Considered a white whale for Illinois legislators, a measure that would overhaul the Prairie State’s energy sector garnered the state Senate’s approval, but a tougher road lies ahead.
The ball is now in the court of the lower chamber of the General Assembly, which had adjourned on Aug. 31 without setting a date to return to the Capitol.
The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the state House of Representatives has until Sept. 13 to act on the overhaul legislation, which the Senate passed 39-16 with two members voting present.
Sept. 13 is the date Exelon says it will close the Byron nuclear power plant.
Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park) told the publication the bill is the “most complicated” legislation he’s negotiated during his time in the General Assembly.
While state Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Peru) has her reservations about the bill, the lawmaker believes it’s necessary for jobs and the economy.
“While I don’t agree with every aspect of this legislation, what I do support is the fact that this bill will preserve our nuclear fleet and keep thousands of good-paying jobs in our state,” Rezin tweeted on Sept. 1. “Going into tonight, thousands of union workers wondered if they would lose their jobs and be forced to move from the communities that they call home. With the passage of Senate Bill 18, we take an important step in securing a better energy future for Illinois. Again, this bill is far from perfect, and is the essence of compromise. All compromise is based on give and take. No good compromise leaves everyone happy.”
