SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) issued the following statement after the Senate passed House Bill 2473, a measure that lifts the state’s decades-long moratorium on the construction of small modular nuclear reactors:

“Ending the decade-long moratorium on the construction of small modular nuclear reactors improves our state’s energy portfolio – creating a sustainable energy future for decades to come. The repeal sends the signal that Illinois is open to innovation and investment."

“Ultimately, lifting the moratorium leads our state toward our common goal of reaching 100% carbon-free energy and creating good paying jobs."

“I thank Senator Rezin for working with the governor’s office, labor representatives and the Illinois Environmental Council to pass a measure that continues the state on a path toward being a leader in nuclear power.”

House Bill 2473 passed following the governor’s veto of legislation he argued left the door open for more large-scale nuclear plants.

NAPERVILLE – Illinois is among the regional clean hydrogen hubs announced by President Biden and U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, a measure State Senator Laura Ellman has been advocating for since she established The Hydrogen Economy Task Force last year.
“Illinois has been poised to lead the nation’s transition to a low-carbon economy by embracing hydrogen energy,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “As a Midwest Hydrogen Hub, we can take action on the strategic distribution of hydrogen across the state’s agricultural, refinery and transportation industries, as well as promote the use of renewable energy sources.”
The seven regional clean hydrogen hubs will receive $7 billion in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding to accelerate the domestic market for low-cost, clean hydrogen. Illinois is part of the Midwest Hydrogen Hub, along with Indiana and Michigan.
Located in a key U.S. industrial and transportation corridor, the Midwest Hydrogen Hub will enable decarbonization through strategic hydrogen uses including steel and glass production, power generation, refining, heavy-duty transportation and sustainable aviation fuel. This hydrogen hub plans to produce hydrogen by leveraging diverse and abundant energy sources, including renewable energy, natural gas and low-cost nuclear energy. The Midwest Hydrogen Hub anticipates creating 12,100 construction jobs and 1,500 permanent jobs.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman’s issued the following statement after the governor’s decision to uphold the moratorium on new nuclear power plants.

“I support the lifting of the moratorium because the repeal allows for a robust conversation on the value of nuclear power investment in Illinois – which is moot under the moratorium. Illinois is already a leader in nuclear power and we understand its costs, benefits and the aging of our nuclear fleet. The repeal sends the signal that Illinois is open to innovation and investment – a signal that could be amplified by prioritizing nuclear technologies that use nuclear waste. I will work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle in the weeks to come to ensure we can address the governor’s concerns and allow this measure to take effect.”

SPRINGFIELD – Beginning with the 2024-2025 school year, high school students will be required to learn about the dangers of fentanyl thanks to a new law supported by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“In order to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic on all fronts we need to educate our most vulnerable populations, which includes young people,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “The age of fentanyl exposure is younger than we think. Educating high school students on the dangers of fentanyl in their health classes is the next step in ending the opioid epidemic.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, a lethal dose of fentanyl is smaller than a drop of water. Opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs are involved in 70% of fatal drug overdoses.

Currently, elementary and high school health classes are required to discuss consumer health, personal health habits and substance use, but they are not required to provide specific instruction on fentanyl or other synthetic opioids.