NW Illinois News

The first week of the veto session in the Illinois House has come to a close, leaving House Republicans with several priorities to address in the weeks ahead. One of these priorities is Senate Bill 76, which Governor vetoed earlier this summer. This bill aims to lift the 36-year ban on new nuclear energy construction permits in the state.

Illinois has been under a prohibition on new nuclear construction since 1987. Despite this ban, the state remains a significant player in nuclear power, with 11 operating reactors - the most of any state. Additionally, Illinois ranks among the top three states in terms of energy generation, with 54 percent of its energy coming from nuclear sources. It also boasts the highest generating capacity of any state, standing at 11.6 gigawatts.

House Republican Leader Tony McCombie highlighted the importance of Senate Bill 76, stating, "I think a shared priority for both Republicans and Democrats in the House and the Senate was a veto of SB-76 and that was the nuclear bill. I have hopes that that bill is able to be presented again and have another vote because it was passed by both the House and the Senate by a strong majority."

However, even if the bill is ultimately passed, there are still numerous guidelines and regulations at the state and federal levels that need to be followed. Thus, there is still a long road ahead before any significant progress can be made regarding nuclear energy in Illinois. McCombie acknowledged this, saying, "If we don't lift the moratorium, we can't even begin that."

House Republicans, including McCombie, strongly support lifting the moratorium on nuclear power as a means to achieve affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for the state.

To learn more, click on this link: https://repmccombie.com/2023/10/26/first-week-of-veto-session-concludes-in-illinois-house/