Will County Gazette

A bill that would revamp Illinois' energy sector cleared one hurdle on Sept. 1 when it passed in the state Senate after months of negotiations, and the state's top Democrat believes it could be ready for Gov. J.B. Pritzker's signature in the near future. 

According to a report by the Chicago Sun Times, most Republican senators opposed the legislation, but a few did vote for it. 

"While I don't agree with every aspect of this legislation, what I do support is the fact that this bill will preserve our nuclear fleet and keep thousands of good-paying jobs in our state," state Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) wrote in a series of tweets on Sept. 1. "Going into tonight, thousands of union workers wondered if they would lose their jobs and be forced to move from the communities that they call home. With the passage of Senate Bill 18, we take an important step in securing a better energy future for Illinois. Again, this bill is far from perfect, and is the essence of compromise. All compromise is based on give and take. No good compromise leaves everyone happy."

State Senate President Don Harmon (D-Oak Park)  called the bill the "most complicated" legislation he's negotiated during his time in the General Assembly, according to the Chicago Sun Times. 

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Westchester) said the bill could be on the governor's desk "in a matter of days."

Exelon said it would need to close the Byron nuclear power plant in less than two weeks unless lawmakers passed a bill in time, the Chicago Sun Times reported.

According to the same article, the bill passed the Senate in a 39-16 vote with two members voting present.