SB 1874

This bill amends Illinois' Public Utilities Act to modify the requirements for constructing nuclear power reactors in the state, specifically replacing the current restriction that limits new nuclear reactor construction to facilities with 300 megawatts or less capacity with a new provision allowing construction of "advanced nuclear reactors" beginning January 1, 2026. The legislation creates a new regulatory pathway for next-generation nuclear technology by establishing a separate category called "advanced nuclear reactors" (though the definition is not provided in this excerpt) rather than relying solely on capacity limits. This change appears designed to facilitate the development of newer nuclear technologies in Illinois while maintaining the existing certificate of public convenience and necessity requirements that ensure proposed facilities meet public need and safety standards.