Steam escapes from Exelon Corp.’s nuclear plant in Byron, Ill.
New nuclear power plants could be once again utilized in the Land of Lincoln through a measure that is one step away from the governor’s desk.
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.
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