The Illinois House has approved the lifting of a 1987 moratorium on the development of new nuclear reactors. The proposal, now passed to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, addresses safety concerns while allowing the construction of small modular reactors beginning in 2026.
The vote comes after Wednesday’s decision by developers of a federally-approved small modular reactor project to cancel, citing cost issues. The new plan, largely similar to a previous one, includes a study on the risks of new nuclear technology and places a state agency in charge of oversight.
Legislative discussions over a light agenda left several issues unresolved, including extending a private-school scholarship program and allowing legislative staff members to form a collective bargaining unit.
The legislation’s sponsor, Rep. Lance Yednock, believes that nuclear energy is crucial to the state’s carbon-free power production goals.
Although a federally-approved small modular project was canceled due to rising costs, the sponsor of the Illinois legislation in the Senate believes that as more technology advances and costs decrease, small modular reactors will play a significant role in clean energy generation.
The legislation also addresses environmental concerns, but opposition remains, with some voices calling for a more in-depth assessment of safety risks before dismantling the moratorium.
The Legislature also adjourned without extending the “Invest in Kids” scholarship program, which provides scholarships for students to attend private schools. While critics argue that the money should go to public schools, proponents believe that the program benefits students.
Despite several unresolved issues, the Legislature declined to consider a measure that would allow legislative staff members to unionize, with the bill’s future still uncertain.
