Today, the Illinois House of Representatives passed legislation to lift Illinois’ 36-year ban on nuclear energy development in the state by allowing future permitting and construction of advanced small modular reactors (SMRs). State Representative Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) issued the following response to the passage of the bipartisan legislation, Senate Amendments 1, 2, and 3 to House Bill 2473.
“Demand for electricity is continuing to rise, and advancements in nuclear technology and safety improvements make it a perfect fit for ensuring future capacity for residents and job creators,” said Keicher. “As a zero-carbon energy source that is not dependent on wind or sunlight, nuclear is essential to meeting energy demands as electric battery and vehicle technology proliferate. It will also help ensure stability in our energy portfolio, so residents do not need to fear grid instability through extreme cold spells during a polar vortex or extreme heat spells during a summer heat dome.
“The communities I represent have benefited firsthand from the energy stability provided by the Byron Nuclear Generating Station, and I’m pleased that Illinois will continue to be a leader in the responsible use of nuclear energy through the passage of this legislation.”
Illinois is already a nuclear energy leader with 11 operating reactors, the most of any state. Additionally, Illinois is in the top three states, with more than 50% of our energy coming from nuclear and having the most generating capacity of any state.
“Ensuring our energy future through advancements in safe, reliable and renewable nuclear energy is essential to Illinois being a leader in clean energy technology,” said State Representative Lance Yednock (D-Ottawa), the chief House sponsor of the legislation. “I’m pleased to have been able to usher this bipartisan legislation through the House and have the support of colleagues like Rep. Jeff Keicher.”
For more information about Senate Amendments 1, 2, and 3 to House Bill 2473, click here.