SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – State Rep. Joyce Mason’s, D-Gurnee, measure that makes shuttered nuclear power plants more safe by implementing additional safeguards to ensure the facilities are sufficiently funded throughout the decommissioning process was signed into law last week.

“When a nuclear power plant makes the decision to close down, there are years, often decades, of careful deconstruction efforts needed to close the plant permanently,” said Mason. “This measure brings greater transparency and security to the entire decommissioning process by ensuring individuals other than direct stakeholders are informed of potentially inadequate decommissioning funding.”

Mason’s House Bill 840 requires the owner or operator of each nuclear power plant to provide the Illinois Commerce Commission and the Illinois General Assembly a copy of the facility’s nuclear decommissioning funding assurance status report. House Bill 840 goes into effect January 1, 2020.

“This legislation prioritizes the safety of Illinoisans over the profits of large corporations,” said Mason. “I will continue introducing legislation like House Bill 840 that makes our state a safer place to go to work, attend school and to raise a family.”