SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Illinois lawmakers sent a proposal to Gov. JB Pritzker's desk Thursday to allow the state to build small nuclear reactors in 2026. 

The General Assembly passed a similar plan to remove the state's 1987 moratorium on nuclear construction this spring. However, Gov. JB Pritzker vetoed that plan as he felt the bill language was too vague and could allow for construction of large nuclear plants. 

The new legislation could remove the moratorium and allow the state to build small 300 Megawatt modular reactors in Central and southern Illinois starting January 1, 2026. House Bill 2473 requires the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to establish rules regarding decommissioning, environmental monitoring and emergency preparedness for the modular reactors.

Leaders from the Illinois Manufacturers' Association told the House Public Utilities Committee Thursday that the Biden administration supports micro-nuclear projects and the U.S. Department of Energy is already trying to get the small reactors online.

"As America moves forward and Illinois seeks to be an energy and manufacturing leader, it's important that nuclear energy and the new technologies associated with micro-nuclear be part of those discussions," said Donovan Griffith, IMA Vice President of Government Affairs.

Pritzker felt the original bill's language was too vague and could allow construction of large nuclear facilities, which was not the original intent of the legislation. Many Illinois environmental groups also argue that the plan did not have enough regulatory protections.

The new legislation calls for the governor to launch a study on the state's role in guiding development of small nuclear reactors.

"The policy does not subtract from the growth of wind and solar energy," said Rep. Lance Yednock (D-Ottawa). "It can be an enhancement and a potential use for small modular reactors could be to energize large manufacturers, therefore keeping more traditional new sources of energy for residential, small commercial customers and our future EV needs." 

Although, some Democrats raised concerns about the safety and cost of lifting the moratorium. Rep. Lilian Jimenez (D-Chicago) stressed that Illinois should take more time to assess the risks before deciding to open the door for the nuclear projects. Many clean energy advocacy groups share the same concerns, specifically about how Illinois will handle more nuclear waste.

Nuclear bill celebration

Rep. Lance Yednock (D-Ottawa) hugs Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) after the House passed legislation to lift the moratorium on nuclear construction November 9, 2023.

Other Democrats who voted against the initial proposal this spring changed their stance after sponsors worked with stakeholders to add provisions for IEMA and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to monitor the small nuclear reactors.

"Climate change is an existential threat to our planet," said Rep. Anna Moeller (D-Elgin). "As we try to work to de-carbonize our electricity grid and electrify our transportation networks, we are going to need energy options for the future. I think nuclear has to be one of those options on the table." 

The measure passed out of the House on a bipartisan 98-8 vote. Senators passed the proposal Wednesday on a 44-7 vote. It now heads to the governor's desk for final approval.

Pritzker said he is pleased lawmakers were receptive to his concerns about the plan and negotiated with his office to improve the legislation.

"This new bill addresses my concerns from the spring session's proposal and I'm looking forward to reviewing and signing it when it reaches my desk," Pritzker said Thursday. "Illinois is already a leader in clean energy under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act, and developing an on-ramp for responsible small nuclear reactor development is another step towards a cleaner, climate-friendly future for our state."

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