be back a week from Tuesday.
“This is a landmark clean energy plan that both protects
thousands of jobs and moves Illinois responsibly toward the
future,” Illinois Senate President Don Harmon said in a
statement Tuesday..
Harmon said the Senate session will be a single day.
The House Speaker’s office didn’t immediately respond to a
request for comment.
Part of the proposal is expected to focus on bringing about
renewable energy. Pritzker has said the measure will keep all
nuclear facilities open. It’s unclear if that means taxpayer
subsidies or how much. Members of both parties have signaled
support to keep nuclear power plants open.
Another aspect of the proposal could work toward the governor’s
goal of closing down coal-fired power plants by 2035. Members of
both parties have voiced opposition to that prospect, especially
if it impacts nonprofit coal-fired power plants that supply
energy for downstate Illinois.
If lawmakers return, they could also take up other measures that
didn’t pass before adjourning for the summer, such as the
backlog of Firearm Owner’s Identification card applications, a
gambling expansion measure or other legislation.
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