Carbondale Reporter

Several Illinois State Senators are advocating for a stronger nuclear energy future. During a recent press conference at the Capitol, State Senators Sue Rezin, Sally Turner, and Terri Bryant voiced concerns regarding Illinois' energy stability and emphasized the necessity of increasing energy generation. They highlighted the importance of new nuclear developments in bolstering the state's power supply while maintaining affordable costs for residents and businesses.

The Senators are backing Senate Bill 1527, which seeks to lift the state's current moratorium on constructing new nuclear reactors. This legislative change would open the door to advanced nuclear technologies, aiming to provide clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy solutions. Rezin emphasized the need to prevent Illinois families from facing higher energy prices for insufficient energy provision.

Additionally, they addressed Senate Bill 94, which aims to prevent foreign-owned data centers from overburdening the state's power grid. This bill mandates that such data centers must generate their own energy, ensuring that Illinois' energy resources are not excessively taxed. With energy demands rising due to technological advancements, the Senators urged for proactive legislative measures to safeguard energy reliability and economic growth in the state.

Moreover, Illinois Senate Republicans are introducing legislation to tackle human trafficking. They presented Senate Bill 267, focusing on closing legal loopholes to ensure traffickers, particularly those exploiting children, are subjected to stricter penalties. The bill mandates that individuals forcing others into sex work or pornography must register as sex offenders. Senator Terri Bryant emphasized the importance of fortifying laws to protect vulnerable individuals, especially children, from exploitation.

In a related development, the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) awarded over $4 million in grants through the 2024 Small Equipment Grant Program. These funds aim to equip fire departments and non-profit ambulance services across Illinois with essential tools. OSFM received over 300 applications, and 178 entities were chosen to receive up to $26,000 in funding. The 58th District saw multiple fire departments and services benefit from these grants, supporting their operations in providing safe and efficient emergency services.