LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Small modular nuclear reactors will increase, not reduce, Illinois’ radioactive waste problem

JJ Bullock’s excellent article “Campaign donations, quest for new power generation fueled new Illinois nuclear power law” sadly suggests that when it comes to future Illinois energy policy, the Madigan “reign of error” may not be over. It seems only the names have changed.

Meet the new boss, same as the old boss. Despite testifying seven times before legislative committees the past two years, the laughably lopsided vote approving new small modular nuclear reactors (SMNRs) and ignoring the state’s radioactive waste problem (11,000-plus tons, increasing annually) clearly showed “something else” may have influenced that vote. Bullock’s article suggests what that might have been.

Our organization addressed every concern legislators in both House and Senate committees raised, using referenced facts, studies and experts. Attempts to bring in qualified expert witnesses (Union of Concerned Scientists physicist Dr. Ed Lyman; M.V. Ramana from University of Vancouver, B.C.) to testify were thwarted by technicalities and chairperson prerogative. Several detailed background packets sent to Gov. JB Pritzker raising concerns about these bills never received a response, nor a reply to our request for a meeting.

The claim that this legislation was passed to address power availability, system reliability or the climate crisis is laughable. The SMNR “solution” it embraces doesn’t exist, won’t before the 2030s, and may not even work – while increasing, not reducing, our radioactive waste problem.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency is mandated to conduct an analysis regarding future nuclear power use in Illinois – without public input. This mistake should be corrected. The public deserves a real voice.

Dave Kraft is the director of the Nuclear Energy Information Service, a 42-year-old nuclear power watchdog and safe energy advocacy organization based in Chicago.

Peoria Riverfront Master Plan up for statewide award

You likely recall the headlines surrounding the initial planning and construction of the Peoria Riverfront Master Plan, and even watched it take shape. In the future, you might find yourself meeting a friend for coffee at the dog park or launching a kayak on a warm weekend. That project is now being honored as a top engineering project for 2023 and is in the running for the best infrastructure project in Illinois.

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Illinois wishes to applaud the city of Peoria and TERRA Engineering Ltd. for their ingenuity and innovative design to modernize the Peoria riverfront.

The Riverfront Master Plan is one of 11 engineering projects recognized across the state, receiving an Honor Award in the category of Studies Research & Consulting. The public can now cast a vote for their favorite project online at https://www.acecileea.com/engineering-works/ with the winner scheduled to be announced at the ACEC Illinois Awards gala on Feb. 22.

Illinois is at the forefront of innovation and modernization, and we are proud to highlight projects being designed and built across the state and recognize the engineering companies that work with our public and private partners to deliver them.

Kevin Artl, President and CEO of ACEC of Illinois