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The Illinois House recently amended a bill that seeks to end the
nuclear energy moratorium. The legislation now needs approval from
the Senate before being sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
Senate Bill 76, if concurred by the Senate and signed by Pritzker,
would delete language in state statute that says no construction
shall commence on any new nuclear power plant located within the
state. The legislation also gives energy companies an option to
invest in the construction of traditional, large nuclear reactors or
new, small modular reactors.
State Rep. Martin McLaughlin, R-Barrington Hills, said this is the
best avenue for clean energy in Illinois.
"We have for far too long in this state ignored the only clean green
energy that will get us to where we need to be from a capacity
perspective," McLaughlin said. "So I am absolutely thrilled that you
are bringing this forward."
In April, Pritzker was asked about the measure to lift the
moratorium and said he is open to the idea if done correctly.
"Banning nuclear entirely in a world where it becomes much safer,
things are smaller, less prone to an accident, more likely for us to
be able to maintain them for a long time. That is something worth
consideration," Pritzker said. "The devil's in the details and we
want to make sure we are not just opening this up to nuclear
everywhere or every type of nuclear."
State Rep. Joyce Mason, D-Gurnee, urged a no vote on the bill
claiming there are too many risks involved with its implementation.
"We have no plan for disposal," Mason said. "We require pet owners
to pick up after their pets when they leave waste behind but we are
not requiring the same of nuclear providers. The Sierra Club opposes
this and the Illinois Environmental Council opposes this and I ask
that we all consider the long-term implications."
State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, spoke in favor of the
legislation and said there is still time to address any issues.
"We are a long way away from this happening, but you have to plan
for it now to start thinking about what we may need in the future,
which is going to be a lot more carbon-free energy that can be
produced carbon-free from advanced nuclear reactors," Yednock said.
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.
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