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HB 3604

NUCLEAR MORATORIUM REPEAL

104th Regular Session Introduced by Harry Benton and 11 co-sponsors

Illinois bill repeals 1997 nuclear construction moratorium, permitting new nuclear power plants to address clean energy needs but reviving decades-old safety and waste disposal debates.

Added Co-Sponsor Rep. Jackie Haas
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Bill Summary · HB 3604

Legislative bill overview

HB 3604 would repeal Illinois's long-standing moratorium on new nuclear power plant construction, which has been in effect since 1997. The bill would allow the state to permit and build new nuclear facilities, removing a three-decade-old legal barrier to nuclear energy expansion in Illinois.

Why is this important

Illinois currently sources about 50% of its electricity from nuclear power—the highest percentage of any state—making nuclear energy critical to the state's energy infrastructure and carbon emissions reduction goals. Repealing the moratorium could position Illinois as a leader in nuclear innovation and potentially attract investment in advanced reactor technologies, though it also reopens debate about nuclear waste, safety, and construction costs that led to the original moratorium.

Potential points of contention

  • Nuclear waste disposal: The federal government has not established a permanent disposal solution for high-level nuclear waste, leaving storage responsibility unclear and raising long-term environmental concerns
  • Construction costs and economics: Modern nuclear plants are extraordinarily expensive ($10-20+ billion) and face long development timelines, raising questions about economic viability compared to renewable alternatives
  • Public safety and community impact: Local communities near proposed sites may oppose construction due to perceived risks, emergency preparedness concerns, and impacts on property values and local infrastructure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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