Nuclear Power

Since the 1970s, physicists have worked on developing nuclear fusion as a clean, carbon-free, inexhaustible fuel source. Essentially building a big star on Earth, the United States and other nuclear powers have also used the technology to make nuclear weapons exponentially more powerful. Princeton physicist Stewart Prager joins the podcast to talk about the intersection between nuclear fusion, energy production and arms control.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will review the proposal from Constellation Energy to allow the plant to operate another 20 years, through 2047.

Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday signed into law a measure that will allow for the limited development of new nuclear power generation technology in the state.

No movement on efforts to extend scholarship tax credit, allow legislative staff to unionize.

The Clinton Power Station in DeWitt County south of Bloomington-Normal started operating in 1987. The nuclear plant is supposed to shut down in 2026, but owner Constellation Energy has applied for a 20-year license extension.

The veto of a law to end a moratorium on new nuclear power plant construction in Illinois sets up a battle in the fall veto session. In his veto message, Gov. JB Pritzker appears to be saying the bill isn't ready for prime time.

Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday vetoed a bill that would have lifted a 1980s moratorium on the construction of new nuclear reactors.

The Illinois Senate approved a measure on Thursday that would lift a 1980s-era moratorium on nuclear power plant construction.

The owner of the Clinton nuclear power plant in Dewitt County is following through on its end of the deal that led to passage of the state Climate and Equitable Jobs Act. Constellation Energy is asking the Nuclear Regulatory Commission to extend the reactor's license for 20 years. It had been scheduled to expire in 2027.

Exelon has completed the spin off of its nuclear power plant division into a separate company. Constellation is publicly traded on the NASDAQ, and Exelon owners received one share of Constellation stock for every three shares of Exelon they have.