Three Senators are sounding the alarm about the condition of the state’s power supply and the need for increased generation. In a Capitol press conference on Thursday, State Senators Sue Rezin (R-Morris), Sally Turner (R-Beason), and Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) highlighted the issues facing Illinois’ power grid and the role that new nuclear developments should play in shoring up power supplies and keeping costs down for families and businesses.

The lawmakers highlighted Senate Bill 1527, which repeals the state’s moratorium on building new nuclear reactors, and Senate Bill 94, which ensures that data centers owned by foreign adversaries do not put additional strain on Illinois’ already overburdened power grid by banning them unless they can provide their own source of energy. With increasing energy demands from data centers, AI-driven technology, and manufacturing, the Senators stressed that Illinois must take proactive steps to protect energy reliability and affordability.

“Illinois has long been a leader in nuclear power, but we are at a critical point on the path of our state’s energy future,” said Senator Sue Rezin. “With skyrocketing energy demand and our grids already under pressure, we must act now to expand our energy capacity. More nuclear power means lower long-term energy costs for families and businesses, a more reliable grid, and thousands of good-paying jobs. Our state cannot afford to do nothing and allow ourselves to fall behind.”

Senator Turner pointed to the importance of nuclear facilities like Clinton’s plant in her district, which provides both energy and economic stability to local communities.

“My district is home to the Clinton nuclear plant, a vital part of our local economy and a key source of reliable energy for our state,” said Senator Sally Turner. “Illinois has been slow to embrace new nuclear development, and we need to change that. If we want to remain competitive, we must invest in the next generation of nuclear power. Additionally, as someone who has filed their own legislation concerning foreign adversaries buying up farmland, I believe Senator Rezin’s data center bill is a necessity. We need to prioritize our own state’s citizens’ energy needs.”

Senator Bryant, the Minority Spokesperson for the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee, stressed the need for action to prevent future energy shortages and economic disruptions.

“Manufacturing is the largest contributor to Illinois’ GDP, supporting nearly a third of all jobs in our state,” said Senator Terri Bryant. “These businesses need reliable baseload energy, and nuclear is one of, if not the best, source we have to provide that stability. Experts are warning that Illinois is on a path to significant energy shortfalls in the coming years. Without new investments in baseload generation like nuclear, we risk higher energy costs, potential blackouts, and lost economic opportunities.”

The Senators are calling on the General Assembly to act swiftly on these bills to address Illinois’ growing energy needs and ensure the state remains a leader in nuclear innovation.