|
Illinois is one of the top states in the nation for nuclear
energy. However, there is a moratorium on the construction of
any new generation facilities in the state.
State Sen. Sue Rezin, R-Morris, wants to do away with that
moratorium, which looks to shut down all Illinois nuclear plants
by 2050, through Senate Bill 0076.
"For over 35 years, our state has had an archaic and arbitrary
ban on the construction of new nuclear power plants," Rezin
said. "This moratorium has remained in place despite the fact
that Illinois has efficiently and safely received carbon-free
energy from our state's six nuclear stations for roughly four
decades.
Rezin spoke before lawmakers last week and pointed to the
reliability of nuclear power.
"We have a reliability problem with MISO [Midcontinent
Independent System Operator]. It is possible to use the small
modular reactors to produce energy, and it produces energy 90%
of the time," Rezin said. "The reliability and resiliency on
your hottest of hot days and your coldest of cold days, nuclear
will always be working and online."
The state has aimed energy policies towards more renewable
energy like wind and solar, which Rezin said will not change
much even if her legislation is passed.
"Although wind and solar are an incredibly important part of our
energy portfolio, we cannot provide the reliability and
resiliency we need with only wind and solar," Rezin said.
The measure was able to advance through the Senate Energy and
Utilities Committee on Thursday but did receive pushback from
some.
The Nuclear Energy Information Services released a statement
speaking out against Rezin's bill after Thursday's committee
hearing. The group cited potential dangers as a reason the
measure should not become law.
"SB0076 is unacceptable public policy. It literally prematurely
and unnecessarily dismantles a successfully protective statute
of Illinois law," the statement reads. "The recent Ohio vinyl
chloride train derailment and the two Boeing 737MAX crashes
demonstrate what happens when effective, demonstrably protective
regulation is subverted, weakened, and ignored."
Andrew Hensel reports on issues in Chicago and
Statewide. He has been with The Center Square News since April
of 2021 and was previously with The Joliet Slammers.
|
|
