Springfield, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Illinois’ three-decade-old ban on the construction of new nuclear power plants is one step closer to being lifted. On March 30, following a bipartisan roll call, the Illinois Senate passed Senate Bill 76, which would finally end the state’s moratorium, which proponents say would create jobs, lower utility costs, and provide more reliable, clean energy. Thursday, the Illinois House approved the measure on a vote of 84-22. The bill now moves to the governor’s desk for his consideration.
Senate Bill 76 would delete the language that provides that no construction shall commence on any new nuclear power plant to be located within the state. Under the legislation, public utility and energy companies wouldn’t be forced to invest in nuclear energy but would merely be given the option to invest in new nuclear power construction projects. These projects could be either traditional nuclear reactors or new small modular reactors (SMRs.) SMRs are the latest and most advanced nuclear energy technology being developed which have the added benefit of being able to be placed in existing infrastructure such as factories or retired coal-fired power plants that are already connected to the electric grid.
Prior to the vote, State Representative Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) said while it’s may not be perfect, it is a great bill and he encouraged an aye vote.
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