Legislation that would lift a 30-year moratorium on building new nuclear sites is awaiting action in the House, and though it's strongly supported by some climate advocates, others say the risks of nuclear power outweigh its carbon-free emissions.
Nuclear power generates the majority of Illinois' electricity, and some state representatives are hoping it will account for even more in the future.
"The tide is turning on nuclear," said Madison Hilly, executive director of advocacy group Campaign for a Green Nuclear Deal."There are new nuclear companies that states are trying to win investment from because they want those projects and those jobs in their communities. Right now Illinois is being overlooked, both by the Department of Energy and by these new companies, because there's a ban.
Rep. Mark Walker, an Arlington Heights Democrat who is a chief sponsor of the legislation, said the bill is"all about the environment." It's a concern that Jen Walling, executive director of the Illinois Environmental Council, shares. The organization opposes the legislation alongside other environmental advocacy groups, including the Sierra Club Illinois Chapter, the Environmental Law and Policy Center, and the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County.
Nuclear advocates maintain that there are options to address the waste. For Medsker and others, the climate crisis takes precedence.
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