DeKalb Times

In a May 11 Facebook post, Sen. Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) urged his colleagues to vote on a bill that would open the door for the construction of new nuclear power plants.

“With just over one week to go in the spring legislative session, it's time to call Senate Bill 76 for a vote,” he wrote on Facebook.

Senate Bill 76, sponsored by Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Peru), was filed on Jan. 20. It moved through the Senate and to the House of Representatives on March 31, where Rep. Lance Yednock (D-Ottawa) sponsored it there. It has been placed on the calendar for a third reading/Final Action Deadline Extended-9(b) by May 19, 2023.

In an opinion piece written on his website on May 11, Chesney blames Democratic lawmakers for the inaction on the bill. 

"Why Democratic legislators would not support cost-saving legislation that brings utility cost relief to their constituents while simultaneously providing for an expansion of clean energy is beyond me," Chesney wrote. "This legislation would rescind an archaic law from 1987 that bans the construction of new nuclear power plants like the one in Byron. The Byron station employs over 400 people and provides carbon-free energy to over two million homes and businesses. It is a primary employer in the region, and it also sends millions in tax revenue to schools and other taxing bodies annually. If SB 76 is approved and signed into law, it would not only provide for the construction of new nuclear power plants, but it would also create jobs, lower utility costs, and provide more reliable, clean energy for consumers."

He also writes that, "The passage of SB 76 would not create any kind of mandate. It would simply provide an opportunity for communities to invest in nuclear power construction projects. Whether these projects would be for traditional nuclear power plants like the one in Byron, or for the new, smaller modular reactors, which could be located within existing infrastructure like in factories or retired coal plants, these new nuclear plants would help Illinois reach its energy goals in ways that support the ever-growing need for affordable energy. Even better, the construction of these new plants would create high-paying jobs and improve the reliability of the energy grid."

Chesney has represented the 89th District since December 2018. He has served as an elected member of the Freeport City Council and has been a past board member of the Regional Access Mobilization Project (RAMP) —an organization that provides support services and advocacy for people with disabilities. He is also a former mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters.