Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Dec. 8 signed into law a bill that lifts the moratorium on new construction of small modular reactors in Illinois and establishes regulatory guidelines.
Pritzker signed House Bill 2473, which was sponsored by Illinois Senate Deputy Minority Leader Sue Rezin.
House Bill 2473 lifts the ban on next generation nuclear reactors less than 300 MW beginning January 1, 2026.
Additionally, the Illinois Emergency Management Agency Office of Homeland Security will be directed to establish rules for reactor decommissioning, environmental monitoring, and emergency preparedness by January 1, 2026. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency will also provide consultation.
Furthermore, House Bill 2473 authorizes the Governor to commission a new study to research the state’s role in guiding the development of new nuclear technology and makes conforming statutory changes.
House Bill 2473 passed out of the Illinois General Assembly during its November veto session.
