HB5854 Summary

• Amends the Public Utilities Act to restrict construction of new commercial-scale nuclear power plants in Illinois until the U.S. Government identifies and approves a demonstrable technology for disposing of high-level nuclear waste.

• Prohibits the Illinois Commerce Commission from issuing certificates of public convenience and necessity for new commercial-scale nuclear plants unless the Director of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency finds federal approval of nuclear waste disposal technology.

• Allows construction to proceed only if specifically approved by a statute enacted by the General Assembly.

• Permits the Illinois Commerce Commission to authorize operating nuclear power plants to install pilot-scale projects and technologies without these restrictions.

• Takes effect immediately upon becoming law.